Join John Hooper, The Economist's Italy and Vatican correspondent, and Sarah Burke, the Bureau Chief in Mexico City, as they delve into weighty issues. They discuss the upcoming conclave to choose the next pope, exploring the ideological divides among cardinals and the challenges the new leader will face. The conversation shifts to Mexico's crisis of disappearances, revealing a grim reality exacerbated by criminal gangs. Lastly, they touch on the surprising success of the Minecraft movie, which incited rowdy audience behavior and raised questions about future video game films.
The selection of the next pope will significantly impact the Catholic Church's response to pressing issues like clerical sex abuse and China’s influence.
The success of the Minecraft movie illustrates a resurgence in cinema attendance among teenagers, highlighting their desire for social engagement despite disruptive behavior.
Deep dives
The Role of the Next Pope in Shaping the Catholic Church
The selection of a new pope after the death of Pope Francis presents a critical juncture for the Catholic Church, particularly in the context of rising right-wing populism. Pope Francis has been known for his progressive views, challenging conservative ideologies, and his successor will influence the church's stance on various pressing issues. The conclave to choose the new pope will likely focus on significant matters, including the Vatican's approach to the strengthening influence of China, clerical sex abuse accountability, and the decentralization of church power. The outcome remains uncertain as the cardinals, many of whom are chosen by Francis, grapple with the potential for a more conservative direction in leadership under the next pope.
The Crisis of Disappearances in Mexico
The ongoing epidemic of disappearances in Mexico, exacerbated by the government's war on drugs, continues to shock the nation, with the recent discovery of a ranch containing bones and evidence of violence stirring outrage and calls for change. Reports suggest that an average of 40 people disappear each day, mainly young men caught in gang conflicts, highlighting the systemic issues and the insufficient government response to these tragedies. Families of the disappeared actively search for their loved ones, often conducting forensic work and raising awareness despite government inaction. New initiatives under the current administration aim to address these disappearances and strengthen investigative capacities, but significant resource and political challenges remain in the effort to provide justice and accountability.
The Impact of TikTok Trends on Cinema Attendance
The unexpected success of the Minecraft movie, which has drawn significant audiences, contrasts with the challenges faced by cinema operators in attracting younger viewers. A trend among teenagers to engage in raucous behavior during screenings has sparked both concern and intrigue, as it highlights their return to cinemas after a decline. This phenomenon reflects a deeper yearning for social experiences, with cinemas exploring how to capitalize on such trends while managing the disruptions caused. The potential for future movie adaptations of popular video games to replicate this trend offers a promising avenue for cinema's revival among younger audiences, as seen with previous success from viral marketing strategies.
As the cardinals of the coming conclave prepare, our correspondent considers what will guide them. Which of the church’s challenges will the next pope be elected to address? In Mexico the discovery of a ranch littered with clothing adds disturbing evidence to a torrent of mysterious disappearances (9:24). And the wild goings-on at cinema screenings of “A Minecraft Movie” (15:55).
