We have discovered *another* birthday party — in absentia — for the pope. First there was the bash — featuring Placido Domingo singing German songs — at the Italian embassy this coming Wednesday, a story we broke March 30 and which certain other media have shamelessly copied without crediting us! Now there is a dinner at the White House — also for the pope — on April 16, which supposedly he won't be attending.

Our White House correspondent, Jon Ward, found out today there's a birthday dinner at 7 p.m. in the East Room in honor of Benedict with the Bushes in attendance. But the pope won't be there. But "leaders from the Catholic community from all over the country who are in town for his visit" will be there, according to WH spokesman Scott Stanzel. No say on whom or how many.

"I have a feeling it's an opportunity for President and Mrs. Bush to honor the contribution Catholics have made to this country," said the Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities, one of the invitees.

Is that odd or what? So on Wednesday night we have two parties for the pope: One at the White House and the other at the Italian embassy and the pope is not going to be at either? Strains the imagination, we think.

What is he going to do: Blow out birthday candles by himself at his nightly lodgings at the papal nunciature? Or turn in early because of jet lag?

I talked today with Raymond Flynn, a former ambassador to the Vatican, about all the unofficial meetings Benedict may find himself at.

"He is very anxious and interested at coming to the United States," Mr. Flynn said. "I have the impression he will really love being here. He is a very intellectually curious man. He will be getting a lot more information from people than what his official itinerary says."

— Julia Duin, assistant national editor/religion, The Washington Times