The Rome Report - Featuring Film-Maker, Manny Marquez

Rome - May 6, 2025

To my brothers and sisters  in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, I send you warm greetings from the Eternal City; Rome. As some of you may already know, I am blessed to be able to say that I am filmmaker, and a large majority of my work these days is for Catholic clients and causes. What brings me to Rome this time is directly related to the death of our Holy Father, Pope Francis. With the Chair of Peter empty, now our Church turns to the Conclave.

I was asked by the production team at Word on Fire Catholic Ministries to accompany them to Rome, and to use my filmmaking skills in support of Bishop Robert Barron’s reports from the Conclave. As you can imagine, Bishop is very much in demand for commentary from the media because of his balanced and well informed viewpoints on the faith. It is a real privilege to be here with him, and to assist in bringing the mission of Word on Fire to so many people across the globe. 

While I’m at the Conclave, I’ve been asked by the Diocese Communications team to maybe update you a little on what it is like to be here. To share my experiences from the Vatican, giving you a little insight into the energy and excitement that comes at a historic time, such as this. So, for the next few days while our Cardinals deliberate and work with the Holy Spirit to elect our next Pope, I’ll be sending photos, possibly a few short videos, and my most humble ramblings to all you good people in Oklahoma. 

Today I share with you a photo I took from the rooftop of a building just outside of the Bernini Colonnade. This is where our crew will be perched, reporting daily and keeping watch with the rest of the world for the white smoke and the cheers of Habemus Papam. The dark clouds and the Italian sun peeking out onto St. Peter’s reflects the contrasts and discussions that will be happening in the Sistine Chapel over these next few days. 

This faith our Lord gave us, ever ancient and ever new, I am overwhelmed to be just a small part of the witness of this truly Catholic  moment. Please know of my prayers for all of you back home, and please pray for all of us at the Conclave. 

Peace, Manny Marquez