Mariology of the popes

The Mariology of the popes is the theological study of the influence that the popes have had on the development, formulation and transformation of the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrines and devotions relating to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The development of Mariology over the centuries has been influenced by a number of forces and factors, among which papal directives and decisions have often represented key milestones. Examples of papal influences include new Marian feast days, prayers, acceptance of new Marian congregations, indulgences, support for Marian apparitions (e.g. Lourdes and Fatima) and declaration of Marian dogmas.

A number of popes have made Marian themes a key part of their papacy, e.g. Leo XIII issued a record eleven encyclicals on the rosary, Pius XII invoked the first (and to date only) case of ex cathedra papal infallibility to establish a Marian dogma and John Paul II built his personal coat of arms around the Marian Cross.

Popes have also highlighted the key Catholic Mariological theme of the link between the study of Mary and the development of a full Christology, e.g. as in Pius XII's Mystici corporis Christi and John Paul II's Redemptoris Mater, and Benedict XVI reorientation of the Church based on his position that "It is necessary to go back to Mary if we want to return to that 'truth about Jesus Christ', 'truth about the Church' and 'truth about man'".

Shane MacGowan and The Popes

The Popes is a band originally formed by Shane MacGowan (of the Pogues) and Paul "Mad Dog" McGuinness, who play a blend of rock, Irish folk and Americana.

Shane MacGowan and The Popes released two studio and one live album in the 1990s, performing live together until 2005. During this era, The Popes also recorded and gigged on their own until 2006. At the end of 2006, guitarist Paul "Mad Dog" McGuinness reformed the band with a new line up and leads it to this day.

History

1992–1998: Shane MacGowan and The Popes

After departing The Pogues, singer Shane MacGowan put together a new band, started with a group of people from The Pogues' extended family including Paul "Mad Dog" McGuinness and Tommy McManamon.

Paul "Mad Dog" McGuinness and Tom Gerry McManamon formed the core of the band, on guitar and tenor banjo respectively. Soundman Dave Jordon and road manager Big Charlie MacLennan also followed MacGowan to The Popes. Joining them were guitarist Mo O'Hagan and bass player Bernie France, who had both played with MacGowan in a short-lived group called The London Contemporary Five (France was also an old friend and one-time teenage band mate of MacGowan's, in the group Hot Dogs With Everything). Ex-Exploited and Boothill Foot-Tappers drummer Danny Heatly and whistle player Colm O'Maonlai rounded out the original group.