Because these cars are newer model, I would say that most of these systems relie on one another to work. Your cat is not super imperitive to your cars ability to function unless you live in a state with emissions testing. I'm afraid there is probably not a work around, however if you completly unplug the battery from your car for ten mins, this resets your car's electronic control system and this could possibly fix your problem.
Good Luck!
No solution here, but wondering what your next step was...I think the same thing happened to me, but wanted to check the fuse at least before I have my van towed to some mechanic in Italy. Did you locate the fuse? Which box and was it labeled something other than fuel pump?
