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The Chicago Pope on The Viral List

“Da Pope” from Chicago, Malia Obama’s Nike ads, and Y2K lip gloss keychains are going viral…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team
KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • The Chicago Pope (a.k.a. Pope Leo XIV) has become an instant meme icon, even for non-Catholic Gen Z
  • Nike’s latest viral ads directed by Malia Obama spotlight authentic stories, community voices, and A’ja Wilson’s new signature shoe
  • Lip gloss keychains are trending with Gen Z as playful accessories and throwback fashion statements
The new pope has become a Gen Z meme  ICYMI, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected as the new pope last week—taking the name Pope Leo XIV—making him the first American to ever hold the title. Naturally (if you know Gen Z), the internet had a field day. From the viral “Balenciaga Pope” AI image to the Church’s anime mascot, “Luce,” Pope Leo XIV’s election is just the latest entry in the Catholic Church’s unexpected pop(e) culture era. And partly thanks to the success of the movie Conclave last year, Gen Z is more intrigued than ever by the Catholic proceedings....

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