In July, as the worst losers in NFL history started summer training camp, Michael Bidwill--a ball boy for the team 30 years ago who had borne the brunt of bullies--gathered the giant men in white helmets and cardinalred jerseys around him.
Peter's Basilica as the 115 cardinal electors filed in wearing bright red vestments, many looking grim as if the burden of the imminent vote was weighing on them.
The pope, who has stressed the importance of simplicity, arrived for the unveiling wearing a plain white cassock, in modest contrast to the wardrobe of the Italian cardinal who welcomed him wearing a red cape.