@ Moon
The Pope probably wouldn't run with the Torch, but he blessed it in St. Peter's square, as part of the relay for Torino 2006.

@ Teapunk
The Chinese have a great deal of control over who will run with the Torch, wherever it may be.

Consider that the Torch relay will not even go through Taiwan this year, and you have an idea of the steepness of Mr. Varon's uphill struggle.