... just wrong! <g> BTW, as I recall from my long-ago training in Catholicism, the Pope's infallibility extends only to matters of theology; he is not necessarily an expert in either history or mathematics.

You are correct, of course, in observing that no one really knows anything about the history here. The math, however, is irrefutable:

1+1 = 2
2+1 = 3
3+1 = 4
...
1999 + 1 = 2000

Which means that the first two millennia (a "millennium" by definition is 1000 years) don't end until AFTER 2000 years have passed. The 3rd (new) millennium can't start until the 2nd ends.

You keep poking yourself with that kitchen implement and you'll be bleeding all over the place! <g> ----- jim o\-S