Two friends have a bet over who knows more people

Two friends, Stephen and James, have an argument over who knows more people.

Stephen says: "Well, that's a freebie - I'm bowling buddies with the mayor and know more than half of the town council, and I went to university with that one girl from that soap opera."
James: "Yeah, but I bet you don't know the state government."
Stephen: What? How would y-- nonsense, you don't know them, least of all the governor."
James: "Let's drive to the state capitol and find out, shall we? I bet you 50 bucks."

Stephen agrees, and as they reach the capitol, James is greeted on the stairs by numerous representatives when the governor storms out and is delighted to see him: "James! Good to see you, old buddy, what's up?"

Stephen raises his eyebrows and pays up the 50 dollars.
"Wow, you really do know people. It's still the same state though, but there's one person you possibly can't know in person - the President!"
James: "You're willing to bet?"
Stephen: "What the hell, I'll give you $500 if he recognizes you. I always wanted to see Washington, anyway."

After they have landed in D.C., they take a taxi to the White House and decide to just stroll around a bit in front of it. Suddenly, the front gate opens, they are approached by the Secret Service and led into the building. As they reach the Oval Office, the chair swivels around and a delighted Barack Obama gets up and proceeds to give James a heartily hug: "Jimmy, my friend, how's it going? I just saw you walking by outside, it'd be rude if I didn't invite you in and offer you something. Let me guess - coffee with a bit of milk and no sugar, as always, am I right?"

Stephen drops his jaw: "How on Earth... this.. how did you..."
James grins: "It's my personal little secret. About the $500..."
Stephen: "Yeah, take it. I still can't believe it. But -- there's still one person who definitely won't know you personally... the *Pope*. Five thousand dollars."
James: "It's on, let's go to Rome."
Obama: "Did you guys say Rome? Jimmy, why don't you take the Air Force One? I won't be needing it this week."

The next day they're wandering about St. Peter's Square, when the Swiss Guard approach the two: "His Holiness was informed that you were in town, and he humbly requests your company. Would you please follow us?"

James follows the guards, leaving behind a flabbergasted Stephen. After a few minutes, the Pope appears on the balcony together with James and both start waving to the cheering crowd below. Moments later, Stephen faints and James rushes down to help him.

James: "You alright? Didn't expect me to know the Pope, did you?"

Stephen: "Well, I almost expected that -- but a couple of Asian tourists just asked me, 'Who is the funny-looking guy next to James?'"