What's the verdict on MSNBC's Chris Matthews in Rome? I haven't heard many people say nice things. "Chris Matthews was by far the worst and most inappropriate I have seen this weekend," an e-mailer says. On Saturday, Matthews was "bellowing...that Peter was crucified upside down and sounded ridiculous," a tipster said. National Review's K. J. Lopez says Chris Matthews is unbearable: "I will avoid MSNBC during the coming days," she writes. And what's this about Matthews referring to "courtesans?"

> Saturday: Matthews "knows the church inside and out"

> "Americans love politics, mystery and intrigue, and in this case, it may come down to three or four guys with cigars and wine making a deal in a back room," Matthews tells USA Today.