The Difficult Life of the MC

We have posted a number of videos from the old newsreel maker British Pathé from 1930s, ’40s and ’50s, and especially those of Papal events from that era. I would say that this one, a small part of Pope Pius XII’s coronation on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, March 12, 1939, is quite unique; pay attention to the Master of Ceremonies on the left, starting at 0:47.

Some of the chaos of a ceremony like this is inevitable, given that at this point, they hadn’t had one for 17 years; Pius XI was crowned in February of 1922. Pius XII, of course, remains completely dignified and unflappable, even as the MC gesticulates wildly almost in his face. “May his prayers for peace and goodwill be answered.” Amen! (h/t to long-time reader and commenter Mr Basil Damukaitis.)