Since the Pope adopted a stray from the streets of Rome some nine months ago, he has upset many people both in and out of the Vatican. Finding her on the Via della Conciliazione while walking alone one morning last February, he spoke sweetly to her, tucked her inside his cassock, and returned to his apartments.

He named her Margaret. Straightaway, she began scratching up the furniture. When she wasn’t doing that, she was leaving fur all over the carpets, such that the humble Pope began to insist on using the Hoover daily, himself.

This caused the staff no end of consternation and self-accusation. The Pope insisted all was well. Scratches and furry carpets don’t matter, he said; but there was no consoling them.

Next, came the Roman Curia. Margaret was often on the lap of the Pope during meetings. He liked to carry her, and she enjoyed being carried. During the duller moments, he would stroke her back and she would purr loudly.