07-10-2021, 01:41 PM
(07-10-2021, 12:10 PM)hollodero Wrote: I think that was Jean Paul. And sure, Rolexes (Rolices?) probably contradict the whole Christian message.
You can read about it here (I just googled Pope Rolex and clicked on the first article): https://www.watchonista.com/articles/history/unlikely-watch-collector-popes
Pope Paul VI was officially presented with the clock by the Swiss Confederation. It simply wouldn't do for the pope to be caught glancing at his wrist during private meetings. It was only later that a watch was espied adorning Pope John Paul II’s wrist – a two-tone gold and steel Rolex Datejust on a classic Jubilee bracelet.
The first non-Italian pope since the 1500s, Pope John Paul II was noted for his modesty and abstention, he was instrumental in the fall of Communism. He showed no other outer trappings of wealth and was far from ostentatious. Many members of the Curia remember how the Polish cardinal, Karol Józef Wojtyła, arrived at the conclave that was about to elect him pope wearing tattered shoes because he had given his brand new pair to a man in need upon arriving at Rome station.
The Day-Date, one of the two Rolex models in his possession, was purported to be a gift from the Swiss manufacture. The combined use of gold and steel may be interpreted as the union between the spiritual and the worldly. Or, between earthly realities and the strength of the Church’s institution and the durability of spiritual riches.
It sounds like Rolex gifted him with a special Pope watch. I'll leave others to decide if he should have worn it or not, or if he should have had the church put up for sale on Ebay and donated the money.
