The Pope’s desk

When I look at my desk, and see the various objects that clutter every square inch, I am then humbled when I see Pope Leo at his desk in the Vatican. Mine is dominated by my lap-top, as is probably everybody’s desk, then little bits of paper with notes that I take, pen and pencil, some holy cards, a USB stick, a remote control mainly for my music, and of course my mouse and mouse pad which keeps moving and clicking incessantly. Now as I survey the Pope’s desk, seen here during an meeting with the Bishop of Tarbes, and the Lourdes Rector, I don’t see anything electronic at all, no computer, or laptop or Ipad. He only has a large note-pad in front of him, and some paper, a small decorative box with a button that could be also a bell, and what may be a cellphone next to it. Then at the edge there is a lamp-shade, a crucifix, a clock and a statue of a standing St Joseph with a young Jesus next to him. I believe this was the same statue that Pope Francis had on his desk, as were the other 3 items next to it. Pope Francis had also a sleeping St Joseph on his desk on some occasions. One can notice also a model galley on a decorative table in the background. At this desk Pope Leo conducts all his private meetings with heads of state and other distinguished personalities.