When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days

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.