History Main / CreepyCatholicism

Light and darkness play an important role in every religion. When it comes to Christianity, however, Catholicism is by far the most associated with dark elements, including [[HollywoodExorcism exorcisms]], [[SinisterMinister evil hidden behind a collar]] or more mundane ones like [[CorruptChurch corruption]] and a very controversial history (which, however, isn't uncommon when it comes to religion).

* Many of ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40000''{{'}}s more outlandish religious elements (concerning the Imperial creed, [[CosmicHorror the Dark Gods are something else entirely]]) are Flanderized elements of Catholicism: everyone wears hooded robes, exorcisms are a necessity (one SpaceMarine chapter even uses it as part of their inititation), pipe organs are mounted on tank treads to provide inspiring hymns and missile support... old canon even implied the Emperor was Jesus and Saint George in one of his many "guide humanity towards betterment" disguises, new canon only kept Saint George (replacing the dragon with the C'tan star vampire called the Void Dragon and killing it with locking it up on Mars).

* Many of ''TabletopGame/Warhammer40K'''s more outlandish religious elements (concerning the Imperial creed, [[CosmicHorror the Dark Gods are something else entirely]]) are Flanderized elements of Catholicism: everyone wears hooded robes, exorcisms are a necessity (one SpaceMarine chapter even uses it as part of their inititation), pipe organs are mounted on tank treads to provide inspiring hymns and missile support... old canon even implied the Emperor was Jesus and Saint George in one of his many "guide humanity towards betterment" disguises, new canon only kept Saint George (replacing the dragon with the C'tan star vampire called the Void Dragon and killing it with locking it up on Mars).

->"Catholicism is not a soothing religion. It's a painful religion. We're all gluttons for punishment."

[[folder: Live Action TV ]]

[[folder: Film ]]

* ''Film/TheExorcist'' and every other movie dealing with Christian exorcism. Interestingly, ''The Exorcist'' had a Jesuit priest and teacher as a technical advisor (he also played the part of Father Dyer). The priest stressed that the Catholic Church typically doesn't condone exorcisms anymore and it is something of an OldShame within the church.
* ''{{Film/Constantine}}''. Several of the characters fighting against demonic incursions are Catholics, one of whom is a priest (Father Hennessy). The title character uses Catholic rites against demons, including exorcism and the Last Rites, and is definitively an AntiHero.
* In ''Film/TheBluesBrothers'', the title characters go "to see 'The Penguin'" - who turns out to be not the ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' character, but a very stern, heavyset, intimidating Catholic nun who wields a wooden 1-foot ruler like a martial arts weapon and moves with a GhostlyGlide.

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* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'': The episode "The Father, the Son, and the Holy Guest Star" has Bart sent to a Catholic school, where great emphasis is put on martyrdom and suffering.

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to UsefulNotes/OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: besides keeping the same beliefs[[note]]The only significant differences between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox are whether the Pope in Rome is supposed to be the head of the Church or just first (if that) among equals among several different leaders, and an incredibly arcane dispute about whether the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father alone or both the Father and the Son--and the Orthodox themselves are split on how important this latter doctrinal issue is, with those emphasizing the difference between them and the Western Church calling it all-important and fundamental and those emphasizing commonality with the Western Church considering it a mere quibble. The Oriental Orthodox churches and Churches of the East also quibble with the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholics on arcane metaphysical points of doctrine about the nature of Jesus and the Trinity that (1) appear picayune in light of the gulf between all of them and Protestantism and (2) merely confirm the otherworldliness of their orientation.[[/note]] and medieval trappings--and ''then'' some--you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

* From ''Manga/BlackLagoon'', "The Church of Violence" run with an iron fist by Sister Yolanda, an (apparently) elderly nun who wears an eyepatch and a fully - loaded, custom Desert Eagle pistol under her habit at all times. The church is [[spoiler:not actually an official subsidiary of the Catholic Church, it's a cover for questionable activities]].

Light and darkness play an important role in every religion. When it comes to Christianity, however, Catholicism is by far the most associated with dark elements, including [[HollywoodExorcism exorcisms]], [[SinisterMinister evil hidden behind a collar]] or more mundane ones like [[CorruptChurch corruption]] and a very [[TheBorgias controversial history]] (which, however, isn't uncommon when it comes to religion).

* Nightcrawler from ''Franchise/XMen'' is a devout Catholic, but his demonic appearance is seen as scary by many, and he has an affinity for shadows, which emphasize the "dark" elements of his character. On the other hand, he had a cheerful and nice personality.

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: besides keeping the same beliefs[[note]]The only significant differences between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox are whether the Pope in Rome is supposed to be the head of the Church or just first (if that) among equals among several different leaders, and an incredibly arcane dispute about whether the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father alone or both the Father and the Son--and the Orthodox themselves are split on how important this latter doctrinal issue is, with those emphasizing the difference between them and the Western Church calling it all-important and fundamental and those emphasizing commonality with the Western Church considering it a mere quibble. The Oriental Orthodox churches and Churches of the East also quibble with the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholics on arcane metaphysical points of doctrine about the nature of Jesus and the Trinity that (1) appear picayune in light of the gulf between all of them and Protestantism and (2) merely confirm the otherworldliness of their orientation.[[/note]] and medieval trappings--and ''then'' some--you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: besides keeping the same beliefs[[note]]The only significant differences between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox are whether the Pope in Rome is supposed to be the head of the Church or just first (if that) among equals among several different leaders, and an incredibly arcane dispute about whether the Holy Spirit "proceeds" from the Father alone or both the Father and the Son--and the Orthodox themselves are split on how important this latter doctrinal issue is, with those emphasizing the difference between them and the Western Church calling it all-important and those emphasizing commonality with the Western Church considering it a mere quibble. The Oriental Orthodox churches and Churches of the East also quibble with the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholics on arcane metaphysical points of doctrine about the nature of Jesus and the Trinity that (1) appear picayune in light of the gulf between all of them and Protestantism and (2) merely confirm the otherworldliness of their orientation.[[/note]] and medieval trappings--and ''then'' some--you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: besides keeping the same beliefs[[note]]The only significant differences between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox doctrine is whether the Pope is supposed to be the head of the Church or just first (if that) among equals among several different leaders; the Oriental Orthodox churches and Churches of the East also quibble with the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholics on arcane metaphysical points of doctrine about the nature of Jesus and the Trinity that (1) appear picayune in light of the gulf between all of them and Protestantism and (2) merely confirm the otherworldliness of their orientation.[[/note]] and medieval trappings--and ''then'' some--you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: besides keeping the same beliefs[[note]]The only significant differences between Catholic and Eastern Orthodox doctrine is whether the Pope is supposed to be the head of the Church or just first (if that) among equals among several different leaders; the Oriental Orthodox churches and Churches of the East also quibble with the Eastern Orthodox and the Catholics on points of doctrine about the nature of Jesus and the Trinity that (1) appear picayune in light of the gulf between all of them and Protestantism and (2) merely confirm the otherworldliness of their orientation.[[/note]] and medieval trappings--and ''then'' some--you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: besides keeping most of the medieval trappings--and ''then'' some--you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.). And of course, more knowledgeable Catholics might point to OrthodoxChristianity as being even spookier: you think the chanting is ominous when it's in Latin? Try it in archaic Greek, or Syriac, or Old Slavonic, or ''Coptic'' (which is ''Ancient Egyptian'' with some Greek tossed in), plus people prostrating themselves and hermits [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hesychasm going into really weird kinds of meditation]].

TruthInTelevision much of the time, since Catholicism retains many of the "otherworldly" medieval trappings discarded by Protestant churches (the aforementioned Latin chanting, exorcisms, purgatory, transubstantiation), [[AccidentalNightmareFuel all of which might often seem like something straight out of a horror film to non-Catholics]], especially children. That isn't to say that certain Protestants don't also have some spooky beliefs and rituals (snake-handling, the Rapture, etc.).

* ''Manga/BlueExorcist'', where Satan is the BigBad and The Vatican are [[SinisterMinister supposed to be]] the BigGood. The main characters (one of which is [[AntiAntiChrist a child of Satan]] ) are studying at a school for exorcists to learn how to fight demons.

* ''Manga/BlueExorcist''

* ''Film/TheExorcist'' and every other movie dealing with Christian exorcism. Interestingly, ''The Exorcist'' had a Jesuit priest and teacher as a technical advisor (he also played the part of Father Dyer).

[[caption-width-right:220:I find your lack of faith disturbing.]]

NoRealLifeExamplesPlease

Creepy Catholicism embraces the description of Catholicism either as simply uncanny and dark or outright criminal and corrupt, especially if compared with other religions. This portrayal is typical of countries characterized by a Protestan majority. Once the Protestant Reformation got going, many Catholic traditions were suppressed. The sort of very bloody and gory art (crucifixes, frescoes of martyred saints, etc.) and ostentatious church decor popular among Italian, Spanish and Latin American Catholics, for example, can be quite shocking to someone from one of the more austere Protestant sects that favors plain wooden crosses and unadorned churches.

* From ''BlackLagoon'', "The Church of Violence" run with an iron fist by Sister Yolanda, an (apparently) elderly nun who wears an eyepatch and a fully - loaded, custom Desert Eagle pistol under her habit at all times. I should note that the church is [[spoiler: not actually an official subsidiary of the Catholic Church, it's a cover for questionable activities.]]
* ''BlueExorcist''

* Nightcrawler from ''TheXMen'' is a devout Catholic, but his demonic appearance is seen as scary by many, and he has an affinity for shadows, which emphasize the "dark" elements of his character. On the other hand, he had a cheerful and nice personality.

* ''Film/TheExorcist'' and every other movie dealing with Christian exorcism. Interestingly, ''TheExorcist'' had a Jesuit priest and teacher as a technical advisor (he also played the part of Father Dyer).

* In ''TheBluesBrothers'', the title characters go "to see 'The Penguin'" - who turns out to be not the ''{{Batman}}'' character, but a very stern, heavyset, intimidating Catholic nun who wields a wooden 1-foot ruler like a martial arts weapon.
* ''Disney/TheHunchbackOfNotreDame'': Frollo's [[VillainSong "Hellfire"]], one of the most famous {{VillainSong}}s ever, is a PrayerOfMalice in which Frollo asks the Virgin Mary to destroy Esmeralda.

* ''AngelsAndDemons'': Religious buildings in Vatican City are used as locations for the murders. Also, the description of the papal conclave wouldn't be out of place in a locked room mystery.

* ''CriminalMinds'' plays this straight in the episode "Demonology", which revolves around a priest suspected of murder and an exorcism.

* LadyGaga plays a lot with this trope, the most evident example being the video of "Alejandro", where she is dressed in a latex outfit that resembles a nun's one and swallows a rosary.

* There are many memes in which Benedict XVI is compared to [[StarWars Senator Palpatine]].

CreepyCatholicism embraces the description of Catholicism either as simply uncanny and dark or outright criminal and corrupt, especially if compared with other religions. This portrayal is typical of countries characterized by a Protestan majority. Once the Protestant Reformation got going, many Catholic traditions were suppressed. The sort of very bloody and gory art (crucifixes, frescoes of martyred saints, etc.) and ostentatious church decor popular among Italian, Spanish and Latin American Catholics, for example, can be quite shocking to someone from one of the more austere Protestant sects that favors plain wooden crosses and unadorned churches.