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On Feb. 7, 2013, Time magazine likened Rush Limbaugh to a pope, prompting the radio host to create this mock Time cover. (image courtesy RushLimbaugh.com)

PALM BEACH, Fla. â It was only last week that Time magazine likened radio giant Rush Limbaugh to a pope, saying the conservative icon was “like a pope granting absolution” to Florida Sen. Marco Rubio on the immigration issue.

And with today’s stunning announcement by 85-year-old Pope Benedict XVI that he was stepping down from his position for health reasons, Limbaugh wasted no time clowning about the connection.

“I have been urged to make an announcement to the Democrats in the audience to assure you Democrats I am not stepping down,” Limbaugh said with tongue in cheek as he opened his top-rated program Monday.

“With the reports that the pope is resigning, there were millions of confused Democrats, I’m told this morning, because it was the last thing they thought I would ever do. I have no plans to step down.

â â

“They read Time magazine. They read that I was the pope last week, and so today, the pope said he’s quitting, doesn’t have the energy to fulfill the duties required, and that certainly is not me.

“I clearly have the energy to fulfill the duties that are demanded because I define them. Whatever or how much or how little is required I am capable of it, and as such, it’s not me, El Rushbo. That was the other pope who retired.”
 

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