When Jane Leeves was on Frasier she was in a similar episode (The Innkeepers, 2.23) where the lead characters try to salvage the reopening of a restaurant but calamity ensues.
This is the second time a character played by Betty White has met the Pope. The first time was in an episode of the Golden Girls, when Sophia (Estelle Getty) stole the Pope's ring. He appeared at the hospital where Rose's boyfriend, Miles, was having surgery.