What the Church Needs…

What the Church Needs…

“Habemus Papam,” We have a pope!  The world listened with anticipated joy as the traditional Latin announcement was made two weeks ago from St. Peter’s Square in Rome. And the conclave of cardinals elected the first American pope, Pope Leo XIV!

This was the third papal conclave (and the third white smoke sighting) of my lifetime. When Pope Benedict XVI was elected, I was in eighth grade. I was in college when Pope Francis stepped onto the balcony. And now, as an adult, I found myself once again watching, waiting, wondering—what will come next?

There’s an awe and beauty in this process. Watching the ceremonies and prayers unfold, there’s something deeply ancient and sacred. It reminds us that the Church is not just surviving—it’s alive.

Of course, it’s also easy to get pulled into the drama of the conclave, much like we might during March Madness. Who’s the favorite? Who’s the dark horse? Who might surprise us? We certainly were surprised!

And let’s be honest—being drawn into the life of the Church is a good thing. But there’s a temptation here, and it’s twofold.

First, we forget that we’re not in control. The cardinals didn’t ask us to vote.

Second, we can be quick to declare what we think the Church needs.

But really—what does the Church need?

I’m not talking about your parish needing new kneelers, a new roof, or a working organ (though those matter, too). I mean the Church—the universal Body of Christ. Right now. In this moment of history.

How do we even begin to answer that?

The Church is larger than any one of us. It spans centuries, continents, and cultures. I don’t believe anyone on earth can fully answer that question. It’s a question only the Holy Spirit can answer.

And if you’re unsure, consider this.

In the Acts of the Apostles—readings we’ve heard at Mass throughout the Easter season—we find the early followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem after His Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Church is growing. But so is the opposition.

If you had asked those first Christians what the Church needed, what might they have said?

“We need protection from the Romans.”
“We need more believers.”
“We need more courage.”

And yet, what happened? Persecution escalated. The believers—everyone except the apostles—fled Jerusalem.

Was that what they needed, Lord?

As it turns out—yes.

Because as they scattered, the Gospel spread. The Church grew—not just in numbers but in reach and in trust. What looked like defeat became a doorway.

They couldn’t have predicted it. They simply responded to the Spirit.

And perhaps that’s what we’re being invited to do right now.

I’m not saying persecution is coming or that something negative is on the horizon. But I do think this is a time to set our opinions aside and wait on the Spirit.

Will Pope Leo be a “good one” or a “bad one”? I don’t know. That’s above my pay grade.

But I do trust this: the Holy Spirit is still steering the Church. He has not stepped away.

And this is true not only for the Church at large, but for us individually—in our families, our homes, our work.

We are called to steward what has been given, faithfully and generously, trusting that the seeds we plant now will grow in ways we cannot predict—just like those early believers, who thought they were running for their lives and ended up running with the Gospel. So, what does the Church need right now? The same thing it has always needed: disciples willing to trust and follow the Spirit.