In the Catholic Church, an important aspect of understanding the approach to media is through the structure of authority by comprehending how people relate in different hierarchal roles. Catholics and other religious followers often look towards the Pope when there are any issues, especially large ones in the media. As the closest member of the Catholic Church to God, everything the Pope says tends to be idolized and watched cautiously. As media has progressed and become more influential, Pope’s have learned how to deal with media as it enhances but still believe that ‘spiritual’ identity is most important over media presence. This is portrayed by Pope Benedict XVI who previously visited Germany in the 1980s and 1990s and was frequently asked questions that, “…concerned the ordination of women, contraception, abortion…” (Eilers, 2009). When consistently being asked such questions over controversial topics, Pope Benedict XVI uses such opportunities to reflect on the Catholic religion while highlighting Catholic beliefs and commandments. The ability to use the media as a forefront to preach some Catholic teachings is beneficial to the Church and a great use of the media.
The photo taken inside of Saint Francis’ Church portrays Saint Francis kneeling and praying to who seems to be the Pope. The authoritative nature of the Pope is clearly being represented as he has the power over the poor Saint Francis to worship and honor him. The Pope still has this type of influence on today’s Catholics. In today’s society, a main medium that Catholic followers hear the Pope and his ideas is through the media. Although Catholics gain most of their biblical knowledge and teachings through their priests, the priests have passed down knowledge through the hierarchy from the Pope. Media has allowed the expression of the Catholic tradition of authority structure to flourish and become more widespread.