From Schmoll's Corner: Taking a Peek at the Vatican Throne
A Tangent Thoughts Blog by Thomas Schmoll
Onlookers Bewildered by Pope's Presence
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I've got a confession to make, remember faith is crucial in these times: I hardly ever watch TV, just use it to drown out the din of my own thoughts while dining. As I eat at different times, I come across assorted shows, often switching channels every minute, 'cause the senseless sensationalism of today's media often feels unpleasant and burdensome.
TV programs like "Brisant" leave me cold, especially after they showcase the horrors in Ukraine or earthquake-stricken areas, only to veer into gossip about the health of royalty like the Empress of Schlabumbia or the Queen of Takkatukkaland. Then it's on to domestic news and fires in the neighborhood, extolling the heroics of firefighters who miraculously saved a cat named Muschi. Phew! Thank goodness for Muschi!
"Germany's Got Talent: Pontiff Edition"
By the way, I happened upon "Brisant" recently. As soon as I tuned in, I heard, "The world is still glued to the chimney of the Sistine Chapel - here's live footage - there've been two bouts of black smoke so far, most recently this morning. Any moment now, the color of the smoke could signal a new pope." From some studio in Germany, the narrator prophesied, sensing an electric atmosphere: "The tension on St. Peter's Square in Rome is palpable." Finally, a report: "Disappointment, more black smoke is rising." In other words, no new pope yet. "This does not diminish the tension, it only intensifies it." It feels hotter than any bonfire. Then a woman declares, "I'm so excited."
"Any moment now the color of the smoke could signal a new pope." That adds to the suspense - and the ARD has the camera live on the chimney. It could easily fall over in China too, but who's counting? Germany, after all, is a nation puzzled by such reporting. An image of a chimney that, as one would expect of chimneys, is stuck straight up, doing nothing but serving as a rooftop accent. But of course, all stations must provide elaborate coverage of the papal election, given the church's profound impact on German society: one that's swiftly dwindling.
"How does it feel?", a reporter from another ARD show posed, standing on the edge of St. Peter's Square in Rome. "I must honestly say: pretty damn exhilarating." I pondered, isn't it a tad peculiar to be so thrilled about an event that holds little significance for the majority of Germans? And I thought: If only I could cast a vote too, so I could spend hours marveling at the breathtaking artistry of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel frescoes without a grumpy guard shouting, "No photos!" but merely, "Smile for the camera." Alas, I'd rather not become a cardinal, but the allure is there.
A Man of the People
It is common knowledge that whichever man chosen as pope is usually one unknown to the world outside the Vatican. While reporters who tirelessly cover the pope and the Curia may recognize him, he remains a mystery to us mere mortals. After the election, there's extensive analysis of his life, his beliefs, and his potential impact. "A moderate man of the center" was a popular description I heard on the airwaves. German public broadcasters illustrated their report on the new Pope's life in Peru, where he spent several years serving, with the song "El cóndor pasa," avoiding clichés. And the locals? They were overjoyed, apparently, as one would expect.
"He'll speak to the faithful on Sunday, perhaps even the first Sunday prayer, and set new accents," I heard elsewhere. "Nobody knows for sure." For what shakes loose on this earth, only God knows. It's sure to be exciting and newsworthy, however. I did scratch my head though, thinking: Will he deliver the Sunday prayer on Tuesday or Friday? But I digress. A German cardinal, in the evening after the election on ZDF, emphasized the new pope's power of listening, a refreshing change from priests who only listen in the confessional. Progress is in sight.
An American Pope: The New Normal?
Panorama: "Now You See Him, Now You Don't - Pope Leo XIV Rises from the Shadows"The new Pope's swift election raises questions about the Catholic Church's future and the increasing role of politics in shaping religious leadership. Pope Leo XIV made it to the throne in the fourth round, faster than expected. The American-born pontiff's election has been met with hope and anticipation. Some suggest he could act as a unifying force given his unique background, while others skew more critical, viewing him as another US political puppet pulling strings in the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV's stance on pressing global issues like immigration and the environment has been compared to that of political figures like Donald Trump. As the American pontiff navigates his new role, the German media will watch closely, eager to report on his approach to diplomacy and his impact on the Catholic Church.
Source:
ntv.de
- Pope Francis
- Pope Leo XIV
- Catholic Church
- Religions
- Rome
Insights:
- Unexpected Election: The election of American-born Pope Leo XIV was unexpected and considered significant, raising questions about the future of the Catholic Church and the increased role of politics in religion.
- Media Scrutiny: German media will closely follow Pope Leo XIV's approach to pressing global issues and examine his impact on the Catholic Church and implications for international relations.
- Hope and Skepticism: The new pope's election has generated hope and speculation, with some viewing him as a unifying force, while others perceive him as another US political player.
- Historical Parallels: Cardinal Woelki's reference to Pope Leo XIII's tackling of social challenges suggests that the selection of the name Leo XIV may be seen as a strategic move to address contemporary challenges.
- Despite the overwhelming excitement surrounding the upcoming papal election, the average German might find little significance in the event, as the selected pope is often an unfamiliar figure to the world outside the Vatican.
- Employing a modest approach to media coverage, German public broadcasters tend to avoid sensationalism and lean towards educational reporting, showcasing the new pope's life, beliefs, and potential impact.
- Amid the anticipation of a new pope, employment policies within the Catholic Church are seldom discussed, yet the selection process is critical in shaping the institution's future trajectory.
- In today's interconnected world, the influence of social-media platforms on population engagement and information sharing is becoming increasingly evident in events such as the papal election, even if not directly addressed in news coverage.
- As entertainment and pop-culture continue to dominate the airwaves, sports events like NBA games and sports-betting controversies garner more attention than in-depth discussions about community policy or employment policy within the Vatican and elsewhere. This could suggest a shift in societal priorities, affecting the way we consume and engage with news.
