When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days
When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days
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Join Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Fr. Josh Johnson, Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, and other trusted Catholic voices to discover what a new pope means for the Church, and for you.
What happens when white smoke rises over St. Peter’s Square? The election of a new Holy Father is more than a historic event—it’s an invitation for Catholics to rediscover the heart of the papacy: its biblical foundations, its spiritual authority, the hope it brings the faithful, and our shared responsibility to pray for the pope as our universal pastor.
In this timely and accessible book, leading Catholic teachers and evangelists offer three key reflections:
- Why the papacy matters: What the Church teaches about the office of the pope
- Who Pope Leo XIV is: Insights into his life, his first words, and his early priorities
- How to support him: Practical ways to pray for, fast for, and faithfully follow our new Holy Father
When the White Smoke Clears equips you to meet this pivotal moment in Church history with faith, clarity, and prayer.
This edition also includes:.
- An appendix of traditional and contemporary prayers for the pope
- A glossary of key papal terms for quick reference
Photo used in the cover art by Francesco Sforza - Vatican Media © Vatican Pool/Getty Images 2025. Used with permission.
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This is an amazingly accessible book with insights, prayers and observations from some of the Catholic world's best theologians and commentators! I was taken immediately with the various authors' voices on our relationship with the Pope, the office of the Pope, Pope Leo's Augustinian roots, his vision for the Catholic Church and ways we can prayerfully support this and future popes. Each section was encapsulated, so you can dive in for a short swim in each topic. These amazing voices roar with love and support for our new Holy Father. This is a book I will cherish and keep bedside for a resource to pray daily for our new Pope Leo XIV. I am sharing this treasure with my Bible study table and our couples small group so more can buy, read and pray through this fantastic new look at our Holy Father!
I was dubious when ordering the book. My hesitation was- it's so soon after Pope Leo XIV 's election. How much could they know at this time? Wrong! I love this book and have purchased 5 more for family and gifts. Numerous outstanding contributors present various current and historical insights. I did not know about the many incredible Popes named Leo (lion) and their critical contributions to the Church. It helped me to know who Leo XIV is! Highest accolades to Ascension Press for publishing the best, the most informative, and fascinating book I expect to read this year. It truly is a gift to all Catholics.
My name is Tom Wozniak. I’m a cradle Catholic from Wisconsin. I’m very excited to have our first Pope from the United States. 🙏