Page 3 | Why so much coverage of the new pope?

MumChp · 09/05/2025 08:31

SherlockHolmes · 08/05/2025 21:20

Oh dear, some people are so defensive.

No one I know has more than a passing interest in who the head of a religious group is.

My point is that it doesn't warrant endless coverage on the main TV channel. It's part of the news, that's all.

Would we be giving this amount of coverage to the new Islamic or Sikh leader? There must be millions of those all over the world too.

I wouldn't mind that BBC did more about Islamic or Sikh world leaders.

We have followed the election and I have always educated the children in religion. We are Church of England but often the Pope can inspire us too. Frans did.

FirstMe · 09/05/2025 08:42

SherlockHolmes · 08/05/2025 20:32

Can't believe the BBC with their Breaking News. Disrupting the schedule for something that barely anyone gives a toss about.

Roughly 8% of the UK is Catholic so surely a piece on the evening news is plenty?

Ditto US political stories.

Did you say the same about the US elections?

Allisgoodtoday · 09/05/2025 08:42

It's a world event, I'm interested and welcomed the coverage, even though I'm not Catholic and don't really follow a faith.

We have endless coverage of Trump and USA issues - I can't stand it all, can't bear Trump but I still watch it because I want to know what is going on in the world and how it affects others across the globe.

Currently Sky news is covering the Russian Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, well done Sky. I disagree hugely with Putin's stance and the shocking invasion of Ukraine, but I'm still watching because I want to know more. Having a global, "world view" stops us being small-minded and can lead to better understanding, even of things we don't like or disagree with.

Ceska · 09/05/2025 08:48

SherlockHolmes · 08/05/2025 21:20

Oh dear, some people are so defensive.

No one I know has more than a passing interest in who the head of a religious group is.

My point is that it doesn't warrant endless coverage on the main TV channel. It's part of the news, that's all.

Would we be giving this amount of coverage to the new Islamic or Sikh leader? There must be millions of those all over the world too.

Maybe you need to widen your social circle and step outside your own echo chamber then?

I'm a total atheist but I was interested to watch it.
I know people of faith of all kinds, and plenty without.

It was a major world event and should have been covered as it was. Gee if only you were not forced to sit and watch it....

emmatherhino · 09/05/2025 08:58

I'm not Catholic but it's a big deal worldwide - of course it's going to be breaking and headline news.

If we only read about or heard news that directly affected us, we would be an even more insular snd shitty society.

Turn it off if you're that bothered

Floatlikeafeather2 · 09/05/2025 09:01

SherlockHolmes · 08/05/2025 20:32

Can't believe the BBC with their Breaking News. Disrupting the schedule for something that barely anyone gives a toss about.

Roughly 8% of the UK is Catholic so surely a piece on the evening news is plenty?

Ditto US political stories.

You seriously don't think what's happening politically in the US is important to know about? It's absolutely vital we are all aware of what the wannabe world dictator is up to. It directly affects us. It shouldn't be the case, but it is and as it is, our news services are doing a good job by keeping us informed. Just don't watch/listen to the news if you don't like it. Collectively burying our heads in the sand would be wrong and dangerous though. I'm not remotely interested in the royal family/who's won Strictly/Taylor Swift's tour dates (to mention other things that have swamped news feeds) but I know other people are so just don't engage with those things. They're not important though. US political affairs and a new pope are because their significance is global.

Geordie01 · 09/05/2025 09:04

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Tomatotater · 09/05/2025 09:13

It was breaking news at 6pm and it was on the news. How could they have interrupted the news schedule with news? It's literally the point of the news. If you were moaning about them taking off Eastenders to go on about the Pope, fair enough. As others have said, you could have gone on Netflix and watched a movie, or GB news ( although I'm pretty sure it would have been on there too)

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 09/05/2025 09:13

Enrichetta · 08/05/2025 23:05

There are 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide.

This pope is only 69 years old and may be pope for two decades (or longer…).

He will have a profound influence on many issues that matter to women. Abortion, acceptance of divorce, women priests, how to bring a patriarchal and reactionary institution into the 21st century… Not to mention the investigation of historic and current sexual abuse and how perpetrators are dealt with.

So yes, as a non-Catholic I do indeed give a toss!

Absolutely this

Gosh OP you and everyone you know seem incredibly ignorant to the enormous influence the Catholic Church has on the world.

thisfilmisboring123 · 09/05/2025 09:15

SherlockHolmes · 08/05/2025 21:20

Oh dear, some people are so defensive.

No one I know has more than a passing interest in who the head of a religious group is.

My point is that it doesn't warrant endless coverage on the main TV channel. It's part of the news, that's all.

Would we be giving this amount of coverage to the new Islamic or Sikh leader? There must be millions of those all over the world too.

Ffs

Well yes, as long as you or anyone you know isn’t interested, let’s just not report on it then eh?
Let’s forgot the (if 8% is correct 6 odd million) Catholics) who do live in this country

Some people just cannot see past their own noses.

CurlewKate · 09/05/2025 09:24

The influence the Catholic Church has in some parts of the world is huge.

EmpressOfTheThread · 09/05/2025 17:12

FirstMe · 09/05/2025 08:42

Did you say the same about the US elections?

Show quote history

Probably.

Delphinium20 · 09/05/2025 17:30

Trump has more power than a pope and his finger on a nuclear arsenal is a far greater concern than a pope 'being inspirational'. I'm no Trump fan, but his actions can have immediate and devastating impact on the world. National news coverage of US government is important.

I do find it unfortunate that so many people need a spiritual head of their religion and this single man should somehow influence their beliefs, behaviors and attitudes. It's odd and makes me question anyone who would look to him for guidance. He's a stranger to most of the people who venerate him. Very odd, IMO. I don't feel a need to respect religions and often think people that invested are a bit sheeplike.

CurlewKate · 09/05/2025 17:56

Delphinium20 · 09/05/2025 17:30

Trump has more power than a pope and his finger on a nuclear arsenal is a far greater concern than a pope 'being inspirational'. I'm no Trump fan, but his actions can have immediate and devastating impact on the world. National news coverage of US government is important.

I do find it unfortunate that so many people need a spiritual head of their religion and this single man should somehow influence their beliefs, behaviors and attitudes. It's odd and makes me question anyone who would look to him for guidance. He's a stranger to most of the people who venerate him. Very odd, IMO. I don't feel a need to respect religions and often think people that invested are a bit sheeplike.

The Catholic church’s stance on condoms has contributed massively to the spread of HIV/Aids in the global south. Less dramatic than to nuclear button perhaps, but…

LoveTKO · 09/05/2025 18:00

World religion. And we’re interested, even though you might not be. And many of us like a bit of pomp and circumstance in what is otherwise quite miserable world news. Also a chance to see the beautiful Vatican City on TV. Bring it on.

Delphinium20 · 09/05/2025 18:06

good point. I do wonder if this intense coverage, however, contributes to the belief that what the Catholic church says and does should be relevant. If only fewer people paid attention to the pope's decrees on condom use, and more on public health.

TheCryingTheBitchAndTheFloordrobe · 09/05/2025 18:14

I’m as atheist as they come and I very much give a toss about this. To view the pope as a mere figurehead or as only a religious figure is very naive. This choice has significant global cultural and political implications.

Darlingstarlings · 09/05/2025 18:19

It's an important event, the same way when Queen Elizabeth died, the main broadcast channel in my country broke the news and changed the advertised schedule due to her passing. They also showed her funeral, and King Charles coronation as well and I live in Ireland.

getahhtmapub · 10/05/2025 02:20

I’m an atheist. In fact I’ve defined myself as an apatheist (someone who doesn’t think that religion should be part of everyday life/news etc). Even I was interested! It’s a fascinating ritual and it clearly means a lot to people.

JennyWren87 · 10/05/2025 03:44

Is this your first conclave?

whatisthegoddamnholdup · 10/05/2025 04:15

How do you manage to get around every day with that huge chip on your shoulder?

AnnabelleQuelle · 10/05/2025 04:25

Are you interested in any world events OP? Or you’re just miffed that your soap operas were interrupted?

NattyTurtle59 · 10/05/2025 05:19

How I would hate to become so insular that I was only interested in what was happening in my own country.

merrymelody · 10/05/2025 05:22

Being pope is a position with a great deal of power and influence, even for non-catholics. We need a voice of peace, especially in such dreadful circumstances with wars and conflicts all over the world.

tellmewhenthespaceshiplandscoz · 11/05/2025 15:10

Delphinium20 · 09/05/2025 17:30

Trump has more power than a pope and his finger on a nuclear arsenal is a far greater concern than a pope 'being inspirational'. I'm no Trump fan, but his actions can have immediate and devastating impact on the world. National news coverage of US government is important.

I do find it unfortunate that so many people need a spiritual head of their religion and this single man should somehow influence their beliefs, behaviors and attitudes. It's odd and makes me question anyone who would look to him for guidance. He's a stranger to most of the people who venerate him. Very odd, IMO. I don't feel a need to respect religions and often think people that invested are a bit sheeplike.

Apologies if I’ve missed read and actually we are on the same page here but …

This is exactly why I think the election of a new head of the catholic church is so fascinating and has such an impact. His personal beliefs and how moderate/conservative leaning he is will affect so many people world wide. And not necessarily a positive one.

Which is why for IP to declare its of no interest and why would anyone care is a bit ignorant. I’m not at all religious and can 100% see why this is a big deal to so many.

Also while not religious, I’ve been to the Basilica several times. Standing still and taking in the scale and beauty especially of the dome gives me goosebumps every time. It’s incredible.