I would LOVE  to believe this, but it's going to take some REAL convincing!!!
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From: H-ITAM via Paul Arpaia 

According to award-winning journalist Ruggero Marino, the story of the discovery 
of America is filled with misinformation. Pope Innocent VIII, forgotten and
ignored by historians, was the real sponsor of Columbus’ trip to America,
not Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Spain. 

He dispatched Columbus on his voyage of discovery hoping to use the gold of 
the New World to fund Christian crusades. But on Innocent's death, his 
successor Alexander VI, the Spanish-born Borgia pope, covered up the origins 
of the venture, giving credit to the Spanish throne.

On Thursday, May 2, 2002 at 6:00 PM, the Consulate General of Italy in New
York, the Italian Cultural Institute, and Queens College, CUNY will host a
Special Book Presentation:

"Cristoforo Colombo e il Papa tradito" (Christopher Columbus and the
Betrayed Pope) by Ruggero Marino

Ruggero Marino, a journalist for "Il Tempo" of Rome, is the author of an
important report for UNICEF on the conditions of children in Italy and a
book of poems entitled "L'inferno in paradiso." As a journalist he has
reported from more than fifty countries and was awarded numerous prizes.

The lecture, which will be given in Italian, will take place at the John D.
Calandra Italian American Institute, 25 W. 43rd Street 
(between 5th and 6th Avenues), 18th Floor, in Manhattan.

RSVP by April 30 by calling 212-642-2094