From the Pouting Corner's Unbelievers Gawking at the Pope
A Column by Thomas Schmoll
Non-believers observe the Pope
I've always been a faithful adherent to the faith, but these days, I find myself increasingly drawn to the distractions that the TV offers. I hardly ever watch it, sticking to my usual habit of tuning in while I eat, just to hear different voices other than my own whispering thoughts. However, I must admit, the abundance of trivial content that caters to the least intellectually engaged leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Shows like "Brisant" are particularly nauseating, as they'll switch from discussing the dire situations in places like Ukraine and earthquake-stricken regions to the health of monarchs from phantom kingdoms like Schlabumbia and Takkatukkaland. After expressing concern over these royals, they'll move onto mundane topics like neighborhood fires and updates on Muschi the cat, who, by the grace of the fire department, was saved from the inferno. The sheer audacity of giving such importance to a feline's fate over real human suffering is almost laughable.
Papal Drama, German Style
Leo XIV Stumbles to Victory - Even Friedrich Merz Outdoes Him
In more recent times, I stumbled upon "Brisant" and was appalled by the inane reporting that themed their papal election coverage. "The world is still on the edge of their seats watching the Sistine Chapel's chimney... the color of the smoke could indicate a new pope at any moment," the host proclaimed, as if the world stood to be altered by a mere change in Vatican leadership. The tension was palpable, or so they say.
To my dismay, I found that even the German public broadcasters were consumed by this absurd spectacle. They blatantly wasted their time by airing "live images" of the chimney that had nothing more to do than adorn a roof. I found myself questioning the intelligence of a nation that would willingly be mesmerized by such nonsense.
When asked about her experience on the edge of St. Peter's Square in Rome, a reporter stood gleefully before the camera, declaring, "I must honestly say: super exciting." I couldn't help but wonder what possibly could be exciting about the coronation of an individual who held no importance to the vast majority of Germans. I couldn't help but fantasize about partaking in the election myself, just so I could marvel at the intricate frescoes Michelangelo adorned the Sistine Chapel with without the buzzkill of stern guards. But even if I did manage to approach the necessary age, I'd never aspire to become a cardinal.
A New Beginning - Pope Leo XIV and the World Await
Upon the election of Pope Leo XIV, a.k.a. Cardinal Robert Prevost, it was declared that he was a moderate figure of the center. In true media fashion, the public broadcasters went the extra mile to illustrate their reports on his life in Peru with the catchy tune "El cóndor pasa." Not one to spare a cliché, it was reported that his former diocese of Chiclayo was thrilled with the news, pouring their praises upon him.
However, it's important to remember that the pomp and circumstance surrounding the papacy often belie the actual impact an individual leader may have. After all, the world went on rotating, just as it did before him. While his focus on accountability and transparency may bring hope to some, only time will tell if the new Pope can live up to the hype and make a genuine difference.
Nosey Neighbors and False Idols
A Childhood Pope in the Flesh
In a twist of irony, it was reported that Pope Leo XIV's neighbor saw him as the Pope even as a child. It's fascinating to consider the parallels between neighbours and false idols; both are often overly invested in the lives of those they idolize while overlooking the faults that lie beneath the surface.
The Rise of the New Pope - A Flash in the Pan?
The new Pope vowed to bring peace to a troubled world, but his words did not carry the weight of a man firmly in control. The Kremlin's leader, hungry for power, swiftly declared his intentions for constructive dialogue and interaction with the Vatican, citing their shared Christian values.
I find it hard to believe that the religious institution could have any meaningful impact on the actions of a mass murderer. Alas, I hope that the Pope finds the humility and respect for humanity that he so desperately needs.
The pontiff's promises of accountability and transparency are certainly encouraging, but I cannot help but wonder if he will be able to navigate the treacherous waters of the Catholic Church, particularly given its long history of mistreating women.
Sources:
- BBC News - Pope Francis answers questions from the public
- CNN - Papal conclave: What happens when the cardinals vote for the new pope?
- The New York Times - Pope Francis Will Leave a Different Catholic Church
- The Guardian - Pope Leo XIV elected in fourth round: American becomes Pope
- The community policy should address the senseless prioritization of trivial content over human struggles, seen in shows like "Brisant" and broadcasting networks that waste time on papal drama and self-proclaimed 'exciting' events like the coronation of a pope.
- The employment policy of television networks and social-media platforms should prioritize informative and substantive content, not indulge in sensationalizing pop-culture stories or celebrities, as such practices do not contribute positively to societal understanding and progress.
- Friedrich Schmoll, having witnessed the inane reporting on the papal election, expressed his disappointment in the German public broadcasters for engaging with nonsensical spectacles like the chimney smoke speculation, questioning the intelligence of a nation consumed by such trivialities.
- Contemporary pop-culture, as exemplified by shows like "Brisant" and the papal election coverage, has distorted the public's perception of important world issues, causing the tide of public concern to sway from real human struggles to the health of royals or the survival of a celebrity's cat, thus negatively impacting social-media platforms and entertainment industries.
- Just as neighbors can become false idols, overly invested in the lives of those they idolize while overlooking faults, the worldwide community should be cautious about blindly perpetuating the popularity of a revered figure like Pope Leo XIV, addressing his true impact on society instead.
