"I'm sickened by all religions. Religion has divided people. I don't think there's any difference between the pope wearing a large hat and parading around with a smoking purse and an African painting his face white and praying to a rock"

This quote by Howard Stern is a criticism of religious beliefs and its impacts on society. He is explaining the similarities between various spiritual practices, no matter their cultural background. He is suggesting that all religions are basically the very same, and that they have actually triggered division and dispute in between individuals. He is also indicating that the outside signs of faith, such as the pope's hat and the African's painted face, are superficial and do not show the true nature of religious beliefs. He is expressing his disgust at the method faith has actually been utilized to divide individuals and create conflict. He is suggesting that faith ought to be utilized to bring people together, not to separate them.