From the Schmoll's Slant: The New Pope's Papal Coronation
A Column by Thomas Schmoll
Onlookers Observing the Pope Unblinkingly
A Few Clicks, Not Much Small TalkThat's about as much TV I usually watch, just a little something to drown out the noise in my head while I chow down. The snippets vary, rarely lasting longer than a minute, because let's face it, the trivialized representations of humanity reduced to microscopic intelligence for the masses can be a little hard to stomach.
Shows like "Brisant" really test my patience, especially when they hurriedly switch from tragic humanitarian crises in Ukraine or earthquake-stricken regions to pondering the health of Schlabumbian monarchs and Katkatukkaland queens. But the fire department's miraculous rescue of the fluffy feline Muschi somehow manages to grab everyone's attention, with the rescue crew gushing about her improved condition. Whew!
A Pope, Awaited with Anticipation
You guessed it! I tuned into "Brisant" and caught wind of the stir surrounding the impending papal election. With live images of the Sistine Chapel chimney, the anticipation was palpable, and everybody was on edge, waiting for the color of the smoke to indicate the election of a new pope. The excitement was fever pitch, with one enthusiastic woman declaring her sheer giddiness.
The chimney could've been pointing straight up, adorning the roof, and any other station would've reported in-depth on the papal election. The Catholic Church carries significant weight in Germany and, in the midst of a rapidly shrinking congregation, it's a spectacle that Germany can't help but gawk at.
The Patience of a Saint
I found myself glued to the screen for days, witnessing one predictable pundit after another. The new Pope, Leo XIV, was expectedly little-known beyond Vatican circles, but even lesser-known figures tend to emerge victorious in such elections. I was simply waiting for the traditional Confederate anthems to play after his first public appearance. But, alas, no Confederate flag-waving Pope.
In any case, it's a wonder that Maybrit Illner didn't cover the event. I switched to Washington to escape the mind-numbing clichés. And, as predicted, the American papacy was met with great hope and saw the new Pope as a unifying force. Believe it or not, even Trump-the-Peacemaker claimed he could do a better job.
A Brighter Future for Catholicism?
Leo XIV emphasized peace during his first public appearance and vowed to prioritize accountability and transparency, particularly regarding clergy abuse. The American pope's election could potentially have far-reaching implications, balancing progressive views on social issues with conservative perspectives on church doctrine. This includes opposing the ordination of women as deacons, as well as tackling sensitive topics like clerical abuse.
The transformation in Germany's Catholic Church could be significant, with the American influence potentially leading to reforms and shifting the Church's stance on various matters. German media is expected to closely monitor these developments, paying close attention to how the Church addresses issues like social justice, clergy accountability, and whether it can navigate the delicate balance between tradition and modernity.
- The community policy of the Catholic Church, addressing issues like accountability and transparency, particularly regarding clergy abuse, might undergo significant changes with the appointment of Pope Leo XIV.
- Employment policies within the Church could experience reformation as the papacy shifts from Europe to America, potentially leading to a more progressive stance on gender roles, such as opposing the ordination of women as deacons.
- The election of the moderate Pope Leo XIV might have a significant impact on the Church's entertainment sphere, sparking discussions about its role in pop-culture, social-media, movies-and-TV, and even the depictions of celebrities and pop-culture in mainstream media.
- The papal coronation of Pope Leo XIV was closely observed not just by Catholic followers, but also by secular media, similar to the attention given to papal events by mainstream German media, much like the coverage of the rescue of Muschi, the fluffy feline.
- In the midst of a rapidly shrinking congregation, the Catholic Church continues to hold significance in Germany, just as the figure of the new pope, Leo XIV, holds symbolic importance for both the Church and the country, much like a papal figure might hold for followers of other religions or even secular leaders in different communities and cultures.
