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Metro pulls bobblehead pope video

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By Lillian Kafka

Published: April 9, 2008

"Avoid the unholy traffic. Take Metro."

That was the message from a video prepared to encourage Pope Benedict XVI fans to use Metrorail on their journey to the Nationals Stadium on April 17.

That's where the pope is scheduled to celebrate a Mass at 10 a.m.

But producers of a humorous video posted on YouTube of a bobblehead doll resembling Pope John Paul II didn't realize their depiction wasn't accurate so they removed the video soon after it was posted on Tuesday.

Parking near the stadium is scarce and mass ticket holders are advised that the best way to travel to the Papal Mass is by Metro to Navy Yard.

In the video, the bobblehead doll demonstrated to those who might be unfamiliar with the metro system proper train etiquette.

"Remember, let people off of the train before you try to get on," the narrator tells viewers of the video, which starred the bobblehead doll, which was clad in inaccurate Pope garb.

"It was designed to encourage people to use Metro and to use proper etiquette," said Lisa Farbstein, Metro spokeswoman. "We didn't realize it wasn't an accurate depiction of the pope. When the office of the Archdiocese of Washington notified us, we removed it so as not to offend anyone."

Tickets are no longer available for the Papal Mass, but there are other chances to see the pope as he tours Washing-ton and New York, according to the Archdiocese of Washington.

The doll was shown practicing common Metro etiquette, such as staying to the right of the escalators as he rode to the top.

The pope is visiting Washington, D.C., April 17 as part of an east coast U.S. visit that he hopes will be seen as a "fraternal gesture" toward all Christian denominations, and a "sign of friendship" toward all other religions, according to the Associated Press.

Farbstein said Metro wouldn't be creating a new video.

Staff writer Lillian Kafka can be reached at 703-878-8065.