Can anybody explain to me why everybody falls over themselves whenever the pope shows up

[hellbound-liberal]

even though they aren't Catholic? I mean, don't Protestants disagree with the Pope's authority over their religion?

[Tommy_Carcetti]

1. It's the hat.

They dig the hat.

If you had the hat, they'd dig you too.

But you don't. That's why they dig the Pope instead.

[Shine]

4. LOL!

:rofl: that must be it, peter. :thumbsup:

[Tommy_Carcetti]

5. Thanks....

I learned that tidbit in CCD. :)

[QMPMom]

2. I was going to reply but I have decided

that it's not worth the time and effort just to get slammed by people.

[hellbound-liberal]

3. I'd really like to know. You can send me a PM if you want.

I wouldn't worry about getting slammed. Remember, "the emptiest barrel makes the most noise"!

[ThomCat]

6. I think it must be the celebrity factor.

He's supposed to be a moral celebrity, so let's all temporarily buy into the myth and hype and have a good time. :shrug:

There is also the shield of religion. You're not supposed to recognize anything bad about religion no matter how blatant and evil it is. (note that this shield usually only applies to christian religions) So it's safe to go nuts celebrating the arrival of some guy in a big hat even if you aren't catholic.

:shrug:
Just guesses. If you're Catholic I understand it. But for everyone else, I just don't get it either.

[underpants]

7. That and waterboarding

okay okay that was more of the Spanish faction but it still works

[ThomCat]

8. I can't blame the current pope for waterboarding.

:P

I'm sure he's got a huge pile of his own sins to count. We'll leave this one squarely with Darth Cheney where it currently belongs.

[Beer Snob-50]

9. I think it is respect for the leader of a major religion

we can disagree with that religion but it is a matter of respect for the leader of the religous orgainization for millions of Americans.

[suninvited]

10. I agree

it is respect.

[meegbear]

11. He's the shizz ...

nuf sed

[Pierre.Suave]

12. Guilt?

maybe they feel guilty, or that they need to prove how good of a christian they are, and how they are better than everyone else they know...

I don't know, but I do know that guilt and keeping up appearances are big in the christian world. That may have something to do with it.

[Deep13]

13. It's the merchandising.

http://gods4suckers.net/archives/2005/12/26/feelin-lucky-with-the-baby-jesus-butt-plug/

[bikebloke]

14. They blocked my morning commute.

First, half the Ellipse, where I normally cut through, was blocked. Salute cannons manned by toy sodjers were directed at the White House. Then I found a way out to the street, but was blocked by a long, long queue of fans in their Sunday best. And they were resentful that I wanted to get through them. They'd better thank Odin I didn't have to run over their asses. Meanwhile, a few hawkers were trying to flog Pope BenniNazi badges and pennants.

[flvegan]

15. T-shirt shooting papal merch.

Stampede for Christ.