In a political move that has shocked the religous and secular world to a new, deeper core, the Vatican today anounced that President G.W. Bush will replace recently deceased Pope John Paul II as head of the Catholic church. Vatican deliberations considering the matter lasted a record 45 minutes, with the decision pronounced shortly after noon today. Vatican sources say that, in addition to the requisite conglomeration of cardinals, present at the deliberations were international cash-monger Dick Cheney and Mr. Bush himself, both of whom denied any knowledge of the recent death of three cardinals found in a sewer near St. Peters Basilica friday.
In a press conference given shortly after the announcement was made, Mr. Bush addressed a perplexed and awnry world: "I would like to let the world know today, that, today will be a new day; a day of hope, peace, proseperity, and relentless freedom spreading. " After discussing at length the legitimacy of his ascension to power, Mr. Bush quoted the bible repeatedly, citing many passages which, upon his interpretation, suggested that his approach to geo-political affairs was true, just, and ina accordance with the 'gentle hand of God'. More than twelve thousand are dead in the streets of London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Amersterdam as waves of widespread looting and killing sweep the globe.