The Whole World Waited
I have witnessed the election of three popes. To be clear, I’ve been alive for more than that, but I’ve only paid attention to the last three. I find the entire historical process fascinating. This ancient rite has been repeated since Jesus Christ established His Church on earth. The Holy Roman Catholic Church can name each and every leader all the way back to St. Peter.
The election of Pope Leo XIV was one of the most remarkable events in Church history. As we approach the first anniversary, I find myself thinking back on those days and how, for a brief moment, the whole world seemed to come together, focused on a single event.
Even if you aren’t a practicing Catholic, you would have had to be living under a rock in May of 2025 to miss the conclave. Perhaps it was the release of the film Conclave just months before the death of Pope Francis that sparked so much curiosity. It may have been the global affection people had for Pope Francis, or maybe it was simply a slow moment in world news. Whatever the reason, people everywhere suddenly became interested in the process and ritual of replacing the Bishop of Rome. For a few weeks, the eyes of the world were fixed on the Vatican.
There wasn’t a news agency that wasn’t covering the story. Every major network had reporters standing in St. Peter’s Square explaining the process and waiting for the results. Once the conclave began, many of us checked the news first thing every morning to see whether the cardinals had made their decision. The entire world watched and waited together.
What struck me most was the realization that the entire world was, in its own way, waiting on a decision from the Holy Spirit. We’ve all waited for an answer to a prayer, but I can’t remember a moment when so many people were waiting for the answer to the same question. Believers and non-believers alike found themselves standing vigil together. Christian or not—Catholic, Protestant, or simply curious—there was a collective interest and a quiet respect for what was unfolding.
When the white smoke finally appeared and the announcement was made, the celebration felt like it was worldwide. For a brief moment, people across cultures, beliefs, and nations shared the same sense of anticipation and joy. It felt like a small but authentic step toward the unity Christians have long prayed for.
Moments like that are rare. In a world that often feels divided, the conclave reminded me that we are still capable of gathering around something larger than ourselves. For a few days, we waited together, hoped together, and celebrated together—and perhaps caught a glimpse of the unity this world so desperately needs.
