St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world. There's an inscription in huge letters above the entrance. You'd think it would be an inspiring scripture passage, or sometime in homage to St. Peter, or maybe the name of the church. Nope. The inscription says the building was erected during the reign of Pius V, Pontifex Maximus (Supreme Pontiff). Pius V (1504-1572) became pope in 1566, just after the Council of Trent, and he implemented a number of reforms to correct the worst of the abuses that had triggered the Reformation. He also got his name plastered on buildings all over Rome. You'll see his name in Rome more than you'll see the name of Richard Daly in Chicago. And yes, I believe you'll see his name on some beautiful schools and hospitals.

The opulence of Puis V's buildings made me uneasy when I visited Rome. Still, I love architecture almost as much as I love music, and a lover of architecture can't help but be in awe in Rome. I didn't get any spiritual inspiration from Rome at all, but my Italian-American friend Bill was in ecstasy. So, should Pius have spent all that money on all those buildings? Should anybody spend money on frivolous things like art and music? I dunno - but I'm sure glad we have them. I'm sure those buildings kept the Bernini kids in diapers for generations. Opulent buildings may seem wasteful, but their construction provides jobs and the natural resources used in construction are quite plentiful.

-Joe Offer-