EDITOR’S NOTE:This appears in the May 9, 2005, issue of National Review, in Hollywood comedy writer Rob Long’s regular “Long View” spot.

From Larry King Live, May 27, 2005

LARRY KING: “From Houma, Louisiana! Is the caller there?”

CALLER: “Um . . . yeah, hi, Larry.”

LARRY KING: “And do you have a question for Pope Benedict XVI?”

CALLER: “Oh. Is he on now?”

LARRY KING: “Caller, what’s your question for the new pope?”

CALLER: “It was actually for the cast of Eight Simple Rules“

LARRY KING: “That was the last segment. Do you have a question for the Pope, newly elected Cardinal Ratzinger?”

CALLER: “Um . . . sure. Sure, I guess. Um . . .Your Holiness, I was wondering what you think you’ll enjoy the most about being the Supreme Pontiff?”

LARRY KING: “Good question, Your Holiness. Can I call you that? I’m just a Jew from New York City. Will that be a thing?”

POPE BENEDICT XVI: “No, no, Larry. As you know, we of the Roman Catholic faith believe that your people have a special relationship with the Lord and–”

LARRY KING: “Chosen, right? We’re chosen. Let me ask you something: Is it scary? One minute you’re a guy in the red thing with the cap dealie, the next, white smoke, the robes, boom! You’re a pope. What was going through your head?”

POPE BENEDICT XVI: “Well, Larry, obviously one feels immensely humbled by the task that God has chosen for one.”

LARRY KING: “The power?”

POPE BENEDICT XVI: “The responsibility. One prays to God, Larry, that He will give one the strength to be a wise Father of the Church.”

LARRY KING: “So there’s lots of prayer involved here?” . . .

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