The Viral Drama of Pope Selection: Social Media Takes Center Stage

A blend of solemnity and irreverence surrounds the papal election, showcasing the digital age's influence on tradition.

The conclave responsible for electing the new pope has captured the attention of a global audience, turning a traditionally secretive event into a spectacle of social media engagement. As cardinals prepare to meet in Vatican City to choose the leader for more than 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, the internet is abuzz with excitement, humor, and creativity.

“This is wild! It’s dramatic and it’s fashion,” exclaimed Rob Anderson, an author and cultural commentator known for his insights into pop and LGBTQ culture. His remarks reflect the sentiment surrounding the conclave that starts on Wednesday, following on the heels of popular culture phenomena like the film “Conclave,” which depicted the church’s electoral process in an engaging and entertaining manner.

With a distinct vibe full of awe and irreverence, young people globally are embracing the humor and style associated with Vatican traditions. Publications like the Italian magazine Rivista Studio have dubbed the season "Vatican-core summer," highlighting the blending of piety and pop culture.

Social media platforms are flooded with an array of creative content, including TikTok videos where creators humorously mimic cardinal dialogues while donning paper skull caps. Influencer-led voter guides, dedicated fan pages for potential candidates, and humorous rankings—using decidedly un-Catholic criteria—are rampant. One particular meme featuring a cardinal lighting another's cigarette has amassed over five million views, epitomizing the blend of charm and irreverence in this ongoing saga of papal politics.

“Seeing these cardinals looking impossibly chic in Rome as they smoke is just everything,” stated Italian curator Victoria Genzini, who manages a popular meme page. Since “The Young Pope” aired in 2016, interest in the Vatican’s aesthetic and political intrigue has soared, merging the sacred with the sensational in a captivating union that might redefine how the world views the papal institution.