In Praise of Folly, written by Desiderius Erasmus in 1509, was the kickoff to the Protestant Reformation, but nobody knew that at the time. It was wildly popular because the author artfully mocked the Roman Catholic clergy in all its excess, corruption and vice, with Erasmus saving merciless artillery for the hated Pope Julius. At one point, Julius, who had just died, finds himself at the gates of Heaven where he’s confronted by St Peter. The Pope is requesting entry, but St Peter won’t let him in. The exchange may put you in mind of a man from our own time.
© 2024 John Oliver
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