I spent my youth in Catholic schools, churches and cathedrals and I don't recall any headgear like that.

But still -- amazing!

...his head and he momentarily freaked, thinking the Sacred College of Cardinals was throwing a linen hood over him so they could spirit him away and grease him, John X style.

At least that's what I like to imagine.

PB

people of the 10th Century (CE).

One bill of particulars had John X converting all convents within a certain city into brothels

I can also tell from seeing quite a few shops in my time.

on the day he was "installed", as they say, as Pope.

during rise of Hitler.

If I were a toad, I'd explode too.

.