Are you curious about Pope Leo XIV, what exactly a pope is, or the Catholic Church in general?
You’re not alone!
Online searches for Catholic topics shot way up this past spring. The phrase “how to become Catholic”—to use just one example—surged by a staggering 373% in the week after Pope Francis died.
Many people are enormously curious about the Catholic Church and the pope. Especially now that the new pope is the first ever from the United States.
If you’re curious about the papacy and Pope Leo, you’ve got to check out When the White Smoke Clears: A Guide to Pope Leo XIV's Early Days.
This incredibly helpful and informative book is the perfect guide to walk you through this historic season.
What’s in the book?
Eight Catholic experts came together to write When the White Smoke Clears, each contributing one chapter. You might recognize names like Fr. Mike Schmitz, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Katie Prejean McGrady, Fr. Josh Johnson, and others.
The election of a new pope is “an invitation 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.”
The book responds with joy and hope to the new pope’s election, giving readers the following information:
- 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
- An appendix of prayers for the pope
- A glossary of key papal terms for quick reference
When the White Smoke Clears is an ideal introduction to what a pope is—the history and mission of the office—and to who our new Holy Father is.
Both Catholics and non-Catholics alike will find so much to enjoy and learn in this engaging little book.
A special perspective from American Catholics
Aleteia spoke to Katie Prejean McGrady, one of the authors who contributed to When the White Smoke Clears.
This is something that’s so important to Americans, including many who aren’t Catholic and are curious now about the pope. His election really ignited a lot of curiosity and interest.
I cannot wait to see what outpouring comes from that spark. We know the Holy Spirit can use that and there will be remarkable things that can come from that.
So there's something especially poignant about it being written by Americans. These essays are from people who care about these things, who pay attention and have a level of expertise, who are able to guide and lead people through this exciting time.
I think we have to respond to the curiosity: “Let me answer in a joyful way. Let me answer in a hopeful way. Let me show you the beauty of our faith.” And through the person of Pope Leo, I think that interest will only grow.
The book is an opportunity to understand and encounter Pope Leo, including his biography and interesting facts about him, in an accessible way.
“It’s an easy lift of a book,” McGrady said. “It’s not a massive, exhaustive history but offers inviting, bite-sized chunks of information to get readers curious and interested and engaged.”
Getting to know the new pope may be just the beginning of the adventure of a lifetime. As McGrady said, “If you love Pope Leo, then you kind of have to love his Church.”
You are warmly invited to get to know Pope Leo XIV and the Catholic Church. Hopefully this book is just the starting point you need.
