Pope Seen Looking Up, Asks Who Approved All This; Told 'You Did'

Pope Julius II was spotted craning his neck beneath the new ceiling at All Saints' Day Mass, asking aides who had signed off on all of it. He was gently reminded that he commissioned it, and that he spent four years asking Michelangelo when it would be finished.

Michelangelo's reported answer, 'When I am done,' has now proved accurate. The Pope is said to be pleased, mostly. Vatican sources say the next request will be put in writing. Michelangelo says he will believe it when he sees it.

Satire. For what actually happened, see the “What really happened” box in the full issue.

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