People: Mar. 1, 1999

IF YOU’VE GOT IT, FLOAT IT

Was a time a woman’s pregnancy was known as her confinement. But apparently this concept never reached Rio. It certainly never reached LUCIANA MORAD, whose pregnant glow was evident on far more than her face last week during Carnaval. The Brazilian model, perhaps better known as the woman rumored to be carrying another heir for Mick Jagger, made a spirited appearance on a float, shimmying and waving enthusiastically at fans. British papers have reported that Jagger, 55, has offered Morad, 29, a tidy sum to refuse interviews. But apparently he never said anything about semiclad public appearances. Hey, when you hail from the country that invented the thong, immodesty is your birthright.

BUT WILL IT LAST?

Last week scary actress Rose McGowan got engaged to scary musician Marilyn Manson. Will the union last?

Pro –He showed his butt at the 1997 MTV awards; she showed hers in ’98 –She was raised in a cult; he’s ordained by the Church of Satan –She has seen him in the morning before he puts on his makeup and still loves him

Con

–His bio, The Long Hard Road Out of Hell, suggests lingering childhood issues –He wears fake breasts; could be awkward at McGowan family reunions –Given his penchant for trashing hotel rooms, they may have trouble booking a honeymoon suite

PREDICTION: Yes! They both enjoy acting

HAVE WE FOUND THE NEW BING AND BOB?

Though it seems they have little in common besides good cheekbones, JON BON JOVI and MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY have struck up quite a cinematic partnership. Bon Jovi wrote a song for EDtv, McConaughey’s upcoming film, and the two are currently shooting U-571 in Rome. The film’s about a World War II submarine, and the actors will spend three weeks on a sub off the coast of Malta. “I wasn’t thrilled about getting my hepatitis and tetanus shots,” says Bon Jovi, who’s claustrophobic too. “I thought about getting a note from my doctor saying I got them on my last tour.” His costume also gets but damp praise. “We don’t get to wear Versace, which is why I never joined the real Navy.”

GIVE IT UP FOR JOHN PAUL II

In late March, Pope John Paul II will release his debut CD, Abba Pater, featuring original music, prayers and chants. What are the Pontiff’s odds of cracking the American market? We compared him with other top sellers:

GARTH BUSTA BROOKS MADONNA RHYMES THE POPE

Known instantly by first name? Yes Yes Yes Yes Wears distinctive hat? Yes No Yes Yes Chants rhythmically to music? No Yes Yes Yes Arrested for weapons possession? No No Yes No More famous than the Pope? No Yes No Almost