Funny I was listening to the John Batchelor Show on WABC radio today and Lawrence Kudlow a recent convert to Catholicism twice mentioned that he worshipped the late Pope. Not withstanding your statement I wonder how many other Catholics would make the same claim?
I can't answer that, but I can tell you if they do, they shouldn't.
OTOH, it may be a term of endearment, in much the same way we might "worship" a girlfriend, football team, or even a political figure.
No way. SImply no way he said that and if he did, you're twisting his words. It is just not part of the catechism. If he's doing it he's outside the state of grace and ineligible for absolution.