Why this flag

April 22, 2008 12:14 AM

Why was a confederate flag used for the ceremony welcoming the pope to the white house?
posted by hortense to law & government (4 comments total)

They had the flags of all 50 states there, and that one happens to be the flag of Mississippi.
posted by Orb at 12:31 AM on April 22, 2008

Other photos from the same ceremony show that there was a flag procession of state flags. Chances are good that you're seeing the top corner of Mississippi's flag there.
posted by Paragon at 12:32 AM on April 22, 2008

That was fast! thanks.
posted by hortense at 12:56 AM on April 22, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

Not entirely on-topic, but The Civil War Museum in New Orleans has a crown of thorns that was sent to Jefferson Davis, the former President of the CSA, while he was jailed following the Confederacy's defeat. The crown was handmade by Pope Pius IX.

"[C]omfort was extended by the Vicar of Christ himself, Ven. Pope Pius IX. It took the form of a crown of thorns woven by the pope with his own hands and a portrait of the pontiff autographed with the words from Scripture, 'If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

(Go here and search for "crown".)
posted by Ian A.T. at 9:36 AM on April 22, 2008