The Rome Report - Featuring Film-Maker Manny Marquez

Vatican City - May 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV walked onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for his first time today. Never in my life would I have imagined to experience such a historical event, as a fellow American now fills the Chair of Peter. What an inspiration and example he can be for our Church back home!

When the fumo bianco, the white smoke, finally burst through the chimney, I wasn’t prepared for what I was seeing. Everyone knew it would happen, but was it going to be today? Then, there it was as if the Holy Spirit himself was appearing. All eyes turned to that small backlit patch in the sky. Habemus Papam! 

We have a Pope. -  Indeed we do, because our Lord Jesus Christ left us Apostolic Succession and good shepherds to keep us on the path toward Him. Pope Leo XIV, I know you have a small Tulsa connection. We are all so thrilled about that. Know we are all going to be praying for you back in Oklahoma. Please, pray for us, and thank you for accepting God’s call. 

Time to take a deep breath. Peace, Manny Marquez