Dave was bragging to his boss, “I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone, anyone, and I’m sure I’ll know them.

“Pope Francis,” his boss replies.

“Sure!” says Dave. “I’ve known the Pope for years.” So they flew to Rome.

Dave and his boss are joined the crowds at the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, when Dave says, “This will never work. I can’t catch the Pope’s eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards so they’ll let me join the Pope and I’ll come out on the balcony with him.” He disappeared into the crowd and headed towards the Vatican.

Half an hour later Dave emerges with the Pope on the balcony. They wave to the crowds. When Dave returns, he finds his boss has had a heart attack and is surrounded by paramedics. Making his way to his boss’ side, Dave asked, “What happened?”

His boss looks up and says, “It was the final straw…you and the Pope came out on the balcony and the man next to me said, ‘Who the hell is on the balcony with Dave?’

Ray E.