The pontiff’s first Latin America trip back to Peru isn’t just another stop on the papal tour; it’s a PR move that corporate media like CNN and NBC will spin as a feel-good story, creating a narrative of “compassion” and “unity.” But let’s get real—this is less about the Church’s mission and more about optics. Their framing will suggest a benevolent figure going home, playing up nostalgia while glossing over the Church’s controversial history in the region. Stacking the narrative this way distracts from the Church’s problematic past with issues like corruption and child abuse, effectively whitewashing history.

Meanwhile, Fox News will likely underplay the trip, focusing instead on potential controversies surrounding Pope Francis’ progressive agenda. They’re going to find the most sensational angle to pit traditional values against the Pope’s modern takes on policy. It’s a classic move that capitalizes on cultural divides, painting him as either an outsider or a hero, depending on the whims of their audience.

What’s alarming is how both sides limit the ammunition we have for a robust national discourse on faith, morality, and our geopolitical climate. Instead of a candid examination of religion’s role in society, we’re treated to hollow narratives designed to tug at your heartstrings or fuel your outrage.