DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/parole.v11i2.114-122

The Pope and the Pandemic: A Critical Discourse Analysis on America’s COVID-19 Coverage

Universitas Sanata Dharma, Indonesia

Received: 4 May 2021; Published: 31 Oct 2021.
Open Access Copyright (c) 2021 PAROLE: Journal of Linguistics and Education under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0.

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Abstract

This study explores the ways in which America: The Jesuit Review, one Catholic media in the United Sates represents the COVID-19 pandemic to the believers. Using Critical Discourse Analysis, the analyzed materials include 35 selected articles appeared from March to May 2020 publication. Stylistic devices, discursive practice, and ideological implications are the three main analyzing techniques. The analysis reveals that, first, rhetorical style predominates. Secondly, comforting rather than disabling is the mode used in the reporting. Lastly, Pope Francis as the head of the Catholic Church is the moral reference in his call for faith, hope, and compassion during this pandemic time.

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Keywords: COVID-19; Comforting, Papal views; Rhetoric,
Funding: Sanata Dharma University

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Section: Research Article
Language : EN
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