God is good! I am blessed to have lived and learned my faith through five popes thus far. With the 2025 conclave concluded, I pray that Pope Leo XIV will continue to grow the Church with open arms.
During the past 50 years, the Church has shown resilience through good times and challenging times. There have been leadership changes, structural renewal, scandals, and progressive/conservative movements. Most importantly, the commitment to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ continues.
Pope Francis opened the doors to many who no longer felt they were welcome. He encouraged us all to do the same. He took steps to fix internal Church issues while evangelizing during visits to 68 countries. He followed in the footsteps of his predecessors by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide him as he led. We are blessed to be followers of Jesus. At this time, the Church needs our prayers and our active participation.
Jesus commissioned his disciples to spread the Good News to all ends of the earth. Our first pope, St. Peter, was among them. For 2,000 years, his successors have led the Church and by doing so, ensured the fulfillment of that Great Commission. The method by which the gospel is spread has changed over the years, and we are blessed by many men and women who have had a profound impact on the Church through their ministries, outreach, and lives.
I think of Venerable Fulton Sheen, and Mother Angelica of EWTN, saints like Mother Teresa and Pope John Paul II, and the soon-to-be canonized Carlo Acutis, who was devoted to the Eucharist. Countless people around the world have been martyred for their faith during the same time. We should be thankful for the examples that have been set. The opportunity for sainthood is right before us. All we have to do is follow in Jesus’ footsteps. We may not be canonized, but imagine the good one can do trying! Praying for Pope Leo XIV and the cardinals who participated in the conclave is one way for each of us to share in the mission.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV began his first homily with words in English during Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the College of Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/BgiwQS8U8f
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 9, 2025
Even now, faith-based shows like “The Chosen,” movies like “Jesus Thirsts,” and the Eucharistic Revival are helping lead the way back to the faith. Apps like Hallow and Ascension make it easier to pray, learn, and live a Christ-centered life. It is now time to go out into the harvest field and spread the Good News in a way that uses your God-given talents.
If we share Jesus through our lives (thoughts, words, and deeds), we can make the world a better place. If we stand for truth and justice, we can help those in need. If we are willing to sacrifice and suffer for Jesus, we can bring about positive change for all people. Jesus commissioned each of us, through the apostles, to follow in his footsteps and those of the pope to evangelize the world.
Let us pray that Pope Leo XIV inspires people of all faiths to come together for the betterment of all humans and our planet. Let us pray for harmony in the Church and unity in reaching the harvest field. Let us spread a message of love and hope across the globe.
Let us pray for strengthened efforts supporting the poor, the trafficked, the malnourished, the abandoned, and others who need Christ-like intervention. Let us pray that the Jubilee doors remain open to all who seek a closer relationship with God.
No matter who or where you are, the opportunity to serve Christ will always be there. So when you are ready, serve God in a manner that works for you and pleases him. I imagine most readers of this article are already doing this, and God knows your efforts.
Let us pray that the will of the Father is spread through the Holy Spirit to Pope Leo XIV, the cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, and laypeople to help them discern as they lead the Church. Let us also pray that the Holy Spirit touches our own hearts and helps us come together and live in a spirit of unity, hope, and love.
Ronald E. Smith, Ed.D is a lifelong Catholic who enjoys writing. He is a Rotarian, member of the Thea Bowman Council #406 of the Knights of Peter Claver, and a parishioner at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Dana Point, California, and St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Rubuguri, Uganda. He and his wife Sandy recently founded Friends of St. Kizito Rubuguri Primary School in Rubuguri, Uganda, where they serve as missionaries. He can be reached at resmithinc@aol.com.
