(2004-01-27) — During a brief, private ceremony at the Vatican today, U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney absolved Pope John Paul II for his opposition to the liberation of Iraq last year.
“I don’t believe that the Pope was malicious in speaking against overthrowing Saddam Hussein,” said Mr. Cheney. “And he now seems to see the value of removing the dictator.”
Mr. Cheney said after the absolution, the Pontiff asked him about ‘Hail Marys.’
“That’s when I knew the Pope was a regular guy,” said Mr. Cheney. “He wanted to talk football.”
The Vatican denied rumors that the Pope’s Swiss Guard would join Coalition troops in securing and rebuilding Iraq.
