A Historic Day for the World — and for My Catholic Heart

Today was a truly historic day — not just for my Catholic family, but for the world. The white smoke rose above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope. And for the first time in history, the newly elected pontiff is an American. Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago has become Pope Leo XIV.

As a Catholic, this moment fills me with awe and gratitude. We do not worship the Pope — he is not God — but we do deeply respect the office he holds. As the head of the Church on Earth, the Pope carries a sacred responsibility to lead, guide, and protect the faithful. That makes this moment both exciting and important. We pray not to him, but for him — that his decisions will bring our Church closer to God’s will and truth.

Pope Leo XIV now shepherds over a billion souls and stands as one of the most recognized and influential figures in the world. What a miraculous, yet difficult, calling. I pray for his strength, humility, and spiritual discernment. I love my Church deeply, and I continue to pray that it remains anchored in Christ and His teachings.

There are only a few moments in life when we know we are witnessing history as it unfolds. I’ve lived through many historic events — often tragic — that have shaped the world we live in: the first and second Gulf Wars, the Oklahoma City bombing, Columbine, September 11th, the election of the first Black President of the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more that I can’t recall in this moment.

Among all those, this one stands apart — not because it was the first papal election I’ve seen, but because it is the first I’ve experienced as a Catholic. And it hit differently.

I hope the joy and unity many of us feel today carries forward into more moments of hope, healing, and positive transformation. May this be a turning point — not just for the Church, but for the world.