Pope John Paul II cleared to become a Saint; Sean Payton to use him in the kicking game

Pope John Paull II, wearing his freshly issued game robes, greets New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson on Friday at the team's Metairie practice facility after Pope Francis and the NFL cleared the way for the pontiff to become a Saint. Benson was allowed to dress as a Cardinal for the day.

 

“Pope John Paul II instantly gives me great faith in our kicking game,” Payton told reporters gathered from around the world at the team’s Metairie practice facility after Pope Francis on Friday announced John Paul had cleared all religious waivers and was free to become a Saint.

“There’s nothing Pope John Paul II can’t do,” Payton said. “We thought of starting him at linebacker because that big hat is a real plus on pass protection, but in all honesty we just didn’t think he would appreciate defensive coordinator (Rob) Ryan’s penchant for profanity. In all candor, there might come a time or two when Rob might take the Lord’s name in vain, and that’s a tough situation to put Rob in.”

“So, His Eminence will compete to become our starting placekicker and, yes, before you ask, he will wear No. 1,” Payton said. “Any questions?”

Asked if having to wait eight years after his death at the age of 84 to become a Saint would hinder Pope John Paul II’s chances of even making the team, Payton noted the Saints “have a history of having kickers that make John Paul look young.”

Payton cited John Kasay, who was at a “back-to-school” event for his great-grandkids when the Saints called him two years ago to sub for then-injured starter Garrett Hartley.

“And don’t make me mention (former 13-year Saints kicker) Morten Anderson, who was kicking on the ark,” a smiling Payton quipped before quickly apologizing if his religious reference offended anyone.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell waived the mandatory waiver process, allowing John Paul to sign directly with the New Orleans franchise.

Goodell’s office said it is not investigating reports Pope Francis flexed his papal muscle to make John Paul a Saint even though the Vatican hasn’t confirmed the required “second miracle.”

The Vatican late Friday addressed the furor, stating Pope Francis has the authority to cite John Paul’s merit and bypass the normal procedures.


In 2001, the Kansas City Chiefs finished the season 6-10, their worst record in 13 years. Second-year coach Dick Vermeil made major changes in 2002, including giving Pope John Paul II a preseason tryout at wide receiver. The pontiff was appreciative of the opportunity, but decided to continue as pope and served another three years. "It was a miracle," Vermeil wrote in his memoir. "He had a great presence. And great hands. He was very inspiring."

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson, a devout Catholic, greeted John Paul after they agreed on a contract Benson would only describe as “for personal services.”

Pope John Paul II, adorned in the elaborately gold-and-black-embroidered Saints robes he will be allowed to wear during games, did not take questions, but appeared especially pleased with his freshly minted golden Saints mitre, which meets NFL helmet standards. He and Benson embraced and Benson, who was allowed to dress as a Cardinal for the day, later said he told the pontiff, “I’m honored to make you a Saint.” He said the pope replied, “Me too.”

John Paul’s NFL agent, Tom Condon of Creative Artists Agency, said he didn’t expect the pontiff to speak much during the upcoming season.

“He (former Pope John Paul II) wants His (God’s) message to come across from his (pope’s) actions on the field He (God) built, not just him (pope) citing His (God’s) words,” Condon said. “I think that’s a powerful message.”

The Vatican said it expects the final paperwork to make its way through papal process by Oct. 8, giving John Paul his release and at which time he will become a Saint.

Payton projected the earliest fans could see John Paul as a Saint would be the Oct. 27 home game against the Buffalo Bills.

“This works out good because he can see what we do to prepare to play the (New England) Patriots on the road Oct. 13, but he won’t play, and then he can really show us what he can do during the bye week and then we can let him loose at home vs. the Bills,” Payton said. “I’m excited.”

Saints broadcaster Jim Henderson said elevating Pope John Paul II to Sainthood is a clear message to incumbent kicker Garrett Hartley.

“There were still too many times last year when Hartley left fans in very un-Christian moods, and he’ll have to overcome that this year,” Henderson said. “When John Paul was on his game, wasn’t he one of the best?”