Why the world is amused at Cardinal Kevin serving as the acting Pope

The recent appointment of Cardinal Kevin Farrell as camerlengo, or interim pope, has sparked an amusing contrast between the Vatican’s grand rituals and his very ordinary name. Some find it a bit incongruous, given the centuries-old tradition of papal titles steeped in history and mystique. But is there an underlying snobbery to the name Kevin?

In France, the name Kevin became hugely popular in the 1990s, particularly among working-class families. Its rise was influenced by prominent pop culture figures, such as the mischievous Kevin from Home Alone and actor Kevin Costner. However, this trend led to a curious phenomenon: a generation of Kevins being mocked, discriminated against, and even struggling with job applications or dating, as detailed in the documentary Sauvons les Kevin (Save the Kevins). The name became a symbol of lower-class, often derogatory connotations, further fueled by its association with American pop culture.

Yet, in Ireland, the name Kevin has long been a more dignified one, likely due to its connection to the sixth-century saint, Kevin of Glendalough. As the church moves forward, it may be time to let go of old stigmas and embrace the possibility of a Pope Kevin, redeeming the name for future generations.

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