Slate Daily Feed ICYMI: Pope Leo XIV is the Taylor Swift of Catholicism
May 21, 2025
Molly Olmstead, a Slate staff writer who delves into politics and its cultural implications, joins the discussion about Pope Leo XIV's surprising rise in the digital era. They explore how social media has turned the Pope into a pop culture icon, reminiscent of Taylor Swift. Olmstead shares insights on the trendy resurgence of Catholicism and the mixed reactions it evokes from longtime believers. The conversation also touches on the clash between new converts and traditionalists, revealing the evolving landscape of faith in America today.
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Conclave Parties as Celebration
- Molly Olmstead hosted two conclave parties to celebrate the papal election in a fun and personal way.
- One party combined a bachelorette celebration with a mock conclave among friends.
Online Papal Scrutiny Is Speculative
- People scrutinize every detail of Pope Leo's actions and items, projecting political meanings.
- Online communities create personalized versions of the pope based on their agendas, blending fact and fiction.
Pope's Low-Stakes Cultural Fascination
- The pope fascinates because of ritual, pageantry, and low personal stakes for most.
- Memeing the pope is safer than politics since his choices don't typically affect everyday life.
