Habemus Papem: Reflections on the Papal Transition

Papal resources, Pope Francis and Pope Leo
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On April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church mourned the loss of Pope Francis. As we remembered the life and legacy of our pope, we also turned our attention to the papal conclave. After only four ballots, the voting cardinals elected the first American, Cardinal Robert Prevost, to pope. The 69-year-old Augustinian took the name Pope Leo XIV to honor Pope Leo XIII and his commitment to Catholic Social Teaching. We’ve gathered our podcasts, articles, and videos from all these events here. From remembering Pope Francis, to reliving the anticipation of the conclave, to learning more about Pope Leo XIV, we have resources for you. 

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Pope Francis (Roundup)

We remember and celebrate the life of Pope Francis. Here, we’ve curated posts that reflect on the Pope’s words and deeds over the past 12 years of his pontificate. 

Papal Biographer Austen Ivereigh On Pope Francis’ Legacy and Electing the Next Pope (Podcast)

Father Dave welcomes back journalist and papal biographer Austen Ivereigh to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis and what’s next for the global Church. As someone who knew Fracis personally, Austen reflects on the death of the pope, and discusses the diversity of cardinals Pope Francis appointed, impacting the conclave.

Reflecting on Pope Francis and His Papacy With John Allen, Jr. (Radio Show)

Father Dave welcomes back John Allen, Jr., the editor of Crux, to reflect on the papacy of Pope Francis. John reflects on the Pope’s final days, his funeral and burial, and how the pontiff will be remembered. 

Previewing the Papal Conclave with John Allen, Jr. (Radio Show)

Father Dave and John Allen, Jr., the editor of Crux, continue their conversation. They discuss their thoughts on papal predictions as well as potential cardinals the conclave may be considering.

How Do Catholics Elect a Pope? (Video)

This four-minute video explains the process the Church uses to elect a new pope, detailing who can be elected, what happens during the papal conclave, and the ins and outs of the voting process. 

How Does the Church Elect a New Pope? (Radio Show)

A listener asks Father Dave how the Church responds to the pontiff’s death, and the process of electing a new pope.

Curious about the Papal Conclave? Here’s What You Need to Know! (Article)

We’ve compiled a list of resources that answer your questions about the papal conclave! Check out videos, explainers, and other resources to prepare until the white smoke fills the air. 

White Smoke: Father Dave and Lino Rulli React to First Moments of Pope Leo XIV’s Pontificate (Radio Show)

Broadcasting from Vatican City, Father Dave and Lino Rulli from SiriusXM’s The Catholic Channel share their initial reactions from the white smoke and seeing the American Pope Leo XIV emerge from the balcony.

“Habemus Papam!” How Our Community Experience the Announcement of the New Pope (Article)

Where were you when the white smoke came? Members of the Busted Halo community  reflect on where they were when our next pope stepped out onto the balcony. 

“Habemus Papam!” How Our Community Experienced the Announcement of the New Pope, Part Two (Article)

Where were you when the white smoke came? The Busted Halo community continues to reflect on where they were when our next pope stepped out onto the balcony. 

Ten Quotes to Get to Know Pope Leo XIV (Article)

Habemus Papam! To celebrate the elevation of Cardinal Robert Prevost to the role of Pope Leo XIV, we have curated 10 of his most memorable. From his “urbi et obri” blessing to the words shared in recent interviews, these quotes help us gather a sense of what Pope Leo XIV’s papacy may look like.

Learning More About Pope Leo XIV With EWTN’s Dr. Matthew Bunson (Radio Show)

Father Dave welcomes Dr. Matthew Bunson, author of “Leo XIV: Portrait of the First American Pope.” They discuss their surprise that an American was elected pope and Pope Leo XIV’s background prior to his papacy.

Journalist Elise Ann Allen Reflects on Early Impressions of Pope Leo XIV After First Wide-Ranging Interview (Radio Show)

Father Dave welcomes Elise Ann Ellen, Senior Correspondent for Crux, who conducted the first extensive papal interview of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. They discuss both Elise’s experience meeting Pope Leo while he was the bishop of Chiclayo and interviewing him as the pontiff.

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