The world’s prayers for a swift papal election were answered on May 8 when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the selection of a new pope. Robert Francis Prevost emerged as Leo XIV—the first American pope in Vatican history. While it took five voting rounds to elect Pope Francis in 2013, Leo XIV secured the necessary two-thirds majority in just four.

Since Pope Francis’s passing on Easter Monday, the world has been captivated by the solemn grandeur of the transition—part mourning, part spectacle, like a Catholic version of the Super Bowl. Social media has buzzed with comparisons between cardinals and Drag Race contestants, while deep dives into Vatican traditions have gone viral. Interest in papal-themed entertainment has surged: views of Edward Berger’s Oscar-winning Conclave jumped 284%, and Netflix’s The Two Popes saw a 417% spike. Pope Leo’s brother even shared that the new pontiff had watched Conclave to prepare for the process.

Though we won’t be getting The Real Housecardinals of Vatican City anytime soon (though Andy Cohen does have a certain divine energy), there’s no shortage of Catholic-inspired content to explore. As someone with Irish and Italian roots—complete with Catholic guilt, a flair for drama, and a cultural appetite for all things Vatican—I’ve gathered some recommendations, including insights from nuns and the faithful.

One young Irish nun, who took her first solemn vows at 32, told me about the documentary that first drew her to religious life. She watched it with a heartbroken friend who wanted “absolutely no men or romance” in their viewing. She also raved about Patrick Kavanagh’s poetry.

If you’re not ready to move on from papal fever, here’s what to watch, read, and listen to next:

### Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever: A New Generation’s Search for Religion by Lamorna Ash
(Out July 8)
From silent Jesuit retreats in Wales to Evangelical youth festivals, Ash explores why young people are turning to Christianity. Is it our era of uncertainty? A longing for tradition—or something entirely new? With wit and curiosity, Ash unpacks faith’s enduring appeal.

### Mysticism by Simon Critchley
Philosopher Critchley dives into humanity’s timeless fascination with the divine, blending skepticism and intrigue. His writing—whether on football, David Bowie, or spirituality—is always sharp and engaging.

### School of Love (Documentary)
This 2014 Irish film follows the lives of nuns in Ireland’s only female Cistercian monastery. It inspired one young woman I spoke with to pursue her own vocation—she recently took her solemn vows with the same order.

Whether you’re drawn to the drama, the devotion, or just the aesthetics, there’s plenty to keep the papal fascination alive.Become a Cistercian Nun
School of Love offers a close look at the simple, disciplined lives of the Cistercian Sisters of Saint Mary’s Abbey in Glencairn, County Waterford, Ireland. They live by the ancient Rule of Saint Benedict, a way of life established in the sixth century. To some, their days of prayer, work, and silence might seem restrictive, but for these nuns, it opens the door to something far greater than themselves. The documentary introduces women like Angela, a former IT specialist from Dublin, who visited the abbey for a weekend and ended up staying to take her vows. School of Love reveals deeply personal paths to faith and the powerful pull of a devoted religious community.

The Popecast: A History of the Papacy
From a pope who wrote a romance novel to another elected because a bird landed on his head, The Popecast takes a lively, unfiltered trip through papal history. With over 100 episodes, the podcast shows that the challenges facing the Catholic Church today are nothing new. Some episodes explore recent papal elections, while others dig into the inner workings of the conclave.

Pope Joan
This 1972 film brings to life the medieval legend of a woman who disguised herself as a man and became Pope John VIII from 855 to 858. The story unfolds through the eyes of a 20th-century evangelist (Liv Ullmann) who believes she is Joan reincarnated. While historians debate whether Pope Joan ever existed, Michael Anderson’s film delivers a sweeping, dramatic portrayal of power and intrigue within the Catholic Church.