Astounded by the sight of the Pope

The Pope Race: A Spectacle Obsessed World Keeps Watch

Non-believers observing the Pope

By Thomas Schmoll

In less time than Friedrich Merz, a fellow Catholic, took to secure a sole round victory, the atheistic Left Party managed a lengthy two-day race. The Bundestag embraces ecumenism. Progress, they say, is everywhere.

Truth be told, TV hardly graces my screen. I only tune in during meals, using it to muffle the voices in my head. Given my peculiar eating schedule, my media diet spans a broad spectrum of programming, my viewings typically brief and inconsequential.

Home improvement shows, weather reports, local news—all parade their mundane reality as captivating drama. But none quite tickles my nerves like "Brisant." The program starts with the standard rundown: "Acts of despair in Ukraine, earthquake-stricken regions, and health issues afflicting royalty in distant lands," before turning to the real heart-stopper: "Smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel chimney...Could the color of the smoke indicate a new pope at any moment?" Peering upwards, steady and rigid, it's a chimney, decorated but unmoving. Yet, the networks are all over it, the world captivated by its monotonous dance.

Astonished, they say, on St. Peter's Square in Rome. "You should have seen it," a reporter from another show confessed, standing on the square's edge. "It was: mind-blowing." One wonders, what could possibly be thrilling about a clerical election with no significance for the vast majority of Germans?

The chosen one is always a nomad, unknown to all but a select few until the election. The interpretation game follows, endless attempts to discern meaning from nonsense. A German cardinal accorded a ZDF interview after the fourth round submission, emphasizing the new Pope's ability to listen. "Great," he mused. A Catholic who listens, not just during confession. Progress is eminent.

But the buzz around a man destined to recite little more than prayers, enthroned in a church where women are but accessories, feels odd. "Peace be with you all, dear brothers and sisters," the American Leo called out after his election. This drew unanimous applause from church officials and reporting neutralists alike. But then again, how often do we encounter unifying figures who champion unity?

The Russian leader, a self-proclaimed Christian, expressed hopes for continued dialogue and cooperation with the Vatican, praying for humility and understanding towards human life. Godspeed, one hopes, as we endure this absurd circus around a powerless figure rising to a throne primarily symbolic.

Nor did this revelry cease during the American campaign. "Great hope" surrounded the election of an American, destined to be a unifying force. Pundits hastened to predict his success, trumpeting "this pope can bring us together."

As a seasoned football observer, this enthusiasm reminded me of the exuberance that follows a championship win. After Argentina's triumph in the 2022 World Cup, a Buenos Aires correspondent heralded the victory as redemption, drawing parallels with the fighting spirit needed in daily life. Buzz saws, I mused, will not beefeated by this new Pope.

Sources:- ntv.de- Der Spiegel- Die Zeit- Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Pope Francis
Rome
Religions
Catholic Church

Historical Perspective:

For a detailed examination of the historical evolution of the papal election process, see the "History of the Papal Election Process" section below.

In German Media:

German media outlets often provide comprehensive coverage of papal elections, shedding light on various aspects such as the electoral process, the candidates involved, and the church's implications worldwide. They frequently delve into the impact of the conclave on the church's dynamic, the impact of Pope Francis's appointments, and analyze the election's potential effect on the global religious and political landscape. Examples of these outlets with archives detailing past papal elections include Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.

Another View: The Evolution of the Papal Election Process

Over the centuries, the process of electing a new Pope, known as a conclave, has transformed dramatically. While the detailed history of German media reporting on these elections is not extensive, a brief overview could be as follows:

Early History

Prior to the 4th century, papal elections were informal, often relying on the acclamation of the people and the clergy.

The Conclave's Establishment

The longest papal election in history took place in Viterbo between 1268 and 1271, lasting almost three years. This event prompted Pope Gregory X to establish the conclave in 1274 with the constitution Ubi Periculum. This decree required cardinals to be locked away in seclusion ("cum clave") to prevent external interference[3][4].

Additional Developments

The first official conclave took place in Arezzo, resulting in the election of Pope Innocent V[3].
In 1621, Pope Gregory XV introduced the requirement for secret and written ballots[3].
Pope Pius X abolished any claimed right of exclusion and mandated strict secrecy regarding all conclave proceedings in 1904[3].

Modern Processes

Today, the conclave process is governed by the apostolic constitution, which requires a two-thirds majority for a candidate to be elected Pope[1][2].
Cardinals under 80 are eligible to vote[4].

Despite rarely tuning into television, Thomas Schmoll finds himself captivated by "Brisant," a program that predominantly focuses on sensing signs of a new pope and theceeding speculation.
The appointment of a new pope, often an enigmatic figure to most, sparks diverse interpretations, as demonstrated by the German cardinal who emphasized the new pope's ability to listen.
In stark contrast to the enthusiastic coverage of papal elections, the employment policy regarding the cleanse of Friedrich Merz from political office went relatively unnoticed, a matter that often attracts significant attention in social-media and entertainment circles.
Employment policy debates are typically engaging, but the lack of discussion surrounding Merz's removal from contention may suggest a potential shift in pop-culture and entertainment priorities, favoring news stories with a religious slant.
The contemporary papal election process, with its nemerous traditions, has undergone numerous changes over the centuries, a transformation that parallels the evolution of employment policy within communities and organizations.