Social Media Buzz Surrounds Papal Conclave Following Pope Francis’ Passing
The election of a new Pope is generating significant excitement and online activity, proving that even centuries-old traditions can find a vibrant audience in the digital age. From humorous AI-generated images of Donald Trump as Pope to videos showcasing potential papal candidates channeling Formula 1 racers, social media platforms are awash with content related to the conclave in Rome.
The event, a closed-door assembly where cardinals elect the next leader of the Catholic Church, has captivated internet users and inspired creativity across the web.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently shared a photo on his Truth Social platform, depicting him in papal attire. The image, likely created using artificial intelligence, shows Trump solemnly seated, adorned in the white papal robes, mitre, and a large golden cross. His left hand rests on his thigh, while his right index finger points towards the sky. This image exemplifies the humorous and often imaginative content flooding the internet since the passing of Pope Francis on April 21st.
According to the media monitoring platform Visibrain, over 1.3 million tweets have been posted regarding the conclave since the Pope’s death. The topic has also garnered a staggering 363.3 million views on TikTok, demonstrating the widespread engagement of a younger demographic.
An online game called “Fantapapa” has even been created, allowing users to choose their favorite cardinals and make predictions, mirroring the format of sports betting. This interactive element further contributes to the widespread interest.
Refka Payssan, a doctoral candidate and researcher in Information and Communication Sciences, observes that the conclave’s strong visual symbolism, including the closed-door election in the Sistine Chapel, the suspenseful atmosphere, and the iconic black or white smoke signals, lends itself well to the narrative formats prevalent on social media. She also notes a certain curiosity about witnessing history unfolding in real time, as the conclave is perceived as a rare and historic event.
Stéphanie Laporte, founder of OTTA, a digital strategy consulting agency, adds that "the conclave is a mix of gold, protocol, and pomp, but also secrecy and mystery," all carefully maintained by the Vatican.
Laporte believes that "young people like to speculate" and explains that "on social media, everyone has an opinion, everyone wants to decipher information, look for clues, and know which cardinal will become Pope. It’s almost an escape game," where individuals use observation, deduction, and logic to unravel the mystery.
Beyond the Catholic community, Laporte notes that "young people are very aware of the Pope’s influence on hundreds of millions, even billions of people, whether it’s his position on contraception or the environment." This broader awareness drives interest beyond religious affiliation.
The surge of interest in the conclave can also be attributed to the Vatican’s "digital adaptation" efforts in recent years to connect with younger generations. The Pope’s official X account, created in 2012 by Benedict XVI but actively utilized by Francis, boasts 50 million followers across nine languages. The late Pope’s Instagram account has also amassed over ten million followers.
Many cardinals have also embraced social media. Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, regularly posts videos about his days in Rome leading up to the conclave, attracting nearly 300,000 followers on X and 55,000 on Instagram. Guinean Cardinal Robert Sarah shares his prayers and meditations online. Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, known for his moderate views, is gaining popularity through karaoke videos and has over 600,000 followers on Facebook.
Laporte emphasizes that cardinals are "absolutely fascinating characters who have entered ‘pop culture’," fueling public enthusiasm. This phenomenon is further amplified by works such as Dan Brown’s "Angels & Demons," adapted into a film in 2009, and the more recent thriller "Conclave" by German director Edward Berger, which has achieved success in theaters and on streaming platforms.
Despite the digital excitement, the rules of the conclave remain strict. Once the doors are locked, no details are to be leaked. Until the new Pope appears on the balcony, internet users, like everyone else, will have to wait for news of their favorite cardinals. This combination of centuries-old tradition and modern digital engagement makes the papal conclave a uniquely captivating event in the 21st century. The digital sphere provides a space for speculation, humor, and engagement, all while the actual election remains shrouded in secrecy. This tension only amplifies the public’s interest and makes the eventual announcement of the new Pope even more eagerly awaited. The conclave is not just a religious event; it is now a global media phenomenon, driven by social media’s ability to connect people and amplify narratives.
