In the Third Week of Lent, Benedict XVI did not seem too concerned about preparing the Church for Holy Week through sacrifice and prayer. Instead, it rather appears he wanted to continue the Mardi Gras spirit. At least that is what one can induce from the photos of an audience to the faithful of the Diocese of Terni, Italy, on March 26, 2011. During it he found nothing more suitable for Lent than to try on hats to make his audience at Paul VI Hall laugh. Accepting the offer of workers present there, he tested three different white safety helmets and then walked around in the one he liked best.
It is an episode that sets the tone for the coming beatification of his predecessor, John Paul II, who could be defined as the Great Joker.
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