Since the pope only has "authority" over Catholics, what do you care ehat non-Catholics think? If a silly legend about an alleged female Pope 1100 years ago can undermine the current Pope's "authority" then I'd start looking for another religion quick.
So what if Mary Mapes and Dan Rather can fabricate documents about President Bush. Big deal. The truth is irrelevant.
It's a natural human reaction to be annoyed when people lie about you, especially when they do it on a national broadcast. That should be pretty obvious.