Sunday Funny: The Pope Blesses Ailing U.S. Infrastructure

The Onion notes the effusive compassion of Pope Francis by imaging that his trip to the United States this week included an act of healing for the nation's infrastructure.

1 minute read

September 27, 2015, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Treating the frail, long-overlooked structures with an unparalleled display of compassion, Pope Francis reportedly inspired a crowd of onlookers Friday by laying his hands upon the ailing United States infrastructure," according to a fake, totally make-believe story by The Onion that nevertheless hinges on a profound and far-reaching truth about the United States.

According to the post, Pope Francis gently embraced a "disfigured bridge cross-girder that was covered in unsightly rust" and "reached out to the weak and crippled metal framework, gingerly kissed the decayed surface, and then closed his eyes while blessing the neglected overpass."

The post also notes how most people "turn the other way when they see such mangled, hopeless infrastructure…"

Friday, September 25, 2015 in The Onion

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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