If the Pope doesn't say something negative about the President or the Iraq war, I'll be very pleased, and happy to admit I'm wrong.
But I would be even more pleased if the Pope would repudiate all the rabid anti-Americanism being shilled by his underlings at the Vatican. But I'm told he either cannot, or will not, do that.
On this and other threads, I've seen the Pope referred to as the "Highest Authority". Seems he has authority aplenty, everywhere, that is, except in his own Vatican.
The Pope is in charge of all the Bishops in the Church, they take authority from him (if that is what you mean).
As for theology, the Pope, when he speaks authentically on faith and morals is infallable, but talking politics and giving advice to follow the guidence of the UN, is not within that sphere. When he talks politics, he is simply giving his opinion. In Catholic theology, the people responsible for determining if a war is just are not are the civil authorities who are privilaged to the top secret documents and other briefings of the intellegent agencies. You can't expect a Pope or anyone outside the 'loop' to know all the facts pertanent to determining if a war is just or not. For more information on the Catholic 'just war' theology, see: Just War Doctrine
In the case of Iraq, the Pope expressed what he has always expressed, that we should not go to war instead work within the International community for peace. That is his political view on ALL wars.
What can I say. The pope has some idiots working for him as much as any one does. We can only hope he's taking them to task.
But, let everyone know that the pope loves America. And, just like any true friend, he is not forever lauding complements upon us.