Sandra

Between the XV and the XIX century, popes were both spiritual and civil leaders in Rome, as reflected in the motto "In Nome del Papa Re" (In the name of the Pope King). This absolute power did not go over well with the citizens, especially when some of the leaders were not exactly role model type.

Pasquino, Marforio, Madama Lucrezia, Facchino, Babbuino, and Abate Luigi, the six so-called "talking statues," appeared at the right moment in history to be used as the voice with which the Romans vented their thoughts and feeling about the arrogance and corruption of the ruling classes -- the papacy, the nobility and all authority in general.

During the nights, anonymous writers attached contemptuous compositions, pithy epigrams, and derisive poems to the statues. In the mornings, the messages would be read, applauded, discussed, seen and heard all the way to the Pope's chamber before they were removed. Many times the statues would comment on each other's messages, holding "conversations" over periods of days. The citizens even gave the statues the official name "Congress of the Witty" (Congresso degli Arguti) to make the deliverance of their opinions more important.

Although much less frequently, the talking statues still carry on their jobs nowadays, speaking out against corrupt government and abhorrent international events.