In the movie Eurotrip (2004) some random guy says “they’ve elected the new pope” instead “a new pope”. Why if “habemus papam” is traditionaly translated as “we have a pope”?
Link of the scene: https://youtube.com/shorts/qW1dkYQ4mZY?si=XftI3ATW42VcySyv
A pope = an unintroduced pope (in the conclave context)
The pope = introduced pope (everyday life)
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The pope is a singular figure in the context of the Vatican, meaning there’s is only one pope at a time, therefore the definite article ‘the’. “Habemus Papam” or “We have a pope” makes it clear the Church definitely has a new leader again. Therefore the indefinite article ‘a’ is used more commonly.
Does this clarify this rather religious problem?
The problems are if there is “a pope” that means he is one of many popes which cannon be. On the other hand, “the pope” means we know who is that pope which cannot be in the context of the conclave and the short from the link.
Articles are so confusing
Having re-read your previous message, I wouldn’t ‘article-problem it’, if I were you, but If I were you… I only wanted to help you. I have the strangest feeling you do not appreciate it.
Why do you think that I don’t appreciate your help just because I don’t understand the “logic” of articles?
Which article you use depends on the context.
If you simply say “the pope” without any other context it means the current pope.
If you say “a pope” it can mean any pope.
“We have a pope” is correct.
Do we have a pope?
Yes we have a pope.
or
No, we do not have a pope.
It is not specific to any pope. It is a question of whether we have one or not.
Did we have a pope in 1625?
Yes we had a pope in 1625.
Who was the pope in 1625?
The pope in 1625 was Pope Urban VIII.
In the present tense:
Do we have a pope?
Yes we have a pope.
Who is the pope?
The pope is Pope Leo XIV.
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Dear Mborta,
Don’t mind me saying that. Sometimes I can be a little harsh. Allow me to explain the difference by giving you some examples:
- I saw a dog in the park. → Any dog, not a specific one.
- The dog was chasing a ball. → Now we’re talking about a specific dog, perhaps one mentioned earlier.
- She bought a book at the store. → Any book.
- The book is about history No article
More examples, explicitly used to show you how the definite article is used.
- The sun is shining brightly today.
- I left the keys on the kitchen counter.
- We visited the museum last weekend.
- She is reading the book you recommended.
- The cat is sleeping on the sofa.
As for the following:
Did we have a pope in 1625?
Yes we had a pope in 1625.
Who was the pope in 1625?
The pope in 1625 was Pope Urban VIII.
First of all the information is totally irrelevant and can only come from a pathetic little monkey playing on a street corner with no discernible talent at all.
Never mind such an ugly thing, even when it wears a golden ring.