Open mike at synod lets everyone know about pope's dental appointment

Published: 2005-10-04

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI had to duck out of the first day of the Synod of Bishops for a dental appointment -- and an open microphone let everyone know. The secretary-general of the synod, Croatian Archbishop Nikola Eterovic, closed the assembly's morning session Oct. 3 with a reminder to participants that they would meet again at 4:30 that afternoon. Pope Benedict leaned over and told the archbishop, "Unfortunately, at 4 p.m. I have an appointment with the dentist." With the microphone still on, the pope's remark was transmitted throughout the synod hall and via a live television feed to the Vatican press office. That evening, the pope rejoined the synod at 5:55 p.m. and took his place on the dais without comment. He returned just in time to listen to the first hour of "free discussion," an innovation Pope Benedict introduced to favor a more open and lively exchange of opinions at the synod.

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