The goodhearted pope and the disgruntled archbishop

Yet another reason why I love this man! http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/worl...
On the historical front, Geoffrey, the Archbishop of York, is often said to have died on this date. The symmetry of it is irresistible, after all—12/12/1212. While he did die in December, 1212, some doubts have been raised as to whether it was actually on the 12th. But whatever, RIP, Geoffrey. He died in exile, having infuriated John as much as he’d annoyed Richard, and indeed, he collected an impressive number of enemies during his turbulent years as archbishop, due in part to his unfortunate habit of shooting from the hip and loosing bolts of excommunication lightning at anyone who incurred his displeasure. He excommunicated a convent of nuns at one point, for heaven’s sake! But I always remember how loyal he was to his dying father. Ironically, much of Geoffrey’s unhappiness can be laid at Henry’s feet, for his life would likely have taken a better turn had Henry not been so stubbornly set upon giving him a career in the Church, for which everyone in Christendom except Henry knew he was spectacularly unsuited. I sometimes joke that the Angevins could all have used a few therapy sessions and the men definitely ought to have attended anger management classes, but Henry would also have benefited from some parenting classes.
Back in our time, I hope all my friends and readers on the West Coast are coping with that nasty storm currently battering California and that those in the East and New England are digging out from the snow left by our latest Nor’easter.