Cardinal Pizzaballa for Pope, social media users chant

The internet has banded together to campaign for this cardinal to become the next Pope.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (yes, his real name) is the internet’s number one pick for the next Pope.

Why? Well, the web has done what it usually does: memeify significant world events for netizens' entertainment.

Stop the vote. We’ve found the next Pope. pic.twitter.com/s4r0EpSUI7

undefined Kate Hyde (@KateHydeNY) May 5, 2025

Cardinal Pizzaballa, the Italian Catholic prelate in Jerusalem, is a clear frontrunner in the eyes of the internet because of his last name alone.

“Cardinal Pizzaballa can do the funniest thing ever by becoming Papa John,” one X user said.

Cardinal Pizzaballa can do the funniest thing ever by becoming Papa John pic.twitter.com/3ryZONw6df

undefined Cimmerian Pervert (@cimmerian_v) May 5, 2025

“If Pizzaballa becomes pope, we are officially in the Spaceballs timeline,” another user said.

If Pizzaballa becomes pope, we are officially in the Spaceballs timeline. pic.twitter.com/Y95MKk5FED

undefined Gribdo Goinz (@GribdoGoinz) May 8, 2025

Internet personality and comedian Rob Anderson posted a video to Instagram called “The Pope Games.”

In typical “Real Housewives” style, Anderson presents each cardinal, what they stand for, and what they could bring to the table.

Anderson presents Pizzaballa as a centrist who isn’t for gay rights or abortion but supports immigration. But the thing that makes Anderson chuckle most is his last name, Pizzaballa.

While the internet loves Pizzaballa for his last name, they also seem to love how memeable the cardinal is.

One netizen says, “Big fan of Cardinal Pizzaballa pulling a Mr Bean during the Conclave” as he is seen craning his head to marvel at the art on the walls and ceilings of the Sistine Chapel.

Big fan of Cardinal Pizzaballa pulling a Mr Bean during the Conclave pic.twitter.com/9xLfKr8Fum

undefined Pope Spinoza (@JohnThePapist) May 7, 2025

Another user said in response, “This is such an authentic moment from an authentic man. Card. Pizzaballa beholding the Majesty of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam.”

Italian brainrot and the next Pope

Italian brainrot has seemingly taken over the internet, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa’s name is something straight out of this trend.

The viral trend involves images generated using artificial intelligence of unlikely animal hybrids. The images are coupled with an AI-generated voice saying nonsense in Italian.

Cardinal Pizzaballa’s name seems to evoke similar reactions, a sense of fondness and joy that people believe are needed for the next Pope.