The conclave to elect a new pope, a deeply significant and secretive event, has drawn unexpected attention from social media users around the globe. As the elderly cardinals don their red robes and prepare for the momentous duty of leading the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, the digital world has taken a liking to this tradition, interjecting a mix of fascination, irreverence, and humor.
Rob Anderson, a voice in pop and LGBTQ culture, noted the unique nature of this conclave, stating, "It’s so wild. It’s dramatic and it’s fashion." The event scheduled to begin Wednesday is being dubbed one of the longest-running elections in history, but the audience is not just confined to the Vaticans and church goers. With the rise of social media, users are keen to partake in the drama surrounding the deliberations over who will be the next pope.
An Italian magazine article humorously proclaimed, "The Vatican-core summer has begun," reflecting the trend of meme culture seeping into the walls of the Holy See. TikTok trends now feature cardinals set to upbeat pop soundtracks, with creators showcasing satire through makeshift religious gear, punctuating the serious nature of the event with light-hearted humor.
Influencers are capitalizing on the hype with guides to the conclave, which elevate potential candidates based on whims rather than religious doctrine. One viral meme depicted a cardinal lighting another’s cigarette, racking up over five million views on platforms like X. Italian curator Victoria Genzini commented on the growing trend, attributing it to a cultural rise following the success of “The Young Pope.”
As the conclave approaches, a juxtaposition of solemnity and irreverence emerges, placing this significant event into a new lens of pop culture visibility as the world watches through a digital lens, allowing for instantaneous commentary and connection.
Rob Anderson, a voice in pop and LGBTQ culture, noted the unique nature of this conclave, stating, "It’s so wild. It’s dramatic and it’s fashion." The event scheduled to begin Wednesday is being dubbed one of the longest-running elections in history, but the audience is not just confined to the Vaticans and church goers. With the rise of social media, users are keen to partake in the drama surrounding the deliberations over who will be the next pope.
An Italian magazine article humorously proclaimed, "The Vatican-core summer has begun," reflecting the trend of meme culture seeping into the walls of the Holy See. TikTok trends now feature cardinals set to upbeat pop soundtracks, with creators showcasing satire through makeshift religious gear, punctuating the serious nature of the event with light-hearted humor.
Influencers are capitalizing on the hype with guides to the conclave, which elevate potential candidates based on whims rather than religious doctrine. One viral meme depicted a cardinal lighting another’s cigarette, racking up over five million views on platforms like X. Italian curator Victoria Genzini commented on the growing trend, attributing it to a cultural rise following the success of “The Young Pope.”
As the conclave approaches, a juxtaposition of solemnity and irreverence emerges, placing this significant event into a new lens of pop culture visibility as the world watches through a digital lens, allowing for instantaneous commentary and connection.
