daily life 1 - the pope's new shoes

You may have seen the recent article in Newsweek showing the new Pope wearing quasi-neon red Italian leather luxury shoes. And, no less, said shoes flashing from under all the vestments, falballas, etc..
Rather surprising, especially in a time when that religion is under fire for... shall we say, debatable interaction with the public.

Displeased with the tightness and short length of the 200-year old Papal custom tailor's productions, Benedict ex-vee-eye also went shopping for another luxury tailor.
Talk about faux pas....

Isn't it amazing that in these times of troubles (and catastrophes around the world, although not a new happening, unfortunately, and wars of religion are not new, alas!), an alleged moral leader can still relish and display the pump and superficiality that we criticize in our lay leaders (who are not moral leaders, either even if they too claim to be, and may not be much more in touch with the realities of the world and today's life....)?

What happened to decency?
Any memories of past scandals and indulgences?
(And of the scandal of indulgences of the past?)

But it seems to be more like .... surf's up! and... put on your red suede shoes!