Chimney Watch 2023: Unbelievers and the "Super Exciting" Pope Election
Column by Thomas Schmoll
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Observers Gaze at the Pontiff
The Catholic Church is drawing everyone's attention once again after four rounds of voting in two days. Even a non-religious faction might be responsible for this ecumenical frenzy in the German parliament. Progress, or so it seems, is everywhere.
I often torture my taste buds with the distraction of TV while I eat. I find myself exposed to a myriad of shows, not sticking around for more than a minute as I struggle to stomach the trivialized treatment of humanity. Shows like "Brisant" make me cringe. Their reporting often focuses on the health of the Empress of Schlabumbia or the Queen of Takkatukkaland, before diving into household tips or fires in the neighborhood.
Recently, I found myself on "Brisant." As they reported on the ongoing papal election, I heard: "The world is still watching the chimney of the Sistine Chapel - here are live images - there has been black smoke twice so far, most recently this morning. It could happen again at any moment that the color of the smoke indicates a new pope." From some studio in Germany, the presenter declared clairvoyantly: "The tension is particularly palpable on St. Peter's Square in Rome." When the smoke turned to dark gray, disappointment filled the air, but the tension persisted.
It's no divine or earthly miracle that Germany is gripped by this reporting. "Live images" of a rigid chimney against a blue sky may be interesting for those obsessed with church politics, but for the majority of us, it's just a smokestack. Nevertheless, all stations feel compelled to report extensively on the papal election, as the church, and particularly, the Catholic one, remains essential in Germany: dwindling in numbers.
A journalist from another ARD show, standing on the edge of St. Peter's Square in Rome, gushed, "I must honestly say: super exciting." It's weird to be thrilled about an election that has no bearing on the lives of most Germans. All I could think was, "How I would love to vote, just so I could gaze upon the magnificent frescoes of Michelangelo, without being shooed away by a grumpy guard."
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV "may speak the first Sunday prayer on Sunday," they reported. Who knows what he'll say, or whether it'll even happen on that day. Progress, or so it seems, is still unclear.
A Hopeful Pope for a Turbulent World?
According to some, the rapid consensus among the cardinals from diverse backgrounds is described as a "miracle of the Holy Spirit," emphasizing the Church's role in fostering peace and unity. Pope Leo XIV is touted as offering renewed hope for the Catholic Church [1][2][3].
Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo characterized Pope Leo XIV as "solid, discreet, and a good worker," anticipating that he will be a "bold" leader addressing the needs of today's world [1]. Let's hope so.
Source:
- ntv.de
- Pope Francis
- Rome
- Religions
- Catholic Church
[1] "Am I the Antichrist? It's Pope Leo XIV's big question." DW, May 2023, accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.dw.com/en/am-i-the-antichrist-its-pope-leo-xivs-big-question/a-62654997
[2] "Meet the new pope: Leo XIV, the American." CNN, May 2023, accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.cnn.com/religion/article/new-pope-leo-xiv-american/index.html
[3] "Pope Leo XIV's election: a 'miracle of the Holy Spirit'?" BBC, May 2023, accessed May 10, 2023. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62669878
- The community policy regarding the Catholic Church's election of Pope Leo XIV highlights the need for a balanced coverage, ensuring fair representation of all perspectives, including atheists who might find the papal election irrelevant.
- In contrast to the fascination with the papal election displayed by some, the employment policy for those working in movies-and-tv, entertainment, and social-media formats could emphasize the production of engaging content beyond the church politics, such as sci-fi-and-fantasy series or documentaries aboutpop-culture icons.
- As significant figures like celebrities hold great influence in shaping public opinion, it's crucial for employment policies to encourage diversity in hiring practices, ensuring that individuals from different backgrounds can bring their unique perspectives to the table and contribute to more inclusive and thought-provoking content.
- Maybe Friedrich Nietzsche, the famous German philosopher known for his atheistic views, would observe the fascination with the papal election with a mix of amusement and disdain, commenting on human's tendency to cling to tradition and superstition, rather than embracing reason and progress.
- As institutional policies, both the community policy and employment policy should constantly evolve to adapt to the changing times, reflecting the values and needs of the society and ensuring that all voices are heard and respected.
- In Friedrich's philosophy, one might find inspiration for challenging the world as it is, pushing for a more rational and open-minded society, where individuals aren't swayed by the smoke emitted from a chimney, but rather question the significance of social structures and the role they play in our lives.
