KFC asks for papal approval of new fish sandwich

KFC, the nation's largest fast-food chicken chain, this week began selling something it's never sold nationally: fish.

Its new Fish Snacker sandwich sells for 99 cents and is available at all 5,500 locations across the USA. In an unusual move, President Gregg Dedrick sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI, asking him to lend his personal seal of approval for the item "as a way for members of your flock to keep a holy Lenten season."

ON DEADLINE: Cute? Offensive? Will you be eating a Fish Snacker this Friday?

The Fish Snacker is a filet of 100% Alaskan Pollack topped with tartar sauce and served on a sesame bun.

Vatican officials confirmed they received KFC's request, and the company is hopeful to get the pope's blessing this Lenten season.

"People can enjoy the flavor of the new Fish Snacker any day of the week, but we believe it will be especially popular on Fridays," said James O'Reilly, chief marketing officer for KFC, a part of Yum Brands (YUM).