Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith, iconic widowed father
in the popular fiction TV series, The Andy Griffith Show
 from the 60s
is 4 Degrees from
Pope John Paul II

Third degree, Don Knotts starred with Andy in the show

Ron Howard (middle) with Don Knotts and Andy Griffith

Ron Howard directed "Apollo 13", the movie story about the near-failed
mission to the moon.  

Pope Paul VI lead prayers for the Apollo 13 crew when they were in crisis.
He also met President Kennedy, who also received the astronauts after
their safe landing back on earth.  

Lady Gaga

Ms Gaga had a Catholic Education,
so did Benedict XVI

4 Degrees

Degree 4: Lady Gaga performed in the 2008 American Music Awards, the pope was not in attendance.  

Lady Gaga and Pope Benedict XVI
share a love of fashion,
though their aesthetics differ somewhat. 

Degree 3: Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls, also performed in the 2008 American Music Awards.  

The Pussycat Dolls at the 2008 AMA

Degree 2: Buzz Aldrin

Nicole Scherzinger won Dancing with the Stars in the same season that Buzz Aldrin competed.  

Nicole salutes Buzz as he dances on Dancing With the Stars

When Buzz Aldrin was still in space, Pope Paul VI prayed for him.  Later, they met in person.  

Astronauts of Apollo 11 and their wives in private audience with
Pope Paul VI

First Degree: Pope Paul VI consecrated Karol Woytiwa cardinal. 

June 28, 1967