Bobble head Pope called offensive

By Lindsey Ward

Published: April 9, 2008

As he prepares for his first trip to the U.S. Pope Benedict XVI is at the center of controversy after an ad posted on YouTube depicts the catholic leader as a bobble head doll in unauthentic attire.

The ad for Metro encourages visiting Catholics to take the underground rail to mass, but the only thing it’s inspired them to do is protest.

“The object of getting people to take the Metro, that’s not a problem.  I don’t think you can put any ad out there you want, you can say the Pope’s coming to National’s baseball stadium and get on it, but to put the bobble head that’s not dressed the way the Pope is dressed kind of belittles the Pope,” said Catholic, Robert Cookston.

Cookston and his wife are making the trip from Roanoke to Washington D.C. next week and intend to use the Metro.  He says the ad is not only offensive, but completely unnecessary.

“I don’t think they have to advertise for this, because I think it’s a no brainier that the dioceses are telling the people, especially if you’re not from there, to come in, park and use the Metro,” Cookston explained.

The video showing the bobble head riding the green line train has been voluntarily taken down from YouTube by Metro.

Cookston says he’s not going to let the inconsiderate acts of others ruin his chance of a lifetime.

“This is a dream.  This is something that my mother, my father, our families, this has come down through the time, it’s a great chance.”

Metro officials tell 10 On Your Side, the media relations director came up with the idea for the video.