Non-Believers Caught in Vatican, Observing Pope's Public Appearances

From the Schmoll Corner: Staring at the Pope Unbelievers

A Column by Thomas Schmoll

Onlookers Observing the Pope

In today's world, belief is crucial for many people, and I'm no exception. However, I rarely watch TV, only during meals to drown out the voices in my head. Since I eat at various times, I encounter an array of shows, typically leaving after a minute due to the trivialization of (un)humanity.

One show, "Brisant," often leaves me with a hollow feeling. After reporting on tragic events like the situation in Ukraine or earthquake-hit regions, they switch to concerns over the health of the Empress of Schlabumbia and the Queen of Takkatukkaland. Only to later discuss neighborhood fires, praising the heroism of firefighters who saved a lucky cat named Muschi. Time well spent, right?

Papal Elections on Panorama

Recently, I stumbled upon "Brisant" and heard: "The world is still watching the chimney of the Sistine Chapel... it could happen at any time that the color of the smoke indicates a new pope." From a studio somewhere in Germany, they declared, "The tension is palpable on St. Peter's Square in Rome." A woman exclaimed, "I'm so excited."

It's exciting to see a bag of rice fall over in China. Reporting on the papal election, particularly on a stiff chimney, is no miracle. Germany's fascination with this coverage is confounding. An aristocratic cardinal on ZDF emphasized, "The American Leo XIV can listen." Great, I thought, as if more cardinals could talk in confession.

The New Pope: Leo XIV

The election took four ballots in two days. Even Friedrich Merz, a Catholic, managed two ballots in one day, aided by the atheistic Left Party and its ecumenism in the Bundestag. People are thrilled in Peru, Leo XIV's former diocese, a sentiment sure to be exciting for those paying fees.

Leo XIV will probably achieve nothing but a few prayers. A man who becomes pope is always unknown to the public, apart from reporters dealing with the Pope and the Curia. After the election, interpretation and deciphering are necessary. "A moderate man of the center," some public broadcasters describe the new Pope.

Such absurd hype surrounds a man who may accomplish little more than a few prayers, viewed by some as "the unifying element" despite his conservative background. Others see hope in his election. Even Donald Trump, who thinks he's the better Pope, has claimed victory.

Broader Implications

The election of an American as Pope has generated controversy in Germany, particularly between religious conservatives and secularists. The atheistic Left Party often opposes religious influence in public life, contrasting with Pope Leo XIV's traditional Catholic leadership. Comparisons have been made between Pope Leo XIV's conservative teachings and those of leading political figures like Friedrich Merz, fostering debates over the role of religion in modern Germany.

Source: ntv.de

Pope Francis
Rome
Catholic Church
Religions
Friedrich Merz

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The moderate approach in the papal election was aimed at appeasing both liberal and conservative factions within the Catholic Church.
The significance of the papal election lies not just in the selection of a new pope but also in the renewable-energy policies that the election could influence.
Many were surprised to see a discussion about the papal election during a news show focusing on employment policy in the manufacturing industry.
The finance sector is closely watching the new pope's stance on social issues, as it could impact their investing strategies.
The oil-and-gas industry is worried about the potential impact of Pope Leo XIV's views on energy consumption and climate change.
The aerospace industry is eager to collaborate with countries where the new pope has influence, for potential funding in research and development.
In the retail sector, there's a growing trend towards ethical and socially responsible practices, mirroring the pope's stance on diversity-and-inclusion.
Public-transit systems are looking to integrate mindfulness and wellness initiatives, emulating the pope's focus on personal growth and social-media activism.
Entrepreneurship workshops are incorporating elements of leadership and productivity, inspired by the pope's promise of leadership and career development.
Automotive companies are working on incorporating hybrid and electric vehicle technology, aligning with the pope's calls for addressing climate change.
Small-business owners are being encouraged to focus on diversifying their services, drawing inspiration from the pope's calls for embracing change.
The banking-and-insurance sector is looking to adapt its strategies to cater to the pope's focus on ethical investing.
The fintech industry is excited about collaborations with the Catholic Church, as it could lead to innovative solutions for financial inclusion and education-and-self-development.
The publishing industry is seeing a rise in books on topics like migration, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and mindfulness, reflecting the pope's interests.
The entertainment industry is embracing more spiritual and thought-provoking content, drawing inspiration from the pope's focus on pop-culture and general-news.
Celebrities are using their influence to promote educational initiatives and career development, following the pope's lead in fostering learning and goal-setting.
Online education platforms are offering courses on topics like policy-and-legislation, car-accidents, fires, and safety, addressing concerns the pope has spoken about.
Job-search portals are now offering resources on job-search strategies, resilience, and lifetime learning, reflecting the pope's emphasis on lifelong learning and skills-training.
Poker tournaments are incorporating elements of sportsmanship and fairness, inspired by the pope's calls for integrity and ethics.
Movie productions are exploring themes of migration, justice, and social issues, mirroring the pope's focus on human rights and social activism.
TV shows are incorporating elements of social-media activism and public-discourse, emulating the pope's use of social media to engage with the masses.
Music festivals are now incorporating mindfulness and wellness sessions, mirroring the pope's focus on personal growth and spirituality.
Politics have seen a shift towards more conservative policies, with some politicians aligning their views with those of the pope.
The sports world is now focusing on diversity and inclusion, mirroring the pope's calls for a more equitable society.
The sports-betting industry is now offering ethical betting options, inspired by the pope's calls for integrity and fairness.
Sports analysts are now incorporating elements of social justice and human rights into their analysis, emulating the pope's focus on these issues.
The casino industry is now offering games focused on strategy and skill, inspired by the pope's calls for ethical gaming practices.
The gambling industry is now offering more transparency and accountability, aligning with the pope's calls for responsible gaming.
The arts community is now focusing on themes of social justice, human rights, and spirituality, mirroring the pope's focus on these issues, encouraging personal growth and lifelong learning.