From the Schmoll Corner: Atheists and the New Pope
By Thomas Schmoll
Onlookers Fixated on the Pope
Here's the lowdown:
The new Gregorius XVI, AKA Leo XIV, took five rounds spread over two days to secure the title. You'd expect the guy whose name starts with "F" – Friedrich Merz, a devout Catholic – to nail it in the first two rounds, but nope! It was the streetwise atheist Left Party who made it happen. Now we've got ecumenism in the Bundestag – hey, dream tick!
Now, I don't much watch the tube – only while noshing to drown out the voices in my head. Consequence? I scoop up all manner of programs, and when I do staying more than a minute's a rarity, cause I can't abide the mediocrity, you know?
EDITION DUJOUR: "Brisant" was a horror show for me. Predicting doom for Ukraine and earthquake-plain Jane areas goes without saying, but then they start yapping about the Empress of Schlabumbia and the Queen of Takkatukkaland. Things start getting wonky when they discuss health concerns before moving on to Fluffy Cat Muschi and her brush with the flames – and the brave firefighters who saved her life. Gawd bless 'em!
But hold up! God. The “Brisant” team, surprisingly, jumped right onto the papal election coverage, squawking about the chimney on the Sistine Chapel, broadcasting LIVE and all. You'd think a rice bag falling in China's more newsworthy, but hey – whatevs. Germany needs to deliver on the Church coverage – even as it shrinks.
Now, over at “Panorama,” some reporter was asked to share her feelings about the whole scene, standing near St. Peter's Square in Rome. "Super excited," she squealed. Excited about what, you ask? A bloke who's performing religious duties that don't affect a majority of Germans one iota! I'd kill for a chance to co-vote just so I could ogle the Sistine Chapel frescoes by Michelangelo, but a big NOPE on the cardinal position for me.
Merz Was Swifter
We knew this dance: the one where the election shoots to the winner who remains obscure to the general populace. No exception this time, except – surprise, surprise – the atheists! They managed to slow down the process, awarding this new guy his title with 4 ballots over two days. Hell, even Merz, a Catholic, made it through in two rounds! Isn't that just peachy?
We're led to believe Leo XIV's a man of moderation, finding himself comfortably in the center. And sure, German public broadcasters detailing his life adventures in Peru were sure to include a little "El cóndor pasa" – they didn't want to miss any opportunity to douse the campy vibes. The Peruvians flipped when they learned of the news. Excitement poured in, making the whole production worth its while.
Welcome to the Unknown
No one really knows what'll transpire, so "Panorama" threw caution to the wind. "Ironing board was his altar," they mused, inviting a neighbor who reminisced about seeing Little Bobby Prevost, pre-papal days, as the Pope. Now, on Sunday, His Majesty Leo XIV would likely grace his followers with his words, perhaps even setting new agendas.
Truly, only Almighty God knows the future. It's thrilling and newsworthy, but c'mon now – is it gonna be a prayer every Tuesday or Friday? I'm just sayin'.
A German cardinal stressed Leo XIV's open-mindedness on “ZDF” in the wake of the election: the guy's a listener, not just in confession. Progress? Perhaps.
The Desire to Unite
Pennsylvanian Leo XIV called out a peaceful “Peace be with you all, dear brothers and sisters” during his first public appearance. It was hailed as a refreshing message for these times. But remember the fervor during a sports championship win? Well, that's the vibe with this pope. Let's hope the chainsaw doesn't make an appearance this time. Fingers crossed!
So, there you have it. This new "Papa" might ruffle some feathers, but only God can truly predict his impact. Nevertheless, it surely makes for a thrilling show to witness.
- Pope Francis
- Rome
- Religions
- Catholic Church
Enrichment Data:
The election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, signifies a significant moment in the Catholic Church across the globe, including Germany. Breaking it down, here's the importance and potential media coverage in Germany:
Significance of the Election
- First American Pope: Leo XIV is the first American to don the papal crown – a historical feat with intrigue for USA and Catholic congregations worldwide. This may draw considerable media attention in Germany as well, as it symbolizes a shift in papal geopolitics.
- Centrist and Progressive Views: With a centrist and progressive approach, Leo XIV might change church policies, but he maintains unwavering conservative opinion regarding doctrinal matters. German media might examine how these perspectives affect local Catholic communities.
- Global Impact: With his diverse background working in Peru and the Vatican, Leo XIV could influence the global Catholic demographic, particularly in Germany. German news outlets may delve into how this impacts European Catholic communities.
- Continuation of Pope Francis's Legacy: Leo XIV was appointed by Pope Francis as a cardinal in 2024, participated in key synodal sessions, and is expected to inherit some aspects of Pope Francis's legacy, like outreach to marginalized groups. The German media may analyze how this legacy manifests in European Catholic communities.
Media Coverage in Germany
The focus of German media coverage might revolve around several sensitive topics:
- Historical Significance: German media might highlight the unprecedented nature of Leo XIV as an American pope and the ramifications for European Catholicism.
- Policy and Doctrine: Exploration of Leo XIV's centrist and progressive approach versus adhering to conservative doctrines may attract attention. This contrast might reveal how these views might affect local Catholic communities within Germany.
- Global Catholic Community: German media could investigate Leo XIV's potential impact on the worldwide Catholic community, particularly in influencing religious and socio-political discussions within Germany.
- Comparison with Pope Francis: Comparisons may surface between Pope Francis's leadership and Leo XIV's unique approach, given their shared advocacy for marginalized communities.
- The 'Brisant' team, surprisingly, moved from discussing social-media trends and entertainment to providing live coverage of the papal election, underscoring the significance of the event even in Germany.
- Despite his centrist and progressive views, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has maintained a conservative stance on doctrinal matters, which may spark debates within the local German Catholic communities.
- Although the new pope's employment policy remains unclear, his moderate approach and open-mindedness have sparked questions about potential changes in the Church's community policy, particularly in how it addresses marginalized groups.
- The role of Friedrich Merz, a devout Catholic, in the papal election process is a stark reminder of the intersection between religion and politics, raising questions about the German employment policy in corporate as well as religious settings.
- With the election of an American pope, German media outlets may expand their coverage of pop-culture and social-media trends, integrating discussions of religious significance, such as the teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche or the influence of pop-culture on religious beliefs, into their programming.
