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The Pope Visits The Simpsons, Futurama and More
SOUTH PARK
Pope Francis is voted Time's Person of the Year in the 2013 episode "The Hobbit," but his acceptance speech is cut short by — who else — Kanye West.
HEY ARNOLD!
Though the Pope didn't technically make an appearance in the 1999 Hey Arnold! episode "Baby Oskar," traffic caused by His Holiness’ visit to New York City (relevant much?) did play a major role in the story.
THE SIMPSONS
In 1997's "Lisa the Skeptic," the Pope — presumably John Paul II — is informed that the residents of Springfield believe they've been given an Apocalyptic warning from an angel skeleton. His response? "Keep an eye on it."
FUTURAMA
During the New Year's Eve countdown in Episode 1, the Pope — presumably John Paul II, given that it was 1999 — is seen holding up an 8, or rather an VIII, in Rome.
FUTURAMA
Midway through Season 1, Futurama introduced Space Pope, the reptilian leader of Space Catholicism. He made nine appearances throughout the series, including as a guest at Fry and Leela's wedding (pictured).
SOUTH PARK
Pope John Paul II made his first visit to South Park during the 2000 episode "Do the Handicapped Go to Hell?" — a question he was, unfortunately, unable to answer. He reappeared in the 2002 episode "Red Hot Catholic Love," which revealed the true head of the Catholic Church: Queen Spider!
SOUTH PARK
Pope Benedict XVI made several trips to South Park during his term, beginning with the 2005 episode "Bloody Mary," during which he declared it was not a miracle that the town's Virgin Mary statue was bleeding because "chicks bleed out their vaginas all the time." (Look, I never said this show was classy, OK?)
THE GOLDEN GIRLS
In exchange for the return of the his piscatory ring — which somehow falls into her possession during mass — Sophia gets Pope John Paul II to visit her sick friend in the hospital in 1991’s “The Pope’s Ring.” Fun fact: Eugene Greytak, the actor who plays the Pope in this episode, also portrayed him on several other classic sitcoms, including Murphy Brown, Ally McBeal and…
ALF
…ALF, as a guest on the alien's imaginary Tonight Show-hosting gig in 1988.
THE REN & STIMPY SHOW
Legendary rocker Frank Zappa voiced a Pope-inspired character — named, what else, The Pope — in a 1992 episode of Ren & Stimpy titled “Powdered Toastman.” It was just as trippy as you’d guess from this photo of The Pope holding onto Powdered Toastman’s buns for dear life.
FAMILY GUY
A generic Pope has appeared in several episodes of the Fox comedy, beginning with 1999's "Holy Crap," during which Peter kidnaps His Holiness in attempt to impress his Catholic father.
FAMILY GUY
The generic Pope returned in 2002's "Road to Europe" when Stewie and Brian accidentally de-throne His Holiness and — gasp — steal his hat! (Memorable line, in response to God not immediately smiting Stewie and Brian: "He's-a cooking-a something up.")
FAMILY GUY
A different-looking Pope, allegedly modeled after Francis, appears in a gag during 2013's "Bigfat," frustrated that he's still receiving all the old Pope's mail.
AMERICAN DAD
Modeled after Benedict XVI, American Dad's Pope appeared in 2011's "Season's Beatings," during which he — along with other leaders of faith — disbars Stan from joining any religion.
SOUTH PARK
Of course, none of this even matters, because — as we learned in a 2007 episode of South Park, the true leader of the Roman Catholic Church is Snowball the rabbit, a descendant of Peter, the original rabbit Pope.
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