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The original is at http://www.therockalltimes.co.uk/2004/07/19/pope-catholic.html.
BBC Pope exposé stuns world
Unexpected findings from daring undercover operation
by Chris Miller
A BBC Panorama investigation into the religious habits of Pope John Paul II has made some startling and unanticipated discoveries.
Fearless journalist Jason Gwynne infiltrated the inner reaches of the Vatican, with barely a thought for his own safety. He emerged intact with news that will shock and disturb people everywhere: the Pope is, in fact, a Catholic.
Gwynne's secret footage, shot with two hidden cameras and the assistance of a "mole" in the Swiss Guards, captured the ageing pontiff performing Mass in Latin, hearing confession and wearing a dress-like costume decorated with the emblem of the cross. Most damning of all, he was surrounded by others who displayed similar attributes.
The footage was shown last week on BBC1's hard-hitting Panorama programme and caused consternation, uproar and outrage among viewers. Gwynne was justifiably proud of his achievement.
"It wasn't easy, I don't mind telling you," Gwynne said. "There were times I feared for my life. But those concerns are meaningless compared to the power of the truth. People needed to hear this story and if it wasn't for me, no-one would have any idea of this man's beliefs. So it was all worth it."
To avoid detection, Gwynne himself had to pass as a Catholic.
"It's one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," Gwynne admitted. "At one point, I was making a phone call in the toilet at St Peter's Basilica. [Cardinal] Giuseppe Pessotta came in and heard me, and asked me if I was doubting the doctrine of transubstantiation in which the substance of the wine and bread changes into the very blood and body of Christ when consecrated in the Eucharist. But fortunately he was just joking. That was a scary moment."In response, Pope John Paul II has defended his beliefs and called the BBC an opponent of free speech, before spilling the Communion wine down his cassock.
Forthcoming Panorama specials include a groundbreaking investigation into the defecatory habits of bears.
Previously
From The Rockall Times Monday 19th July 2004
http://www.therockalltimes.co.uk/.