The Rome Report - Day 6, May 8, 2025 - WHITE SMOKE!

Thursday, May 8^th – White Smoke! 
 
Habemus Papam! We have a Pope! Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. I was in the square when the white smoke was coming out, and all of the American Seminarians from the NAC were huddled together and going crazy with excitement and anticipation! We were all a little surprised; most of us were expecting the smoke to be black tonight, and then it would be more likely that we would have to wait until tomorrow for a new pope to be elected.
 
As we stood there waiting for the announcement of who he was, I had never been more nervous and excited at the same time in my life. My heart was racing as I reached for my rosary beads and started my best to try and pray to both pass the time as we waited for the pope to emerge from the balcony, but also just to calm down. When the moment came and the doors finally opened, I was overwhelmed. It was so surreal to be standing there below the balcony and hear in person the words announced! Habemus Papam! Then, for it also to be not only the first American pope, but the man who had just been at the NAC to celebrate mass for us on Thanksgiving!
 
Another neat connection is that, as an Augustinian, I believe he served on the board at Cascia Hall and thus has been to good ol’ Tulsa before! Pretty cool! In the next few days, there will be a lot written and posted on social media and in the news, trying to “capture” or project what we can expect from Pope Leo XIV. My encouragement to us all is to be slow to judge and quick to pray for him. He is inheriting the most difficult job, and the largest family to Father in the world!
 
Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the heart of Pope Leo XIV with the fire of your love and enkindle in him the courage and grace that he needs to lead the Church with great love! Amen!