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 fleshly indulgences. He is said to have bedded hundreds of women — including nuns — during his contested reign.
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.
Cossa’s one-man sinning spree eventually landed him in prison, yet, remarkably, he was named Cardinal-Bishop of Tusculum shortly
Can a HELOC Work for You? Tapping Into Home Equity
2024, home equity loans hit their highest level since 2008. Why? Persistently high home prices and elevated interest rates on other loan vehicles have made HELOCs a very attractive option for those who have built substantial equity over the years. Home equity lines of credit also offer homeowners flexibility. You can borrow as much or as little as you want, and HELOCs provide extended access to cash. During the draw period (typically around 10 years), you can pull out and pay back money as you see fit — similar to a revolving line of credit. And there are many ways to put your funds to use. WHAT CAN YOU USE A HELOC FOR? You can use a HELOC to cover the cost of nearly anything. Looking to remodel your home or consolidate high-interest credit cards or loans? How about building your emergency
fund or paying for unexpected expenses? A HELOC may be a great option. We’ve also had several clients recently use equity in their primary home to purchase investment property and vacation homes. IS A HELOC RIGHT FOR YOU? If you have available home equity, you could qualify for a HELOC, but there are several things to keep in mind. Lenders typically require that you have at least 20% equity in your home. Also, while HELOC interest rates are typically lower initially, they are variable. Finally, you are putting your home up for collateral, so using a HELOC on high-risk ventures is generally not advisable. Given the potential pros and cons, ensuring a HELOC is right for your needs is crucial. Professional guidance can help you weigh your options and avoid potential issues.
Residential real estate in Massachusetts and the rest of the country keeps soaring. This means that your home is likely your biggest asset, but do you know how to put that asset to work for you without selling it? A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be the answer. HELOCs enable homeowners to tap into the value of their homes and secure funding for all sorts of purposes, often at a lower interest rate than other loan types.
WHY HELOCS ARE GAINING POPULARITY.
HELOCs are not new, but they’ve certainly been getting a lot of attention recently. In
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