Holy Mackerel

It must be a slow news weekend.

Vatican City - US President George W Bush drew gasps at the Vatican on Saturday by referring to Pope Benedict XVI as "sir" instead of the expected "His Holiness", pool reporters said.

They could clearly hear the US leader say "Yes, sir" when the pope asked him if he was going to meet with officials of the lay Catholic Sant'Egidio community at the US embassy later during his visit.

A handful of pool reporters were on hand as Benedict greeted Bush at the door of his private library ahead of a private audience of about half an hour.

On his way to see the 80-year-old pontiff, the US leader apparently recognised someone he knew, and could be heard greeting the person with a casual "How ya doin'?"

Is it only a matter of time before someone calls for Bush's impeachment over this. My Philippine born wife says I should give the Knucklehead award. What do you think?

Hat tip- Hat tip- James Joyner at OTB
Linked to- Adam, Church and State, Pursuing Holiness,