Who knew Americans would have so much fun celebrating a new Pope?
It certainly was an exciting surprise that Cardinal Robert Prevost was selected as the new Pope. He’s an American and, better yet, a Chicagoan. (Although it’s a little unfortunate that Italian Cardinal Pizzaballa did not get an opportunity to change his name.)
The unexpected bonus was that selection of the first American Pope was such happy news that it immediately tickled the nation’s funny bone. The nation’s celebration triggered an outpouring of gags and memes. Everybody, Catholic or not, joined in the merriment.
The most pressing question about Pope Leo XIV was settled within hours. He’s a Sox fan and not a Cubs fan, as confirmed by his brother. Social media exploded with Photoshopped images and hilarious Chicago lore:
- The new Pope offering a blessing to everyone except residents of Green Bay, Wi.
- Papal vestments with the logos of the Sox and Bears.
- The Pope with Jake and Elwood Blues on a mission from God.
- The Pope with actors from the Saturday Night Live Da Bears sketch.
- A map showing Lake Michigan renamed as Lake Vatican.
- A Papal decree against putting ketchup on hot dogs.
- AI images showing a Portillos hot dog stand at the Vatican.
- Deep-dish pizza as body and blood of Christ.
- Nobody suggested that dead cardinals voted.
Oddly enough, our pervasive political conflict was mostly suspended for the Papal celebration. Somebody created an AI image of President Trump in Papal regalia. This triggered the usual Democratic outrage but gave most people a good laugh.
Democratic pundits and media cherry-picked the new Pope’s social media postings for anything that may be disparaging to President Trump. Republicans reminded us that Leo XIV may favor immigration but is against abortion. Mostly, people refused to impose their politics on the Papal event, even when Catholic school kids spontaneously chanted “USA! USA!” in Trumpian fashion.
This euphoria probably won’t last and we’ll soon resume fighting among ourselves. But it’s good to know that Americans still can unite, celebrate, poke fun at ourselves and share the laughter.