Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It has often been said that sausage making is an ugly process. The end product may be tasty, but if you ever saw how it was made, you might think twice before eating it. This might be an appropriate analogy for the process of selecting a new pope. It’s not always elegant. It can be political, human, imperfect—and yet, somehow, deeply spiritual. Please read more.

On May 7th, the eyes of the world will once again turn to the Vatican as the College of Cardinals enter a conclave to elect the next successor to St. Peter. For Catholics, this is more than a news story. It is a moment of profound importance for the global Church. And for Christians of all traditions, it offers a unique opportunity to reflect on how we discern leadership, listen to God’s voice, and trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit—even in the messiness of human affairs.

Many have recently watched the film The Conclave. In addition to the unneeded culturally forced elements near the end, the movie offered a thought provoking, albeit Hollywood created, fictional glimpse into the possible behind-the-scenes of choosing a pope. Deals are made, alliances are formed, preferences are whispered behind closed doors. Every aspect of choosing the next Pope may not always look holy. But that’s only one side of the story.

The Catholic Church has always believed that the Holy Spirit is present in this process—not overriding the free will of the Cardinals, but working through it. God respects our humanity. Just as He allows each of us to wrestle with decisions in our own spiritual journey, He allows those entrusted with great responsibility to do the same. That means the Church has had good popes, bad popes, even flawed and sinful popes. Just as we, in our own Christian walk, sometimes get it right—and sometimes fall flat.

Some may ask, “If the Holy Spirit is guiding this, why doesn’t the best, holiest, most inspiring leader always get chosen?” That question could just as easily be turned inward: “If I’m a Christian, why do I still sin?” God doesn’t force holiness on us—He invites it. The papal conclave, in its secrecy and solemnity, is not a moment of magic—it is a moment of grace. It is where flawed men pray, discern, and vote. And somehow, for over two thousand years, the Church has carried on.

For my non-Catholic brothers and sisters, you may not follow every detail or share every theological conviction about the papacy, but know this: Catholics do not believe they are the only Christians who will be saved. As stated in Unitatis Redintegratio, a document from the Second Vatican Council on the topic of “Restoration of Unity”, and as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Church believes that anyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and seeks to live by the truth of the Gospel, is our brother or sister. One important point that I must make is this: although the Catholic Church feels it offers the fullness of faith, it also affirms the beauty, goodness, and faithfulness found in other Christian traditions. We are not enemies—we are family, separated at times by doctrine, but united by Christ.

My long-term readers know that although I am Catholic, I have always tried to deliver ecumenical messages applicable to all followers of Jesus Christ. I have never tried to proselytize. I try to write on topics common to, and of interest to, all Christians. I respect that there are differences in our traditions and beliefs within the universal church.

As the conclave begins this week, let us all, regardless of denomination, pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not only for the Church in Rome, but for our local churches, our communities, our families, and ourselves. We are all prone to pride, division, and distraction. We are all in need of renewal. And we are all desperately in need of the Spirit’s gentle, convicting, purifying presence.

Choosing a pope may look messy. But so does discipleship. So does life. Yet in all of it, God is present, working not just through saints and scholars, but through the cracks and flaws of our humanity. That is good news for all of us.

So, when the white smoke rises—let’s watch, let’s pray, and let’s hope. Romans 8:28 tells us. “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” The sausage may not be pretty while it’s being made, but the meal still nourishes. May the Spirit of God feed us all.

Heavenly Father, send forth your Holy Spirit to enlighten and guide the Conclave as the Cardinals undergo the process of selecting the new Pope. Father, please also send your Holy Spirit to guide our local church leaders in their everyday decisions. And finally, Lord, send your Holy Spirit into my life to guide and direct my footsteps in the way of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

AMDG 

 I always love to hear from you. You can email me by clicking here.

Please take a moment to share your thoughts about today’s message below.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Brian Pusateri

Brian is a Christian author and speaker. Brian, a lifelong Catholic, felt his life was forever changed when God spoke to his heart while attending an eight day silent Christian retreat in November of 2011. Soon after that retreat Brian founded 4th Day Letters and Broken Door Ministries. With the God inspired message of mercy and unconditional love that was placed on his heart during that retreat, Brian has been impacting others all over the country and around the world with his weekly letters, his talks, and his all day Christian retreats. In June of 2014, Brian’s life was again impacted in a very dramatic way when his eyesight suddenly became permanently impaired. The initial diagnosis was Multiple Scleroses (MS) but in December of 2019 the diagnosis was corrected to MOG antibody disease, a rare neurological disease. This health challenge has only served to draw Brian closer to God and bolster the importance of this timely yet ageless message.

Latest posts by Brian Pusateri (see all)

• Tripping Over The Final Hurdle - May 11, 2025
• Sausage Making Is Not a Pretty Process - May 4, 2025
• Freedom - April 27, 2025