POPE GETS PADDLE

POPE GETS PADDLE

(ANSA) - Vatican City, November 30 - Pope Benedict XVI received a paddle from the president of South American republic Suriname Friday.

"It is for you as successor to Peter the fisherman," said Suriname President Runaldo Ronald Venetiaan as he gave the pontiff the long, painted and hand-carved paddle, used for traditional canoes.

"You need firmness to use it," a smiling Benedict replied.