Critics at Large | The New Yorker
Episode: The Grand Spectacle of Pope Week
Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction

In the May 15, 2025 episode of Critics at Large, The New Yorker's cultural critics—Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Frye, and Alexandra Schwartz—delve into the whirlwind of events surrounding the death of Pope Francis and the subsequent election of the new Pope, Leo XIV. Titled "The Grand Spectacle of Pope Week," the episode explores the intersection of religion, media, and pop culture, examining how the papacy has become a focal point in contemporary society.

The Spectacle of Pope Week

The hosts open the discussion by highlighting the intense public fascination with the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV, an American from Chicago with notable African ancestry. They liken the week-long event to a reality show, emphasizing the grandeur and ritualistic elements that captivated audiences worldwide.

Vincent Cunningham [02:00]: "Over the last week, we three, like so many others, have been laser-focused on the pomp and circumstance around the new American Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV."

Social Media and Public Reaction

Naomi Frye reflects on the pervasive presence of Pope Week across various social media platforms, noting an unexpected surge in interest even among those who are not traditionally religious.

Nomi Frye [06:25]: "Social media feeds in general... have been clogged to explosion with Pope content. I have been taken over by this wave of excitement around the new Pope."

Alex Schwartz attributes this phenomenon to the Catholic Church's inherent affinity for aesthetics and symbolism, which seamlessly integrate with modern digital media dynamics.

Alex Schwartz [07:27]: "The Catholic Church was made for this moment. It anticipates platforms like TikTok and Instagram, focusing on aesthetics and appearances."

Insights from Paul Ely in Rome

The episode features an insightful conversation with Paul Ely, a New Yorker writer who was present on the rooftop in central Rome during the announcement of the new Pope. Paul shares his firsthand experience of witnessing the momentous occasion, describing the congregated yet digitally engrossed crowd awaiting the signal of white smoke.

Paul Ely [11:45]: "People were standing in clusters, absolutely not moving, looking at their own phones... almost like a Giacometti still life."

Paul emphasizes the evolving nature of Catholic engagement, suggesting that major public events like the conclave serve as unifying moments that draw both devout Catholics and peripheral believers closer to the Church.

Paul Ely [14:34]: "As Catholic life on the ground has thinned out, Catholics are brought together through big public events like the election of the Pope."

Pop Culture Representations of the Papacy

Transitioning to pop culture, the hosts discuss various cinematic and television portrayals of the papacy. They analyze the film "Conclave" and the HBO series "The Young Pope," exploring how these narratives reflect and shape public perceptions of the Church.

• "Conclave" is praised for its accurate and aesthetic depiction of the papal election process, aligning closely with real-life events.

• "The Young Pope," starring Jude Law, is critiqued for its dramatized and often cynical portrayal of a papacy driven by personal ambition and psychopathy.

Alex Schwartz [25:07]: "The conclave was great for the church. It presented the Church as an institution eager to move forward while grappling with its past."

Vincent Cunningham [33:17]: "The picture of the Church in 'The Young Pope' is an aesthetic playground full of cynical bureaucrats. It portrays a rotting institution needing a touch of psychopathy to rejuvenate."

Additionally, "The Two Popes" (2019) is highlighted for its more nuanced and humanizing exploration of the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, presenting it as a "buddy comedy" that delves into institutional anxiety and personal faith crises.

Alex Schwartz [35:53]: "'The Two Popes' is a buddy comedy that addresses the anxiety around the direction of the Church, questioning whether to remain the same or pursue radical change."

The Pope as a Media Figure

The discussion underscores the evolving role of the Pope as a prominent media figure. Unlike his predecessors, Pope Francis was adept at leveraging media to influence global conversations. The newly elected Pope Leo XIV is seen as continuing this legacy, particularly through his emphasis on peace and addressing contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence and labor relations.

Vincent Cunningham [44:53]: "One of Leo's first addresses was about ending Russia's aggression in Ukraine and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. He's very anti-war."

However, there is also contemplation on the challenges Leo XIV may face, given his conservative stances on issues like same-sex marriage and women's roles within the Church.

Vincent Cunningham [45:09]: "Leo's early signs are hopeful, focusing on peace and human dignity, but he maintains traditional Church teachings that may not align with progressive movements."

The Significance of Pope Leo XIV's Election

Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope with African roots marks a significant moment for the Catholic Church. The hosts discuss the cultural and symbolic implications of his background, as well as the rapid public engagement and fandom that has emerged around him.

Alex Schwartz [16:34]: "Leo's focus on peace and his call for a ceasefire in conflicts resonate deeply in a world yearning for moral leadership."

The hosts also highlight the resurgence of spiritual belief in the face of societal fragmentation and institutional distrust, citing a recent Pew poll where 92% of Americans reported holding some form of spiritual belief.

Nomi Frye [40:58]: "A Pew study found that 92% of Americans hold some form of spiritual belief. This surge may be a response to the collapse of other institutions and a search for unified belief systems."

Conclusions

The episode concludes by reflecting on the broader cultural and societal shifts that have amplified the significance of Pope Week. The hosts posit that in an era marked by crises and a longing for meaningful leadership, the Catholic Church—and the papacy—has reemerged as a potent symbol of hope and moral guidance.

Alex Schwartz [44:30]: "What many of us want is a sense of leadership that is actually moral at the base. The Pope represents that in a time where we've seen leaders leading us to disaster."

Nomi Frye [47:39]: "We need something to live for. This excitement around the conclave and Pope Leo XIV is a reflection of that need."

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, Critics at Large anticipates ongoing cultural dialogues about the role of religion, media, and leadership in shaping our collective future.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Vincent Cunningham [02:00]: "Why am I getting all of these ads for cat food? It's ridiculous... When you want to reach the right professionals, you should use LinkedIn ads."

• Nomi Frye [06:25]: "Social media feeds in general, whether it's x, whether it's TikTok... have been clogged to explosion with Pope content."

• Alex Schwartz [07:27]: "The Catholic Church was made for this moment... It has every aspect of what we want from watching."

• Paul Ely [11:45]: "People were standing in clusters, absolutely not moving, looking at their own phones... almost like a Giacometti still life."

• Vincent Cunningham [45:09]: "Leo... he's very anti-war. But he maintains traditional Church teachings."

• Nomi Frye [40:58]: "A Pew study found that 92% of Americans hold some form of spiritual belief."

• Alex Schwartz [44:30]: "What many of us want is a sense of leadership that is actually moral at the base."

Final Notes

This episode encapsulates the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity within the Catholic Church, spotlighting the influential role of the papacy in contemporary culture. Through insightful analysis and firsthand accounts, Critics at Large provides a comprehensive exploration of how Pope Week has become a grand spectacle that resonates far beyond ecclesiastical boundaries.