Both men pictured have a strong fan base of believers and skeptics. Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children, visits various countries at the end of each year for a gift-giving tour. The Dutch Sinterklaas is the basis for the North American figure of Santa Claus, whose name is derived from the older Dutch Sinte Klaas. The Dutch colonial town of New Amsterdam maintained a Sinterklaas tradition long after the English occupied it and renamed it New York. This child-loving man is believed to live in Myra, in present day Turkey. The other man, Pope Benedict XVI, is known to live in Rome, Italy. He is the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church and often considered to be Christ’s primary representative on Earth. In contrast to Santa Claus, who is popular mainly among children, the Pope has followers of all ages in many countries.
