Coffee is one of the most consumed drinks in the world, second only to water, enjoyed by millions every day. The drink was not always so ubiquitous, only becoming popular relatively recently during the 16th century. If you can’t start the day without first having your morning cup of coffee, then you should probably thank Pope Clement VIII.
Coffee was first introduced around the 9th century when Muslim shepherds noticed wild coffee beans were having a stimulant effect on their flocks of sheep. Clerics learned the techniques to cultivate the beans, and the drink quickly spread throughout the Muslim world.
When it inevitably found its way to Europe, the majority of Catholics treated it with a great deal of suspicion because it was the popular beverage of Islam, which Catholicism had been at war with for centuries. Because of its reputation, it gained the moniker “Satan’s drink.”
As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome, and coffee was first brought to Pope Clement VIII around the year 1600.
Initially, the pope’s closest advisers tried to get him to ban the drink, proclaiming it was “the bitter invention of Satan.” However, the pope wished to try it himself before issuing a papal decision.
After tasting it, the pope enjoyed it so much he declared that “This Satan’s drink is so delicious that it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it. We shall cheat Satan by baptizing it!”
Allegedly, he formally blessed the coffee bean because the drink was deemed less harmful than alcohol. After his blessing, it quickly spread throughout the rest of Europe and eventually the world, becoming a chief crop and the most popular beverage. Next time you enjoy your favorite brew, thank God for Pope Clement VIII.
Love my coffee in the morning. Cute story. Thanks
it’s not a story it is History.
I would thank the infidels.
I would thank the infidels
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
Wisdom directs and God has blessed the Pope with that abundantly.
I just toasted him with my morning cup of joe! Thank you, Holy Father!
Thank you for sharing this humorous tidbit of history. Sadly it also points out conflict between Christian’s and Muslim’s that’s, lasted far too long. I’m Catholic and occasionally enjoy a cup of coffee. I’m grateful that the Pope was open-minded. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from his wisdom.
JR
[…] ushers in the best of fall clothing – flannels, hats, sweatshirts, and scarves. But if you can’t live without your morning cup of coffee, what you probably love most about fall is pumpkin spice coffee. And if you can’t […]
[…] development of the modern society we all have come to know and are familiar with. From cultivating coffee, to inventing to the electric motor, and even pioneering pizza deliveries, the Church has given […]
Because our household Isa comprised of both Catholics and Muslims, this is a story we have shared with many, lol. Coffee as a peacemaker? Sure, why not!
Oops! Typo: is comprised, not Isa.
In place of being the assembly’s health electric cell, consider yourself just as one immediate
harm dealer with many better than average gather control capacities notwithstanding
the recuperates said above. After that she found out that she would have been a key part from the magical artifacts, the “Elements of Harmony”.
The record of amusements and toys, doesn’t end here, you can buy outside amusements, and supports
like playstation, XBOX, XBOX 360 besides through the connected stores.
Hi mates, its wonderful article regarding tutoringand fully explained, keep it up all the time.
Good article. I’m going through many of these issues as well..
Very rapidly this site will be famous among all blog people,
due to it’s pleasant articles
I read this piece of writing fully concerning the resemblance of most recent and preceding technologies, it’s amazing article.
I very glad to find this web site on bing, just what I was
searching for 😀 likewise saved to fav.
[…] According to uCatholic, Pope Clement VIII had a big role in opening the doors to coffee for his people. […]