I may not like how Dubya represents America, but I am still an American by nationality. And he is the most influential, visible American leader, whether I like it or not. When I go to other countries, I strive to make people understand that I don't like him or his ideas, but they still assume, until they actually talk to me, that because I'm an American I think somewhat like George W. The Pope is a Christian leader, you can't say that Catholics aren't Christians, and you can't say that the Pope isn't the most visible, influential leader of them, worldwide.