On February 22, 1198, the newly-elected Pope Innocent III, seated on a horse bedecked with scarlet trappings, was led to Saint Peter's and it was there he delivered his consecration sermon * with words that were both a reminder to his own self and a warning to all succeeding Popes.
Omne animi vitium tanto conspectius in se crimen habet, quanto qui peccat major habiteur.
The higher one may climb in pride of place,
The lower he will sink who falls from grace.
* "Pope Innocent III and his times" Joseph Clayton
ABS, always awake and always guarding the Faith:
