Pope Benedict has since called for a "period of deeper study and reflection" on the beatification process - widely seen as putting the process on hold.

BBC: Pope in the Mid East: The issues

Mr. SYKES: Well, you know, I think that if there had been a more open discussion with greater participation, that maybe a comment like that would have some merits, but you know, there's a great community of people on the outside who study planets who were not even a part of the process.

NPR: Astronomers Prepare to Fight Pluto Demotion

While the fan will focus on the end result of the pitch or swing, the scout will intently study all aspects of the process such as leakage, linear or rotational hitting and hand path through the strike zone.

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