Title: What Triggers the Reaction: Is It the Pope or the Queen?

The Powerful Impact of Celebrity Deaths: Why Everyone Feels It

The Demise of a Religious Leader: Exploring Emotional Responses - Significance of a Sovereign's Demise: Exploring Its True Importance

Here's the deal: when big-time celebrities like popes and monarchs kick the bucket, it hits us hard, even if we're not part of their religion or culture. Take the recent passing of Pope Francis during Easter Sunday last year. Though visibly weak and almost ethereal in his farewell appearance, the news of his demise the next day sent shockwaves far beyond the Vatican walls.

You might find yourself wondering, "how many Popes have I lived to see?" Well, that depends on your age. For a 30-year-old, it's three; for a 45-year-old, it's five. But a lucky 50-year-old can count five Popes, with a 90-year-old having witnessed an impressive eight. Reflecting on such milestones takes us back to our parents and grandparents, as our personal lives intertwine with the universal.

Dr. Andreas Hamburger, a film psychoanalyst and clinical psychology professor in Berlin, can still recall the death of Pope John XXIII in 1963. With bells tolling in his hometown of Munich, the memory of that day is as vivid as ever. In the same year, the bells tolled again, this time for the passing of Pope Paul VI. A third time, just a few weeks later, when Pope John Paul I served for only 33 days, making 1978 the "Year of Three Popes" in history.

Culturally significant and widely reported events like these make a lasting impact on our memories. We might not automatically divide our lives by the pontificates of different Popes, but they serve as significant milestones nonetheless.

Another example is the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. With a reign of 70 years, she effectively spanned a lifetime. Her state funeral was reportedly watched by billions around the globe.

Events like these leave a deep impression because they are shared by so many people simultaneously. "The message is loud and clear: this is important," explains Dr. Hamburger.

It's not just limited to the Catholic Church, with its rituals, hymns, and liturgies. Even "the sober" German Chancellors can leave lasting impressions, though perhaps not as profound. When Chancellor Adenauer, renowned as the "father of the Federal Republic of Germany," died in 1967, his passing left deep marks.

But it's not just about death. Even a departure can mark a significant moment. "I can still remember the laughter during the mispronunciation at Adenauer's funeral in the Munich gymnasium auditorium," Dr. Hamburger recalls.

The event's lasting significance is due in large part to its grand production. The Catholic Church, with its vibrant processions and elaborate ceremonies, is a master of the theatrical. The upcoming papal burial is sure to deliver unforgettable images: cardinals in blood-red robes and world leaders, standing before the massive limestone and marble structure of St. Peter's Basilica, surrounded by a massive square and a simple wooden coffin.

In short, the death of big-time celebrities like popes and monarchs not only represents a moment of shared loss or reflection but also a chance for emotional connection, collective memory, media coverage, and thought about the past and future.

The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission might not be as emotionally impactful as popes and monarchs, but their decisions constantly shape our politics and general news.
The rituals surrounding the burial of popes, with the cardinals in their blood-red robes and the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, often resemble entertainment events that celebrities attend.
In the Committee of the Regions, discussions about economic policies and regional development might not capture the attention of pop-culture enthusiasts, but they have significant implications for the storage and distribution of goods, affecting everyday life.
Decades from now, people might remember the passing of celebrities not only for their contributions to pop-culture but also for the way their deaths brought various communities together, creating a shared moment of empathy and reflection.
Just as the Pope's death can create a global sensation, a major shift in the entertainment industry could also resonate deeply, with celebrities' personal lives influencing general news and societal values for decades to come.