Social Media Erupts as World Awaits New Pope, Dubbing Conclave "Catholic Superbowl"
The world watched with bated breath this week as the College of Cardinals convened in Vatican City to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. The gravity of the event, however, did not prevent it from becoming a viral sensation across social media platforms, where content creators and everyday users alike weighed in with humorous takes, memes, and satirical skits. The conclave, a highly secretive and tradition-rich process, was playfully dubbed the "Catholic Superbowl" or the "Pope Games" by many online, reflecting a unique blend of reverence and irreverence.
The selection process began in earnest on Wednesday, following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21. A gathering of 133 cardinals, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the globe, secluded themselves within the Vatican walls to engage in the solemn duty of choosing the next pontiff. The process, shrouded in centuries of tradition, involves a series of secret ballots, with a two-thirds majority required to secure the election of a new pope.
On Thursday afternoon, the world held its breath as the familiar signal emerged from the Sistine Chapel: white smoke billowing into the sky. This iconic symbol announced to the waiting crowds and the world that a new pope had been chosen. Shortly thereafter, the conclave revealed the identity of the new leader: Cardinal Robert F. Prevost, a figure who would now guide the spiritual lives of an estimated 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
For many members of Generation Z, this conclave marked a significant moment, being the first they truly remembered, the last such event having taken place in 2013. This younger generation, deeply embedded in the digital world, approached the tradition with a mix of curiosity and playful engagement, fueling the surge of online content surrounding the conclave.
TikTok and Instagram, the digital playgrounds of Gen Z, became flooded with content playfully reimagining the solemn proceedings. Popular accounts crafted memes, songs, reality television show parodies, and skits, drawing comparisons to the NFL draft and other popular sporting events. These comedic interpretations garnered millions of views, demonstrating the widespread interest in the conclave even among those who might not traditionally follow religious affairs.
The online fascination extended beyond those with religious affiliations. Even atheists and individuals with no particular religious beliefs joined the digital conversation, offering their own preferred candidates for the papacy. One video, created by an atheist TikToker expressing support for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, went viral, amassing over 4 million views. Tagle, often referred to as the "Asian Pope Francis," seemed to resonate with liberal TikTok users due to his approachable demeanor and perceived progressive views, as noted by a columnist at the National Catholic Reporter.
The 2024 Oscar-winning film "Conclave," which delves into the intricacies and potential controversies of papal elections, also experienced a surge in popularity following the death of Pope Francis. Clips from the film were widely shared on social media, providing a dramatic and fictionalized glimpse into the inner workings of the conclave. Politico reported that some cardinals, preparing for their first conclave experience, even turned to the film for guidance on Vatican protocol and proceedings.
The White House also participated in the online buzz, with then President Donald Trump humorously sharing an AI-generated image of himself as the pope on his social media platform, Truth Social. The lighthearted post added another layer of levity to the global conversation surrounding the papal election.
The selection of Cardinal Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marked a historic moment, as he became the first pope ever to hail from North America. This groundbreaking detail did not escape the attention of social media users, who were quick to create jokes and commentary about the new pontiff’s American background.
The appointment of Pope Leo XIV also sparked political commentary, with some liberals expressing hope that the new leader would align with their own political views. Former Obama aide Jon Favreau publicly voiced his support for the pope, citing his past criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policy.
The widespread online engagement with the papal election highlights the evolving relationship between tradition, religion, and the digital age. While the selection of a new pope remains a deeply significant event for Catholics worldwide, the way it is experienced and discussed has been transformed by the power of social media. The humorous memes, satirical skits, and political commentary reflect a diverse range of perspectives and demonstrate the growing accessibility of religious events in the digital sphere. The "Catholic Superbowl," as it was playfully dubbed, served as a reminder that even the most sacred traditions can find new life and relevance in the ever-changing landscape of social media.
