Holmes' Pope comments offend Catholic Church

Holy Mary, what would the new Pope have to say about this? Pope Benedict XVI has only been in the job a few days, but already he's received a dressing down from broadcaster Paul Holmes, who has described him as an imposter, a wowser and a rooster.

On his NewstalkZB show on Friday morning, Holmes confessed all, telling the masses he loved the Catholic Church but didn't care too much for its new head. "I just don't like this new Pope he seems to be entirely too organised ... he seems to be an imposter, he doesn't look like the Pope. He looks like someone going around in the Pope's clothes. "The other man was all about soul ... This one I think ... this one's a wowser."

Wellington Archbishop John Dew said Catholics would be offended by the comments.

"I am surprised to hear those comments and my immediate comment would be 'let's give the new Pope a chance'," Reverend Dew said.

"I think Catholics would find the comments offensive and I am surprised someone in the media would make comments like that without knowing the man he is talking about.

Other Catholic leaders dismissed the comments, saying Holmes was trying to shock listeners. Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland said Holmes was in no position to comment on the Pope.

"I think that is Paul rabbiting on. I think it is Paul Holmes being Paul Holmes. He doesn't know either of them so he is just filling in time."

"Paul's not qualified to comment - he's a radio host."

Holmes said he had not intended to offend anyone and had not heard any negative feedback about the comments.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY