Undertale Meets The Pope: MatPat's Gift & Megalovania At The Vatican
Could the worlds of gaming and the Vatican, seemingly disparate realms, find common ground? The unexpected answer, it appears, is a resounding yes, fueled by the cult classic video game Undertale and the surprising interest of Pope Francis.
The unlikely convergence of Undertale and the papacy began in 2016, and continues to this day, showcasing the evolving nature of the modern world and the unexpected touchpoints between faith and the digital age.
The story starts with Matthew Patrick, better known as MatPat, the charismatic host of the popular YouTube channels "Game Theory" and "The Film Theorists." In 2016, MatPat, along with other prominent internet personalities, received an invitation to Rome to meet with Pope Francis. The pontiff was keen to understand the impact of the internet and social media on contemporary culture, and he sought to engage with some of the most influential voices shaping the digital landscape.
| Full Name: | Matthew Robert Patrick |
| Born: | November 15, 1986 (age 37) |
| Nationality: | American |
| Known for: | YouTube Channels "Game Theory" and "The Film Theorists" |
| Occupation: | YouTuber, Internet Personality, Author |
| Spouse(s): | Stephanie Cordato (m. 2012) |
| Children: | Two |
| Education: | Duke University (BA) |
| Reference Website: | Matthew Patrick YouTube Channel |
As a representative of the United States, MatPat decided to bring a unique gift for the Pope: a copy of the indie role-playing game, Undertale. Rather than a physical cartridge or disc (a format that would quickly be rendered obsolete), MatPat opted for a Steam code, a digital key allowing access to the game via the popular online platform. The gesture was a clear indication of the evolving way people consume and engage with media. The choice of Undertale was a fascinating one, reflecting MatPat's own interests, and potentially a means of introducing the Pope to a game celebrated for its narrative depth, its themes of compassion, and its subversion of traditional gaming tropes.
The presentation of Undertale to Pope Francis was not a fleeting moment, but the opening act in a continuing story. The game, created by Toby Fox, is known for its distinctive style, its memorable characters, and its impactful choices. The game's message of empathy and understanding aligns with many of the core tenets of the Catholic faith. The act of giving the Pope a copy of the game was significant, as it represented a bridge between the old and the new between the ancient traditions of the Church and the rapidly evolving digital world.
Fast forward to 2022, and the story took another unexpected turn during Pope Francis's first general audience of the year. A group of performers entertained the crowd with a unique display, featuring juggling and acrobatics set to the music of "Megalovania," a hugely popular track from Undertale. The performance, witnessed by the Pope himself, was a clear indication that the game's cultural impact had reached even the highest echelons of the Vatican.
This wasn't the first time the Vatican had acknowledged Undertale. In fact, the song "Megalovania" had been performed publicly in front of the Pope previously. This led to widespread interest and memes on the internet, with people considering the Popes potential opinions of the games many endings and plot points. The event also led to a number of discussions concerning the games impact.
The choice of "Megalovania" was especially interesting. The song, a high-energy instrumental piece, is instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with Undertale. Its use within a papal audience was a striking example of how the digital world, the art of gaming, and pop culture can intersect with religious and spiritual spaces.
MatPat's gift to Pope Francis, and the subsequent events, highlighted the unexpected ways in which technology, art, and faith interact. The presentation of Undertale was not just a gift; it was a conversation starter, an invitation to a different form of art, and a recognition of the digital age.
Of course, there are practical considerations. Activating a Steam code and playing a game requires a computer, internet access, and a certain level of tech savviness. But the symbolism of the gesture transcended its practical limitations. It was a nod to the evolving world of media and a demonstration of the potential for the Pope to be present within it.
The story of Undertale and Pope Francis highlights the influence of video games in contemporary society. Undertale itself, with its focus on choice, consequence, and empathy, is a reflection of our culture. Many see it as a milestone in the development of the art form, with the capacity to tell complex and emotional stories. The choice of this game, one that appeals to many ages, for the Pope was a symbol of bridging gaps between different cultures.
The story also raises questions about the future. Will Pope Francis play Undertale? Will he become a gamer? It is unlikely, but the symbolic gesture itself is more powerful than the outcome. The Popes openness to these elements of modern culture speaks to the ways that faith and technology can interact.
Furthermore, the event highlighted the power of content creators. The invitation of YouTubers to the Vatican, along with the gift from MatPat, shows how digital influencers have become important voices in the modern world. Their ability to connect with audiences, as well as their creative input, is becoming increasingly apparent.
The Vatican summit, attended by numerous YouTubers, was, in fact, organized to improve their understanding of the internet. The fact that Pope Francis was open to having these conversations demonstrates his desire to engage with new media. MatPats invitation to represent the US in this meeting shows how the Catholic Church is trying to understand the impact of new media.
The choice of the game Undertale has sparked debate among fans of the game. Some have debated whether this was the correct choice of game to give the Pope. However, by bringing a copy of the game, MatPat had a message for the Pope and for the world: games can bring people together, even when they come from differing backgrounds or beliefs.
The Undertale story emphasizes the way that the gaming world is evolving and its influence on society. The game's inclusion in a papal audience is not an isolated event, but a sign of cultural shifts.
Additionally, the story is a good example of the unexpected intersection of the digital and the spiritual. The Vatican's openness to the world of gaming reflects a willingness to adapt and engage with evolving cultural trends. The fact that the Pope has listened to "Megalovania" suggests a deeper awareness of the cultural impact of gaming.
Whether or not Pope Francis ever plays Undertale, the story of the game, MatPat, and the Vatican will remain a significant example of the ongoing integration of technology and faith, and how both can come together for a moment of joy.
The event, and the broader relationship between the Vatican and the gaming community, shows the power of digital media. It shows how art, video games, and music can cross boundaries and open dialogue. It is an invitation to embrace new cultural experiences and consider how the virtual world enriches our lives.
The saga of Undertale and Pope Francis is a story that is still unfolding. It is a reminder that culture, faith, and technology are constantly evolving, and they often intersect in surprising ways. This unlikely connection shows that the digital world and age-old traditions can, and often do, have more in common than meets the eye.
