Smoke on the Sistine…

When I knew the conclave was voting, I put the BBC live feed of the chimney on the Sistine Chapel on my phone, to find out what happened.  When I glanced at it and saw people celebrating, I knew we had a new Pope and I was surprised.  I genuinely thought we’d go one more vote.

And so, we have Pope Leo XIV.  The first American Pope.  I’ve heard a rumour that the reason we haven’t had one before is because they were worried that, with America being a superpower, they thought it’d be too much power concentrated in one country.  If true, what does this appointment mean?

I’ve also heard that the quick result shows that the church is unified.  I do hope so.

Not being Catholic(agnostic, if you’re wondering), I had no idea what the new Pope was like.  But people on the Scottish football subreddit (not as random as you might think) were happy about his election.  Then, the things Leo has said publically have reassured me that, if not as (relatively) progressive as Francis, he’s not about to wholesale reverse his predecessors changes.

Plus, and this is just a personal thing, it’s hilarious that his brothers can’t stop talking.

Speaking of conclaves, the film Conclave is well worth watching.

Moving on to me.  Last weekend, I went to fiinally see Monty Python and the Holy Grail on the big screen.  I was supposed to do so in 2020, but then the country had to be shut down.  The film is absolutely as hilarious as ever.  I also took the opportunity of being out at Teesside Park (there’s still no cinema in Middlesbrough town centre) to see Thunderbolts*.  Which I really, really liked.  It’s a throwback to the Marvel films of old, while also being quite a deep meditation about depression.

Pics I took on route:

In just over a week, I’ll be heading off to Bearded Theory.  I can’t wait.  The only stuff I have to get are more fuel for my cooker, food and, absolutely most importantly, beer.  I’m not getting that until I get to Burton, so I’m not struggling with it on the train.  I decided to get a pre pitched tent with a sleeping bag, so i don’t have to bother with them.

I even got my hair cut:

Will