FROM PIRATE TO POPE The Salacious Story of Baldassarre Cossa
History is littered with unsavory souls forever scorned for their foul deeds. Still, few scoundrels reached the depths of depravity with greater aplomb than notorious pirate Baldassarre Cossa (circa 1370–1419) — the man otherwise known as Pope John XXIII. A corrupt criminal whose actions would make Don Corleone blush, Cossa and his brothers built a lucrative business the old-fashioned way — by robbing and pillaging. Although his siblings were executed for their crimes, he survived long enough to pursue a new career in religion. Unfortunately, a desire for power rather than holy redemption prompted his turn to God. An opportunist and conman, Cossa lied, betrayed, and manipulated his way to prominence in the Catholic Church, eventually reigning as Pope John XXIII from 1410 to 1415. Not surprisingly, controversy marked his time as a living symbol of God’s grace. For one thing, it occurred during the Western Schism, a fractious era in Catholic history
when two other men claimed the role of pope and refused to resign. The strife caused by this confusion over papal authority was matched only by Cossa’s indulgences of the flesh. He is said to have bedded hundreds of women — including nuns — during his contested reign. Cossa’s one-man sinning spree eventually landed him in prison, yet, remarkably, he was named Cardinal-Bishop of Tusculum shortly after his release! Much to the relief of devoted Catholics the world over — and, presumably, a fair portion of Italy’s female population — he died shortly after assuming the new role, leaving religious scholars and historians to forever marvel at how much this man of nonexistent morality had achieved in life. Considering Cossa’s infamy, it is no surprise that he is now known mainly as “Antipope” John XXIII. The name “Pope John XXIII” was retired for centuries before a man better suited to hold the moniker chose it and ran the Catholic Church from 1958–1963.
“Candid Camera” was a long-running hidden camera television series that often tried to put unsuspecting individuals in embarrassing, confusing, or humorous situations. In one episode, they tried to frustrate guests at a television conference by informing them that their hotel room did not have a TV. Mister Rogers was one of their targets for the episode, but unfortunately for the “Candid Camera” crew, Mister Rogers doesn’t watch TV and couldn’t be flustered. How many of us would respond in the same manner? Many of us spend the bulk of our days looking at screens. We stare at our computers all day at work, taking occasional breaks to look at our phones to check messages, news, or sports scores. Once we get home, we reward ourselves for completing a hard work day by booting up the TV to watch our favorite shows or play video games. Many will continue using their phones throughout the night, too. Screens and technology have taken over our lives, which is why we should try to participate in the National Day of Unplugging on March 7. Unplugging is incredibly hard, especially if you spend most of your free time on your devices. However, the benefits of unplugging are extensive. You’ll start sleeping better, your focus and concentration will improve, stress and It’s Time for a Digital Detox Are You Stuck in a Screen-Addicted Rut?
anxiety will become more manageable, productivity will increase, and you’ll have a much easier time living in the present.
After learning about the benefits, you may feel compelled to unplug immediately, but doing so can be challenging. If you can’t unplug completely, start by setting time limits and boundaries. Turn off your devices when you’re not actively using them, and find other activities that don’t involve screens to fill your time. It can also help to practice some mindfulness by journaling, meditating, and exploring nature. You may need some time to get where you want to be on your unplugging journey, but once you find your balance, you’ll notice significant improvements in your life.
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