Puck — February 27, 1878 — page 20: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This Puck satire depicts Cardinal McCloskey's failed hopes regarding papal politics. The bottom caption references "The Temptation," "The Journey," and "His Dream"—suggesting McCloskey anticipated becoming Pope. The central circular panel labeled "WORLD" shows religious and political figures in turmoil, likely representing global Church conflicts. Panel (6) identifies "Joachim Pecci, elected to Leo XIII the Sacred Conclave"—indicating Leo XIII's actual election as Pope instead of McCloskey. The surrounding vignettes mock McCloskey's disappointed ambitions. Panel (2) shows what appears to be ecclesiastical pageantry or processions. The satirical point: McCloskey hoped for papal elevation but was passed over, becoming a cautionary tale of thwarted ecclesiastical ambition—humor derived from the American cardinal's dashed international aspirations.