Pope: The( Last?) Accepted Monarch

It is curious to me to see archived footage of people interacting with the pope. They really see/treat him as a Monarch. To me it goes hand in hand with religious peoples desire to have someone who is absolutely 'right.' Whether it be a book, high priest or pope the religious person wants a father figure they can see and hear (since, I guess, god may be to abstract or distant). These people (or things) are given a divine persona and that's what the religious people seem want. To me it seems nonsensical, but then again I had a strong and active (in my life) father (and family for that matter) so I didn't need to invent one. But others I know had a much rougher childhood altogether and still don't require the religious-crutch. I have amazing admiration for these people.

So one may be tempted to conclude that watching the pope decay (as any human of that age) may remind people that he is human and so is prone to make mistakes. That people would look critically at his decisions over the years on important issues. This may lead some to label him a mass murderer for not allowing condom use to his followers killing millions each year by spreading AIDS and leaving a generation of orphans. They may even label him a short sighted fool (though steadfast in his belief) for being against stem-cell research which may have cured him of Parkinsons and healed countless people in the future. But most likely they will utter mindless repetitive chants and crown a new king.

The Creationist and the Scientist (Me)

My bones are made of star-dust forged in the last moments of a supernova,
Yours where made out of thin air.

My body is the product of over 800 million years of refinement through struggle,
Yours is a reflection.

My ancestors are the descendents of the strongest and brightest,
Yours where inbred.

My beliefs are the product of centuries of accumulated knowledge and are still improving,
Yours are from a book.

My life is one of curiosity, wonder and belonging,
Your is menial.