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Metro officials are apologizing for a brand new ad that appeared on the transit system's website, featuring a Pope Benedict bobble head figurine, traveling to the Nationals Stadium by way of Metro.
It's a two minute on-line advertisement using humor to encourage those attending the historic Papal Mass to take mass transit. "We got a special Mass Pass that were designed just for this reason and you can pick that up. It's just $9 and is good all day long," said Lisa Farbstein, Metro spokesperson.
In the ad, an enlightened commuter begins to chant in Latin, thanking heaven for Metro. Then viewers follow a miniature bobble head Pope Benedict riding with an all-day fare card.
Denise Moore found it absolutely hilarious and effective. "I like it. I think he'd like it too."
Yet, just hours after it was posted, the Archdiocese of Washington complained to Metro that the ad was inappropriate.
"This is the Holy Father. This is a leader of a faith of a billion people founded by Christ and he's going to lead us in a sacred mass. It's a religious moment," said Susan Gibbs with the Archdiocese of Washington.
Some Metro riders agree the ad is in poor taste. "The guy said thank heaven. When you're religious or somewhat religious, you're like you don’t want to play with our religion that much," said Isabella Jones.
Metro officials have since apologized and pulled the advertisement, but rider McArthur Myers believes the transit agency is free to air whatever it wants. "
It's just a way of accessing the freedom of speech and just advertising the service," he said.
Gibbs said she understands Metro is just trying to help, but said there are other ways to get the point across. Furthermore, she said the bobblehead was dressed incorrectly, because the Pope would never wear red and white or the Cardinal's red zuchetto skull cap.
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