Great Pope mystery deepens
The moment has come. Comment Central scoops the Daily Mail on one of its areas of great expertise.
Today's Daily Mail records the reappearance of Pope John Paul II....in a bonfire. The paper records that some are convinced that the flames photographed below show the silhouette of the late pontiff:
Service director Jarek Cielecki, a Polish priest and close friend of John Paul II, travelled to Poland after hearing an onlooker had photographed the image.
Father Cielecki said he was convinced the picture showed the former pontiff.
"You can see the image of a person in the flames and I think it is the servant of God, Pope John Paul II," he said.
But now, after minutes of painstaking research, Comment Central's Ludicrous Superstitious Nonsense Unit can reveal that the miracle was far greater than it seemed.
The Pope was not the only person who as the photographer said "had made many pilgramages during his life and was still making them in death". Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley and Jimmy Connors have all also appeared in the bonfire.
Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles.
ha ha ha, good one
Posted by: No name | 16 Oct 2007 21:29:12
I have a potato that bears an uncanny resemblance to 'the devil'. Perhaps John Paul 11 will bake it for me.
Posted by: Jean Booth | 17 Oct 2007 01:34:43
The fit is good, but suggestion of Paul McCartney's death seems gratly exaggerated, and the same goes for Jimmy Connors by the way.
Posted by: Erwin | 17 Oct 2007 08:00:22
Just looking at the bonfire itself it looks more to me to be Akiro Kurosawa in "The Seventh Samurai".
Posted by: Ed Vallejo | 17 Oct 2007 12:52:00
Elvis and Co are just standing in for the Pope, as the Pope stood in for Jesus Christ. A miracle I tell you!
I am looking forward to Bonfire Night in England. Sufficient appearances of JPII and the English would never burn another Guy Fawkes again!
More seriously, the claims of Catholicism do not depend on the form of Pope John Paul II appearing in bonfires.
Posted by: Chris Gillibrand | 17 Oct 2007 14:48:51
Are you people blind? It's obviously John Paul II.
Posted by: Jim Frey | 17 Oct 2007 15:03:34
Are we entirely sure it isn't Harry Potter? I can distinctly see a wand in his outstretched hand.
Perhaps this is some clever marketing stunt which, predictably perhaps, defies the currently understood limits of thermodynamics?
Posted by: Mikey | 17 Oct 2007 15:48:44
Rorschach inkblots can mean whatever our subconscious attributes to them.
Like freudianism it is suspect science.
Posted by: Ror | 17 Oct 2007 15:53:51
I'd love to see David Blain in that fire...
Posted by: Nick | 17 Oct 2007 16:22:05
Obviously, such a "wonder" has a little to do with the core of the Catholic Faith. However, what seems quite striking here is that the photograph was taken at the exact time (2nd Apr, 9.37pm) of an anniversary of JP2 death, just when people round the bonefire were praying for his rapid beatification. Is it surprising that the faithful could understand such a coincidence as a small sign from God?
Posted by: vitec | 17 Oct 2007 16:39:55
this photo was made by a student nearby place where JP2 was born exactly in a moment of his death anniversary 21.37 04.02, quite wired for me.
Posted by: ak barnaby | 17 Oct 2007 17:11:40
If the image in flames is claimed to be Pope John Paul II then he must be in real trouble. As I recall, pardon me if I am wrong, sinners will burn in Hell? So if the Pope is burning, what chance do we ordinary folks have? (Tony Blair is in serious trouble.)
Posted by: Sam Yap | 17 Oct 2007 17:35:34
you mean he came back, and the bastards burned him? They must be gutted.
Posted by: Adam | 17 Oct 2007 17:37:44
I can think of no better place for a pope than on a pyre - a fate to which the Roman Catholic church's intolerance consigned many of its innocent victims
Posted by: Persimmon Groater | 17 Oct 2007 20:13:48
I imagine he appeared as they were burning condoms otherwise destined to combat AIDS in Africa... or maybe above a bonfire of the records of paedophile priests?
Posted by: Nick B | 17 Oct 2007 20:48:06
I think it's Richard Dawkins, who, if not dead, does give the appearance of being brain-dead. Now there's someone who will burn!
Posted by: Clothilde Simon | 17 Oct 2007 21:05:38
I am ashamed on your behalf.
Posted by: Marek | 17 Oct 2007 21:40:54
please, please, PLEASE stop making fun of other people's religious beliefs, yes even if they seem stupid. you're all cultured people i'm sure you can understand that right?
Posted by: emmy | 17 Oct 2007 23:49:23
Maybe it is Sarah making a return to Emmerdale
Posted by: cate | 18 Oct 2007 00:21:31
We have a church here where a damp patch on the wall is said to be a striking likeness to the Virgin Mary so it became a shrine to the believers among us. Guess what though? The Reverend of the church in question had the surname of Nutter - need I say more?
Posted by: Colin Cumner | 18 Oct 2007 02:22:44
It is sad, that well into the beginning of the 21st century of the C.E. human civilization does not posses nearly enough powers of rationalization to free us from apparitions,self willed suspension of reality, and self delusion.
We got a long ways to go before we will be able to say that we,mankind, have grown to adulthood.
Martin
Posted by: | 18 Oct 2007 02:59:37
It is sad for the human race, that well into the beginning of the 21st century human civilization can be so deficient in our power of rational thinking, and so prone to apparitions, self willed suspension of reality, self delusion, and an ability to live in a mental fantasy land.
We have a long ways to go, before our descendants will one day be able to say that they have reached human adulthood.
Posted by: martin larios | 18 Oct 2007 03:10:39
Surely this remarkable image of the great John Paul is only half complete? I´m afraid I couldn´t find Lennon on it anywhere at all.
Posted by: reethink | 18 Oct 2007 05:52:40
Is it me or do the guy in a white robe bear a ressemblance to Rudolf Nureev?
Posted by: bob | 18 Oct 2007 05:56:54
all you need is the flame picture.you can google any side image of any celebrity ever and make it fit.who thinks of the pope when they look at a picture of fire? satanists.thats who.
Posted by: boy!posi | 18 Oct 2007 06:10:16
when your heart is stone it is hard to connect with the transcendent. The tone of so many comments seem to come from hard, cold secularists. Having encountered God frequently, throughout my adult life, it doesn't surprise me that God would send a sign to comfort and bless these Polish people. John Paul wasn't IN the fire, you idiots. Signs and wonders have occurred throughout history. I suggest to some of the writers to genuinely seek God... you might be surprised at what & WHO you find. Not spooky, just awesome!
Posted by: catherine | 18 Oct 2007 06:25:31
If it is Pope John Paul II then its a hell of a miracle!!!
Posted by: Tina | 18 Oct 2007 06:43:45
doesn't look like Bruce Springsteen, doesn't look like john mcenroe, doesn't look like elvis. ... not sure why you put these up to disprove the belief that it looks like JP 2. Looks like John Paul 2's photo to me. Bitter twisted skeptics wouldn't belief in the spiritual if an angel sat at the end of their beds. sad for them.
Posted by: | 18 Oct 2007 07:30:11
I think if you take a picture of paul robinson you will see that it is clearly pope John Paul who has been in goal for spurs and England recently.
Posted by: ian davies | 18 Oct 2007 07:56:15
I think I agree with Mikey. Definitely Harry Potter. Either that, or I'm just seeing what my Harry-Potter brainwashed mind wants to see. Just like the John-Paul loon.
Posted by: Ony | 18 Oct 2007 08:05:34
Ladies and gentlemen this is the war room, sort yourselves out.
Posted by: | 18 Oct 2007 08:20:58
You can do anything these days with digital photographic software - even lick the flames into shape.
David E.Mahony
Posted by: David E. Mahony | 18 Oct 2007 10:31:39
I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ....but I think this is all just coincidental, I wouldn't get too excited folks, just continue to live day to day in hope and peace.
Posted by: Wosm | 18 Oct 2007 11:24:56
Apart from the fact that the picture has obviously been manipulated with a graphics program, especially clear in the upper and upper left side, what would such utter nonsense tell us anyway?
That humanity should keep watch on all the world's bonfires for brief papal apparitions?
Posted by: JOHN CHUCKMAN | 18 Oct 2007 13:26:14
This was probably caused by Global Warming. (Everything else is.)
Posted by: Frank Upton | 18 Oct 2007 14:22:02
AND we have NOTHING else to worry about!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Patricia | 18 Oct 2007 16:42:51
If the late Pope wanted to send a message to the living world, wouldn't he choose something a little more solid than appearing for a fraction of a second in a fire that a handful of people were watching, one of whom, through his own free will, had a camera and took a picture at the critical moment?
Personally, if I were him, I'd manifest in a loaf of bread or a root vegetable or something.
Posted by: Steve Wilds | 18 Oct 2007 18:24:35
It looks more to me like Bonny Tyler
singing 'I need a hero'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yJ_86fqX5k
Posted by: Pamela | 18 Oct 2007 18:38:27
His appearance should be celebrated. As you know, the present Pope has a burning desire to have John Paul 11 turned into a Saint and the flames were obviously an orgasmic message from hell that despite the fact that he didn't do to well before the Grand Jury upstairs that, like other Popes that came and went before him, even those in hell can get the Catholic prize of Sainthood.
Posted by: Clifford Colpitts | 19 Oct 2007 03:32:42
Contrary to popular belief, some 400 years ago Guido Fawkes was executed by being hung, drawn and quartered, not burnt at the stake.
Perhaps the image of the Pope John II is more indicative of his present situation.
Posted by: Andrew Milner | 19 Oct 2007 09:25:34
Joking apart, John Paul ll left us his effervescent life example and his thoughtful writings. Forget the touched up photo and concentrate on his reality in our memories.
Posted by: Ror | 19 Oct 2007 09:35:57
I'm Polish and I want to say that not all in this country are so stupid...except our president and prime minister.
also I have a polite request. iF YOU KNOW ANY POLISH PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN UK SAY TO THEM TO GO TO ELECTION IN EMBASSY IN SUNDAY.
Posted by: Konrad | 19 Oct 2007 10:00:25
A wee comment to ALL OF YOU, no matter what 'side' you're on.....Why is it important if it's JP11, Paul, Elvis or anyone else? You all believe what you do, so convincing the 'other side' that you are right and they are wrong really shouldn't matter! Just live and let live guys, be cool with what you believe and accept/respect what others do! It should make NO DIFFERENCE to any of you what other people think, so long as you are confident with your own views! In fact it should make no difference to any of you if there is the image of JP11 or not, if you are a nonbeliever and it's not him, no supprise for you, but even if you are a believer and it's not him, it doesnt change the validity of you beliefs IN ANY WAY! If you all just accepted each other, and stopped acusations of 'religious fanatisism' or 'moral-less heathens' we'd all be a lot happier!!
STOP IT!
Posted by: fiona | 19 Oct 2007 14:23:23
So Fiona, it sounds like you're saying "it doesn't change the validity of your beliefs whether you're right or wrong"
Post-modernism neatly summed up I think.
Apologies if I've misread you but this statement reduces the meaning of the word "validity" to zero.
Posted by: Andy | 19 Oct 2007 16:08:20
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. Andy i LOVE you!!!
Posted by: Jiji | 19 Oct 2007 18:05:15
It is clearly Harry Potter in a bitter duel with Voldermort, wand outstretched. I think we should beatify JK Rowling.
Posted by: Eva | 19 Oct 2007 19:03:30
Wow! the Bonfire image was not wearing Pants nor shortpants how come you can claim it was elvis, Paul and John.
Posted by: Mike Spears | 20 Oct 2007 13:12:04
Exactly, nonsense. If you look very attentively you will see that only JP II fits the shade perfectly.And when you reflect on the location and the meaning of the event...
Posted by: Alessandra | 20 Oct 2007 18:33:14
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/297284/22490668
Posted by: Joshua | 21 Oct 2007 09:17:06
I don't know...But if you look at the fire in an opposite direction, with the pointed part at the rear, I swear it looks like Bozo the Clown! That point is the tip of his crazy red hair, the "Pope's head" would be the hair on the opposite side of Bozo's head and then you go down the back..."cape area", and you have Bozo's profile...can't you envision his big red nose and happy grin? If you let your imagination run away with you, you can imagine almost anything!!! If the Guy who photographed it was Polish, then of coarse, he went there to SEE the Pope! If I loved Pappion dogs, I would somehow find a way to SEE a Pappion puppy in the flames...and so on and so on!
Posted by: Rick | 22 Oct 2007 16:57:53
Jimmy Connors died ????
Posted by: | 23 Oct 2007 10:26:49
It is clearly a koala bear looking right. There is a rush to beatify john paul 2 in record time and if the bear helps...
Posted by: paul | 24 Oct 2007 11:48:21
Let's see. Vision in the Fire! Fire is in Hell. Hell is reserved for those who Mock God(aka Jesus Christ)
John Paul II on three separate occasions equated the Religion of Islam as equal to Christianity. Sacred writing(Holy Scripture Divinely inspired) states Clearly that Jesus Christ said: I AM THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIGHT. YOU CAN ONLY COME THE FATHER(Yahweh)THROUGH ME!
That clearly means Jesus is the Son of God(Second Person in the Blessed Trinity) NOT THREE GODS.
His Holiness John Paul II as supreme head of the Roman Catholic Chruch, MUST, by virture of this title, state clearly that Jesus Christ Himself and only Jesus Christ is the ONLY doorway to GOD Eternal. Islam doesn't accept this and will never accept this.
Holy Scripture states this(Jesus Christ) as clarly as possible, that salvation comes ONLY TO THOSE WHO ACCEPT THIS TEACHING AND BELIEVE!
John Paul II proposed an alternative style of Christianity! He Mocked Scripture and his Office. Therefore, in his judgement before God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit he was condemmed to hell and fire for failing to accept and preach this!!
Now you possibly have seen John Paul II in a snapshot from HELL!
All readers have a choice to accept or deny the Scriptures. I think you just received a message from Almighty God! He will not be maocked. He will not tolerate those who deny his Son as Divine. He will not accept alternative Christianity!
Don't believe me?? We'll see who goes where in the judgements! Me, I'm betting on Jesus!
Posted by: Dennis | 25 Oct 2007 02:40:22
I thought it uncannily resembles John Revolta in Saturday Night Fever.
Posted by: S K Lin | 25 Oct 2007 08:26:45
I have never make joke about QEII and I never will.I will never try make joke about other difirrent religious.For me JPII IS EVERYTHINK why almost newspaper in UK hate him,when he was live and now ?Look at muslin newspaper and try find any joke about him? Is only two newspaper in world which make joke about JPII russian and anglish.
Grettings from Cracow.
Posted by: polish | 25 Oct 2007 08:34:08
The Pope Must Fry
Posted by: Rosie | 25 Oct 2007 13:37:52
Begorrah, it's a fair cop, Daniel. Let's all laugh at those superstitious Catholics! So very unlike those rational Muslims, the evidence-based environmentalists, and the ever-so-clever Anglicans. Do you remember that episode in Father Ted when ....
Posted by: Tony Pandy | 14 Apr 2009 21:58:51