Sources: Bush pushes Lieberman for Pope

[dsewell]

April 3, 2005 | WASHINGTON (AP) -- Even as he attends public memorial services for Pope John Paul II, President George Bush is quietly lobbying Vatican officials to nominate Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman for the papacy, according to reliable White House sources.

"It would be a stunning public relations move for the Vatican," says Harold Snordock, professor of theology at the University of Southern North Dakota. "People think nothing could top John Paul II's election as the first non-Italian pope in four centuries. Well, how about electing the first non-Christian one?"

But sources say that the President is less concerned with the image of the Catholic church than with assuring that the next pope is friendlier to U.S. foreign policy. "Having a pope who unequivocally supports the President's position on Iraq will send a strong message to our allies and our enemies alike," according to one source. "We believe that Joe is pro-life in the right kind of way."

Some express concern that assuming the role of head of the Roman Catholic hierarchy might alienate Sen. Lieberman's Jewish supporters. Others point out that the Democratic Party has made no move to disown a member who supports Republican foreign policy and engages in public displays of affection with the President.

All agree that the papacy is a role eminently suited to the peppery Lieberman. "Joe loves to preach," observed a long-time friend. "What better pulpit than the Vatican?"

[Jade Fox]

1. Snarf!

Good un.

[LTR]

2. A Jewish pope, huh?

Well, that's different.

:)