Celebrity in the Church – the focus should be on God

Pope Leo XIV must prioritize his spiritual and pastoral duties over the lure of celebrity status, according to Father John Harris OP. Writing for The Irish Catholic, Harris noted that modern media and public personas can distract people from the sacred role of the papacy and the priesthood.

Harris observed that while historical figures like the martyrs of the Reformation remained faithful to the office of the papacy without knowing the physical appearance or personality of the pope, modern Catholics often become entranced by charisma, public speaking, or media portrayals. He suggested that the Church must guard against focusing on the outward persona of leaders, whether at the Vatican or within local pastoral communities, to maintain a focus on God.