More Fights to the Death

Today's Daily News Headline: Rudy vs. The Pope.

This has my mind reeling. Nevermind which Fictional Superhero could kick whose butt, I want to know whether it will be Rudy or Joey Ratz standing when the buzzer rings. . .

The Pope is quite a bit older than Rudy, and in all likelihood less strong, but he has the direct contact with The Big Man. Heck! He could just invoke papal infallability and declare himself the winner. And Rudy would be SOL.

However, it is important to consider whether Rudy is still Catholic.* If he isn't, then The Pope can declare himself whatever he wants and it wouldn't mean anything. Rudy could use his U.S. Attorney death grip to declare The Church in violation of RICO and throw Benedict out of The Vatican in favor of nice church leaders who aren't beholden to Rome, and who can run things less smoothly and at a greater cost.

Of course, if Rudy IS still Catholic, Benedict can excommunicate him and invoke the old rule of interdiction, under which any practicing Catholic is under a duty to kill the infidel.
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* Rudy's first marriage may have been annulled, but I do not believe his marriage to Donna Hanover was. In any event, his current marriage was a civil ceremony, making him a fornicator who is not permitted to receive the Eucharist. Perhaps Rudy has or will pull a McGreevey.