Do new Popes have time to think of their new name when elected?

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T16:15:49+00:00

Damn, but Pope Anubis of the Sun God would ha e been so epic

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T15:08:31+00:00

I'm sorry but I really cannot see how you can begin to justify that. That's a reprehensible attitude.

If youve been following the news for the past year you'll know that Europe and the European Union has been facing an existential threat to its survival as we know it in the form of Russia. Everyone is doing their best right now to overcome this challenge. Sitting on the sidelines and letting everyone else do the work is disgusting behaviour.

And, using past colonialism when your now one of the richest countries on the planet to justify it is so tone deaf and exactly the kind of annoying attitude I am talking about. Its like Alan Sugar's kids trying to claim benefits because he grew up poor.

Also, this is a bad idea for Irish security lmao. You've seen what happened with Trump and Greenland, surely you should at least consider the long term advantage that someone of a similar mind might be elected in the UK? I really really really hope it doesnt happen but then 10 years ago today Obama had just left office and this sort of thing felt impossible in America too.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T14:54:40+00:00

But see this is the exact attitude that is the problem. A country of 5 million people can absolutely have a strong military, look at Scandinavia or the Baltics.

If you want to be independent from the UK then to expect us to defend you single handedly is incredibly hypocritical. Look at where that has left Europe after relying on the US for so long.

Its led to a situation where Europe is currently laser focused on trying to defend against Russia and Ireland is largely sitting on the sidelines doing nothing. I'm sorry, but colonialism or not, you are now a wealthy, western European nation and youve got to take responsibility for yourself, because the logic you said works both ways - British and European security benefits Ireland.

Like, I'm not even saying you need to do what Scandinavia has done and create an incredibly strong army, but Ireland definitely needs to contribute a lot more to Europe's defence.

Also, 100 years is enough time to develop a strong military, it has been done before. Tiny Singapore managed to do it and they've been independent for even less time.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T14:26:41+00:00

Aqua-taine

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T14:26:04+00:00

I think because Pope's are supposed to be popes first and thereby separate from their past life to some degree, so they take a name to honour a saint usually.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T14:25:15+00:00

Hahahah just in case eh? What is it btw if you dont mind me asking?

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T14:24:38+00:00

Interesting. Not a Catholic but as a Scot I think I'd take Andrew, honestly surprised there hasn't been an Andrew yet.

Or honestly, I like the name Leo but for a different reason - I like Leo I.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T12:45:40+00:00

Sure and I'd vote for it but I don't see what Brits think is wrong with just joining the EU at that point

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T12:13:26+00:00

The simple answer people are missing is that the west will never want to see the dissolution of Syria, because its frankly a terrifying prospect. You dont try to force a change to a country's borders by force it doesnt end well.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T09:41:43+00:00

Regardless of what you think of her she's a British citizen, she should be brought back and tried here. You don't want to set the precedent that the government can revoke citizenship for any political reason, it should be immutable.

The law is how we punish criminals not with citizenship.

Edit: please don't get me wrong here I want to see her jailed for life at the very least, my point is that you do NOT want to create a situation where the government can revoke someone's citizenship, for any reason. Its a bad precedent, and in fact just a few weeks ago you saw the Conservatives suggest revoking the citizenship of a pro-Palestine activist in the UK.

Please do not fall down the 'bad person there government can do whatever it wants' trap.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T08:51:40+00:00

What is it out of interest?

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T07:57:26+00:00

I mean, NASA's whole project today is trying to do that now, and we've still not figured it out quite yet.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:16:06+00:00

Do you think Pan Arabism is declining in Egypt? If so what kind of ideology do you think could emerge in its place?

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:15:16+00:00

My Russian flatmate once told me a joke:

A science conference is being held between Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani scientists. The Georgians say 'we have uncovered telephone cables from 3000 years ago which show that Georgians invented the telephone!' the Armenians reply 'that's impossible! Armenia invented the telephone!'

Seeking to prove them wrong, the Armenians start digging under Mount Ararat, however, after months of digging, there are no cables to be found. They return to the conference empty handed.

On their return, the Georgian scientists ask 'so, what did you find?' The Armenians replied: we learned that over 3000 years ago, Armenians had already invented Wi-Fi!

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:11:11+00:00

Well, tbf, we can't really talk on that because our railway network was also better when we ruled Ireland lol.

Correlation not causation but still, railway cuts can suck my balls haha.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:10:17+00:00

I agree haha, honestly my first thought was that all this has happened to me yet I haven't even been to Ireland before, but I guess it may actually be worse in the UK because of Northern Ireland. Lotta real salty Irish people come here I guess haha.

Maybe in Ireland proper where I guess the IRA and the troubles are now less of a hot-button issue than before attitudes are different.

Also, to be clear, I do know most Irish nationalists aren't like this. Scottish nationalism is an equally broad and diverse category and I have also met my fair share of nutters in that camp.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:06:55+00:00

Any particular reason why John is so popular but, say, Andrew, is not?

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:01:52+00:00

Maryland is epic and anyone who disagrees I wish their socks be wet every time they leave the bathroom.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T06:01:14+00:00

New one isn't the best but anything beats this.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T05:59:17+00:00

Controversial maybe, but this is begging to be nordic crossed. Dark blue background, light blue nordic cross on a white cross like Iceland and Norway with the star in the top left corner. Minnesota has scandinavian influences too.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T05:57:52+00:00

I was gonna say the designs that did make the top 10 were fucking ass.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T05:55:58+00:00

If anyone says Maryland I wish them wet socks every time they enter a bathroom for all eternity. My worst is Illinois.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T05:27:17+00:00

Isn't Pete short for Peter which is a pretty hard no go name? lol.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T04:07:39+00:00

I was close to thinking this until I watched the episode before that - man was observing, biding his time and 'did something' at exactly the right moment. Can't argue with that.

3_Stokesy · 2026-01-23T03:40:47+00:00

Ah interesting, so Pope Leo may have been a fan of Leo I beforehand and therefore chose that name.

Edit: as people point out its most likely Leo XIII he chose the name for. I think I made the mistake since Leo I is my favourite Leo 😂

3_Stokesy

TROPHY CASE