On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the world was taken by surprise when Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This historic event marked a significant moment in the Catholic Church, as Prevost became the first American-born pope, a fact that has generated considerable excitement and humor across social media.
The announcement came during an episode of NBC's "Jenna & Friends," hosted by Jenna Bush Hager. The show was in the midst of an interview with comedian Matt Rogers and Saturday Night Live cast member Bowen Yang, who were connected via FaceTime. Just as Bowen was sharing anecdotes about their friendship, the broadcast was abruptly interrupted by a graphic announcing the election of the new pope. Viewers were treated to a split screen showing the Vatican chimney emitting white smoke, the traditional signal that a new pope has been elected, alongside NBC news correspondent Lester Holt, who appeared visibly perplexed as he adjusted his earpiece and stated, "I'm not hearing anything."
The election of Pope Leo XIV followed two days of intense voting among the cardinals, who ultimately chose Prevost to succeed the late Pope Francis. Prior to his elevation, Prevost served as the head of the church's Dicastery for Bishops, a role that involved overseeing the selection of new bishops. He is known to be a centrist on various issues while also advocating for progressive causes, particularly concerning marginalized groups such as migrants and the poor.
As news of the election spread, social media erupted with reactions, many of which humorously referenced Prevost's Chicago roots. Users on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) quickly began sharing memes and jokes related to the new pope's background. One user quipped, "The announcement of a new pope coming as we all knew it would: interrupting Jenna Bush Hager interviewing Bowen Yang by FaceTime." This encapsulated the light-hearted spirit of many reactions, as people found humor in the unexpected interruption.
The internet was abuzz with playful references to television shows and cultural phenomena. For instance, one user joked about the new pope directing episodes of the popular series "The Bear," which is set in Chicago. Another chimed in with a mock promotional tweet for a fictional show titled "Chicago Pope," suggesting that the new pontiff would be featured in a comedic series akin to the iconic SNL sketches. The hashtag #ChicagoPope quickly gained traction, with users playfully discussing how Prevost's background might influence his papacy.
Pope Leo XIV’s first address to the public took place from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he spoke in Italian and Spanish, notably omitting English from his greeting. His first words as pope were, "This is the first greeting of the resurrected Christ, the good shepherd who has given up his life for God." He followed this with a heartfelt message, stating, "And I should also like this greeting of peace to enter our hearts and our families."
The announcement and the ensuing social media frenzy highlight not only the significance of Prevost's election but also the way modern technology and culture intersect with major religious events. The juxtaposition of a serious announcement with a comedic interruption on a daytime talk show illustrates how the public engages with such news in a more light-hearted manner today.
As discussions about Pope Leo XIV continue, many are curious about how his American upbringing and progressive stance will shape his papacy. His commitment to advocating for marginalized groups suggests a potential shift in focus for the Catholic Church, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of social justice issues. Observers are eager to see how he will navigate the complexities of leading a global church while addressing contemporary challenges.
In the world of entertainment, the timing of the papal announcement coincides with the upcoming episode of SNL, which will feature Walton Goggins as host. Goggins, known for his roles in various HBO series, is expected to leverage the new pope's election in his comedy sketches. Given the popularity of both the show and the new pope, it’s likely that the intersection of these two worlds will lead to even more humorous commentary and satire in the days to come.
As the Catholic Church embraces its new leader, the global community watches closely, not just for theological guidance but also for how Pope Leo XIV will engage with the modern world. His election has already sparked a wave of interest, and it remains to be seen how his unique background will influence his approach to the papacy.
In summary, the election of Pope Leo XIV has not only made history as a milestone for American Catholics but has also provided a rich vein of humor and commentary in popular culture. The blend of serious religious tradition and the light-heartedness of social media reflects a changing landscape where faith and modernity can coexist in unexpected ways.
