V - Le Pape

Le Pape or Pope is in some manner a strange figure. Strange in that the depictions do not clearly show what is being depicted apart from the central figure. Is he standing or sitting? are there two or more 'smaller' figures in front of him? are they being blessed by him, or holding for him Gospel and implements for his sermon during the Mass? These are some of the questions that arise when I look at the image.

Then there is also the intended reference. Though it could easily be expected that the depicted pope is the Roman Catholic Pope, this is perhaps not intended in decks that show him with neither triple crown, nor triple cross. Coptic, Eastern Orthodox, and other Christian denominations have their popes.

In some decks, he definitely appears to be standing more so than sitting on any papal throne. Many of the images linked to this page depict various sermon podiums used in cathedrals. Unlike the consecration of bread and wine, the sermon and reading of the gospels is (or was) given from the centre of the congregation, reminiscent of Christ's statement:

For where two or three are gathered in my name, am I there among them (Matthew 18:20)

[this page needs much more work...]

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