Dead Pope?"When Pope Benedict XV was dangerously ill a premature report of his death was flashed to a New York newspaper. A special edition bore the headline across its seven columns on the front page: POPE BENEDICT XV IS DEAD. And the triple-column lead, set out in bold, heavily leaded type read: 'Pope Benedict XV is no more. Death took the leader of the Catholic world at an early hour this morning. His passing was easy and beautiful, and slowly, as he sank into his last sleep, the watchers at his bedside caught the murmur 'Peace. Peace.' as the Pontiff breathed his last.'
"Then the report was denied, so another edition appeared with equally large headlines reading: POPE HAS REMARKABLE RECOVERY."
Benedict XV, [born Giacomo della Chiesa] (1854-1922) Italian pope (1914–1922) [noted for his sponsorship of relief efforts and attempts to mediate peace during World War I]
[Sources: David Ellby, Shooting the Bull]More [born Benedict XV anecdotesRelated Anecdote Keywords:
Journalism Newspapers News Bloopers Death Popes Obituaries Retractions Understatement Mistakes Rumors Headlines
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