RA #930: Why We're Hopeful About Pope Leo XIV

White smoke sure rose faster than anyone expected (at least faster than we did)! In this episode, we share where we were when Pope Leo XIV was elected, what it felt like in that moment, and our first impressions of the new Holy Father. We talk about: • Greg's emotional reaction to the white smoke • Jennifer's experience watching the announcement from school • Why it took so long for Pope Leo to appear • His early remarks, precision in speech, and mention of St. Augustine • What it might mean for the Rosary, the New Evangelization, and our mission We also share what this moment has stirred up for us — including messages from Protestant friends and a surprising sense of renewed momentum. What are your thoughts so far on Pope Leo XIV? Were you watching when the white smoke appeared? 👇 Let us know in the comments. 📿 Support the mission: https://RosaryArmy.com/donate  🙏🏻 LINKS: • Video Version of This Episode Fr. Jay Finelli's iPadre Blog 🙏🏻 FREE STUFF: • Free All-Twine-Knotted Rosaries • School of Mary • Audio Rosaries 🙏🏻 ROSARY ARMY CATHOLIC PODCAST: • SPOTIFY • APPLE PODCASTS 🙏🏻 MORE FROM GREG AND JENNIFER/ROSARY ARMY: • Rosary Army Mobile App • Greg's serialized novel 🙏🏻 CONTACT & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: [email protected] 🙏🏻 TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Habemus Papam! Our first reactions 01:22 – Where we were when the white smoke rose 05:11 – Greg's emotional response to the announcement 08:11 – Why Pope Leo XIV took over an hour to appear 09:58 – First impressions: clarity, precision, and peace 13:45 – The call to the center: Christ above all politics 18:08 – Leo XIV's surprising background and humility 20:51 – Mystery vs. spectacle: his view on Catholic media 22:00 – Hopes for the Rosary, consecration, and unity 25:35 – Our prayer for the Church and Pope Leo XIV   #rosary #catholic #podcast #catholicpodcast