ROME - A zealous policeman on a motorbike issued a citation to Pope Benedict XVI yesterday for multiple violations of the Italian vehicle code, including driving with an expired inspection sticker, incomplete registration, and driving without a license.
According to the Vatican Press Office, the Pope was running a few errands and neglected to take his wallet before leaving the Vatican.
The Holy See also explained that the Pope has been busy writing and editing a number of encyclicals lately, and “quite a few personal matters” have slipped through the cracks. ”His health club membership was up the first of the year and he hasn't even renewed that yet.”
Additionally, the Vatican chided Italian police for what they described as “aggressive behavior” by the officer who made the traffic stop. Inspector Luigi Parise agreed. ”The officer is just out of the Academy. When he asked for some identification, and the Pope told him he didn't have his license, he should have given him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he was wearing the mitre.”
The citations issued to the Holy Father total over three hundred and fifty lira in fines, as well as eight points on his driving record. This means the Pope will have to enroll in a safe driving class and retake his drivers test before he can operate a vehicle on Italian soil again.
Even worse, the cost of his insurance is expected to skyrocket. Inspector Parise said the Pope is no different than any other citizen when it comes to obeying the laws of the land.
“If the Holy Father wants to fight this thing, he should plead not guilty and take it to the magistrate. Who knows? Maybe the cop won't show.”
Tags: Cop Pope Inspection Registration
