In the book "The Devil in the White City," writer Teresa Dean recounts an amusing encounter at a fair involving a woman inquiring about the pope's location. A guard responds to her question by explaining that the pope is in Italy, which elicits further confusion from the woman. She is seemingly unaware of Italy's location, prompting the guard to jokingly inform her that the pope is three blocks under the lagoon.

The conversation highlights a moment of miscommunication, showcasing the woman's misunderstanding of geography and the guard's humorous disposition in the face of her confusion. This exchange reflects the intriguing interactions and the chaotic atmosphere surrounding the fair, as well as the varying levels of awareness among its attendees.