From the Schmoll Corner: The Non-Believers' Gaze at the Pope
Non-believers observation of the Pope
Guest Columnist: Thomas Schmoll
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Four rounds of voting in just two days - even Friedrich Merz, also a Catholic, did the deed in a single day with two rounds. The secular Left Party made it possible. Ecumenism in the Bundestag. Progress is plain to see. Everywhere. Give it a read.
I've got faith - 'cause faith matters these days - but I rarely watch the boob tube. I only plop down when I'm chomping down to drown out the voices in my head. Given my irregular dining schedule, I catch all sorts of shows, seldom hanging around for more than a minute due to the trivialization of the average person, dumbed-down for the dumber still.
Shows like "Brisant" creep me out when, after reports of the horrors unfolding in Ukraine or earthquake-stricken zones, they suddenly switch gears to the health of Empress Schlabumbia or Queen Takkatukkaland, before moving on to domestic advice and neighborhood fires, how Lucky Cat Muschi managed to escape the blaze, and a uniformed firefighter can proudly announce, "I can confirm: Muschi is alive and doing well, considering the circumstances." Phew, crisis averted!
Live from the Sistine Chapel: "Linear Chimney Theater" on "Brisant"
"The world is still watching the Sistine Chapel chimney..."Got a chance to tune into "Brisant" once, and I was subjected to the following, "The world is still watching the Sistine Chapel chimney - here are live images - there's been smoke twice already, most recently this morning. It could happen again at any moment that the smoke's color indicates a new Pope." At some German studio, the host, evidently sensing the electricity in the air, declared, "The tension is especially palpable on St. Peter's Square in Rome." And finally, a report: "Disappointment, as black smoke ascends again." Meaning: No pope yet. "This doesn't diminish the tension; it only intensifies it." The sweat beading on my brow, I could almost feel the heat, hotter than any bonfire. "I'm so excited," someone chimed in.
"It could happen at any moment that the chimney's smoke indicates a new Pope." Bringing the drama, indeed, but the rigidity of the chimney, ever dutifully pointing skyward, doing nothing but embellishing a rooftop is, in my humble opinion, anything but a divine or earthly miracle. "Live images" of a chimney - rooted in strict verticality, doing nothing but adorning a roof - is a spectacle broadcast by all stations. The Church, especially Catholic, being so important in Germany, I suppose.
St. Peter's Square: Super Exciting without Significance for Most Germans
"How I wish I could vote," I thought, "to lay eyes on the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo's genius frescoes, without a guard grinding my gears. But even if I aged into cardinal material, I wouldn't dream of joining the club.
It's widely known that the Pope is always selected by someone who, outside the Vatican bubble, is recognized only by a handful of reporters who specialize in the Church. After the election, it's all interpretation and more arguing over interpretation. "Great relief," I heard on ZDF: "So, there was no stalemate." Well, four ballot rounds in just two days - even Friedrich Merz, a Catholic, managed it in one day thanks to the Left Party's antics. Ecumenism, indeed. Progress is apparent.
Leo XIV: Modern Man of the Center
"A moderate man from the center," I heard in several broadcasts. The public broadcaster illustrated its program on Leo's life in Peru, where he served for many years, with "El cóndor pasa," so no cliché was spared. And how were the Peruvians feeling? "The emotions are pouring in, especially in his former diocese of Chiclayo, the people are ecstatic," it was revealed. Now that's more exciting than a chimney against a clear sky. I'd gladly fork over my fees for that.
Pope Leo XIV: Only God Knows His Plans
"Pope Leo XIV will speak perhaps the first Sunday prayer tomorrow," public outlets reported, "and perhaps set new accents." Only time will tell. After all, "what happens on earth, only God alone knows." So, the election's nothing but excitement worth reporting, right? Although I admit, if it were on a Tuesday or Friday, he probably wouldn't be delivering a Sunday prayer. But who am I to protest?
The New Pope: A Cleanser for Ukraine?
A Cardinal from Germany underscored on ZDF after the election: "The American Leo XIV listens." Wonderful. A man who can listen, not just in confession. Progress is apparent. A group that I - unbelievably - cherish for its global achievements beyond the Crusades and the Inquisition.
But the bizarre hype surrounding a man who, at the end of the day, will likely do nothing more than deliver a few prayers, elevated to a level of significance almost messianic, is bewildering. A man who, in the Church dominated by men who only seem to recognize women as extras, is a curious, strange phenomenon. "Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters," Leo called out at his first public appearance, "an encouraging sign for these times." Progress, indeed.
The Power of Global Media: Trump's Popedom
"Germany is baffled by the coverage," I thought to myself after two days of watching predictable clichés unravel on television. I switched to Washington and learned, before any poll even came out, that the election of an American as Pope was "connected with great hope," and that "this Pope can be a uniting force." Only the faithful will be blessed. Trump thinks he's the better Pope. The whole thing reminded me of the jubilation that followed a World Cup win. After Argentina bagged the trophy in 2022, a Buenos Aires reporter on ARD's Morning Magazine declared, "People often suffer from these conditions in their daily lives. And now this - this redemption, this recognition, this fighting spirit that they also need in their daily lives." Now the chainsaw's spinning. The new Pope certainly won't be using it. Thank goodness.
Source: ntv.de
- Pope Francis
- Rome
- Religions
- Catholic Church
- Given Thomas Schmoll's critique of the focus on the Sistine Chapel chimney by German media, one could argue that the community policy on news coverage prioritizes theoportunity for sensationalism over in-depth analysis of achievements and issues.
- In contrast to the ecstatic reactions from people in Pope Leo XIV's former diocese in Peru, Thomas Schmoll, an atheist, expressed indifference towards the Pope's election, questioning the significance it holds for most Germans.
- While discussing the Church's domination by male leaders, Thomas Schmoll highlighted Pope Leo XIV's ability to listen as a notable step forward, especially since this quality is generally overlooked in Catholic confession.
- In a TV interview with ARD's Morning Magazine, a Bueno Aires reporter used the analogy of the World Cup win to describe the impact of an Argentine Pope, likening the jubilation to the redeeming power needed in people's daily lives, evoking a comparison between religion and entertainment.
- Lamenting the bizarre hype surrounding Pope Leo XIV, Thomas Schmoll expressed reservations about the focus on a Pope who, despite elevated expectations, may not bring about significant change on LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, or other contentious issues within the Catholic Church.
