Inspired by The Daily Show’s commentary on the President calling the Pope “sir,” and the discussion it’s caused both here and elsewhere.
To the folks who don’t follow the Mother Church: if you met the Pope, and you decided to treat him with respect, how would you address him? Would you feel uncomfortable with “Your Holiness” at all?
Some seem to, while others don’t. I’m interested in seeing how the division lies.
I would not feel comfortable calling him “His Holiness”. Is there any other polite ways of addressing him? I understand Yogi Berra got away with “Hello Pope”.
Jim (Agnostic/Ex-Catholic)
I’m a theist who is distinctly non-Christian.
I’d call him “His Holiness” if that is the proper title. Just like I’d call a king “Your Majesty” even if I didn’t think he was majestic.
Your Holiness would be fine by me. I would appear that the Dalai Lama also uses that title and I would address him in that fashion as well. Pagan here.
yo ho po
I’m having a hard time thinking of a context in which I would not refer to him by his preferred title. When disagreeing with somebody I’ve always preferred to stay focussed on the substance of the disagreement, not addressing him in his preferred form would give people reason to dismiss valid criticism.
The pope and I disagree on just about every social detail beyond the basic niceties (murder is bad, families are good) but I would still call him ‘your holiness’ if that’s what he expects non Catholics to call him (and I’m not sure that is the case).
Interestingly enough I wouldn’t do the ring kissing thing (or is that just bishops?)
I’m ex Presbyterian now atheist.
At first I was thinking I’d prefer not to say “your Holiness,” but then I realized that I still call priests “Father” and nuns “Sister” without feeling like I’m giving my brain away.
I guess I’d probably say “your Holiness” just to be nice and to avoid getting elbowed in the ribs by my wife.
I would feel very uncomfortable calling him ‘Your Holiness’ (Seems an awfully stuffy title to give a mortal man, doesn’t it?). But, I suppose I’d say it, so as not to create a stir.
Ex-Catholic/Now Pagan
But if some random person (like me!) expected you to call him “his holiness” or “emperor of all”, would you oblige? If not, when why do you oblige for the pope?
I don’t interact with many religious figures, but when I do, I usually don’t address them as “father”, “sister”, “rabbi”, etc. It just feels weird to me. I just use ‘sir’, ‘mister’, ‘ma’am’ or something generic.
It did slightly annoy one priest that i never addressed him as ‘Father’.
I’d call him “Your Holiness” if I was meeting him on “his turf” (the Vatican or any other Catholic house of worship), otherwise (and as much as I love to find fault with Bush) I have no problem with “sir”. Same with “Your Majesty” for or bowing to the Queen of England- I’m flat out not going to use a title or a gesture that puts her above all others on my own soil*, nor will I address the Dalai Lama as “Your Divine Grace”.
*Though I did let her have my seat on the D.C. Metro that time, but that’s only because she was an older woman and so obviously lost- she and numb-nuts Prince Philip were fumbling over an upside down map looking for the Chinatown Ruby Tuesdays and with the crown and all those damned jewels I’m surprised she didn’t get mugged).
Does anybody remember an incident several few years ago when the Q of E was taken on a tour of a D.C. housing project and the occupant, a welfare-drawing middle aged single mom, gave her a great big hug? That image of Elizabeth’s expression is still called to active duty when I need a visual for “awkward”.
I’d call him “Sir Popes-a-Lot” and either give him some dap or a chest bump if I saw him.
I’d also make fun of his hat.
Okay, seriously, I don’t think I’d use any language that I wouldn’t use with someone’s grandfather. Contrary to popular belief, I can actually display manners…and shit.
I’d have no problem refering to him as “Your Holiness.” Him, the Dalai Lama, any other religious figure with that title. No huhu. If I can say “Sir” to a lawyer, I can say “Your Holiness” to the Pope.
That’s awesome. I want to see that picture.
Me, too. I was Googling the heck out of it, to no avail.
Far be it from me to agree with anything GWB does, but I think “sir” works for me, as well.
So, if Sir Mix-a-Lot likes big butts (and cannot lie), what does Sir Popes-a-Lot like?
Can’t find a picture, but her name was Alice Frazier, she was 67, and she told the queen “This is my palace” and invited her to lunch! Cite
This year Mickey “I’ve Been a Has Been Since Before Most Has Been’s Mothers Were Born” Rooney kissed her gloved hand at the Kentucky Derby, also a faux pas. He can always blame senility or just go into his “Bill for short” character and wash some invisible dishes.
Sir Popes-a-Lot likes altar boys (and speaks ex cathedra).
Video of the “Hug”.
“Sir” if given no other option. I’m perfectly happy to use his title of “Pope”, since I do believe he’s the Pope. I just don’t think the guy’s holy.
In practical terms I imagine i’d try to avoid having to address the guy at all, simply for the problems it would cause (not because I wouldn’t necessarily want to speak to him).
I thought it was going to be a little more awkward, but that’s still up there. I wish it would have started a hug chain reaction. The next lady hugs her, then the next one does…ah…it coulda been great…but it was still nice.
Thumbs up. Thanks, Rhiannon.