Susan Bin: The Voice Behind Pope Crave During the 2024 Conclave
This article contains a major spoiler for the 2024 film Conclave.
From Academic Interest to Viral News Source
Susan Bin, who identifies as non-Catholic and has attended a single Mass in her life, has surprisingly become a key figure in the Catholic Church’s recent media landscape. With a background in fine arts and a focus on art history, she has explored various aspects of Church heritage, including early Christian art and notable transformations of the Vatican’s architecture.
Pope Crave: A New Age News Platform
In the fast-paced world of media, Bin’s social media account, Pope Crave, emerged just five months before the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis. Leveraging her passion for the 2024 film Conclave, she established this account to provide timely updates and insights, even outpacing mainstream news outlets regarding pivotal announcements.
The Inspiration Behind Pope Crave
Bin’s fascination with the film Conclave, which explores the complexities of electing a new pope, initiated her unexpected journey into Vatican reporting. Despite her usual cinematic interests, the film’s artistic elements and themes resonated deeply with her during a particularly stressful political climate in Texas, serving as a creative outlet for her anxieties.
Building a Community Around the Film
Alongside the creation of the Pope Crave social media account, Bin launched a fan zine titled From the Crooked Timber of Humanity, which features contributions from numerous artists and writers. The zine, meant to explore themes and narratives of the film, has already raised substantial funds for various human rights organizations.
A Fandom Unlikely to Fade
The unique blend of spirituality and pop culture has fostered a diverse and enthusiastic community around the film. With her co-admin, Noelia Caballero, who also has a rich background in human rights, Bin notes the surprising demographic of the fandom, including individuals from global contexts and with complex relationships to their faith.
Covering the Conclave
As the conclave approached, Bin and Caballero prepared to document the events surrounding Pope Francis’s deteriorating health. Upon his passing on Easter Monday, they opted for a grassroots method of coverage, closely tracking developments through various media and leveraging local correspondents to provide real-time insights.
Fast-Tracking News Delivery
During the conclave, Bin received an insider tip about the timeline for announcing the new pope. On April 24th, she announced the election via a meme that stated: “HOLY SMOKE WE GOT A POPE.” Despite a brief moment of misidentification regarding the new pope’s identity, her prompt delivery showcased her growing influence in the niche intersection of religious and pop culture journalism.
Looking Ahead
Going forward, Bin expresses a commitment to monitoring the new papacy under Pope Leo XIV, recognizing the intricate relationship between political contexts and spiritual leadership. With the Pope Crave platform nearing 100,000 followers, she emphasizes that discussions around the new pope reflect broader dialogues within the Catholic community, allowing individuals to engage deeply with their beliefs and the church’s institutional dynamics.
In conclusion, Bin’s journey illustrates the potential for cross-disciplinary engagement that transcends traditional boundaries between academia, fandom, and media. As the conversation surrounding faith and identity continues to evolve, platforms like Pope Crave serve as vital spaces for exploration and understanding.