Let's Pray for The Pope, Not Pick on Him.

Hey friends,

I’m writing this today with a bit of heaviness in my heart, and honestly, just a little frustration too. I’ve been seeing so many posts, TikToks, IG Reels, and stories lighting up with opinions about our new Pope. And not just mild opinions...full-on debates, judgments, and hot takes flying in from every direction. It's been ONE DAY. It's starting to feel less like a moment of faith and unity, and more like some kind of political draft pick.

Let me just say this straight: we are Catholics. This is our Pope. This is not the time to divide ourselves even more. This is the time to pray.

I’m 26, cradle Catholic, still figuring it all out like most of us. I’ve had my ups and downs with the Church. I’ve struggled, wrestled with teachings, walked away at times, and run back at others. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the Church isn’t about me. It’s not about my preferences. It’s not a product I review like I’m on Yelp. It’s a living body. It’s bigger than me. And our Pope... whether you love him, feel unsure, or just plain confused, is our shepherd now.

We are not called to be spiritual critics. We are called to be faithful. And I know “pray for the Pope” might sound like a cliché Catholic phrase we throw around, but honestly? It’s exactly what we should be doing right now. Instead of dissecting every word or homily, instead of gossiping in the group chat or making memes, we need to be praying for him. Hard.

Pray the Rosary. Offer up a fast. Do a Holy Hour. Keep his name in your heart when you receive the Eucharist.

And listen, I’m not saying we shouldn’t care or that we can’t have thoughts or questions. But the level of critique I’m seeing? It’s not spiritual discernment. It’s noise. And it’s dividing us.

I think we forget sometimes: the Holy Spirit is at work. Yes, even in imperfect humans. Yes, even when we don’t fully get it. There’s mystery in this Church of ours, and if we’re constantly demanding clarity and control, we’re going to miss what God is actually doing.

So if you’re feeling anxious, unsure, or even upset—take it to prayer. Bring it before Jesus. Sit with it in adoration. But let’s not tear each other down, or worse, tear the Pope down. That’s not who we are.

This is a moment that calls for unity. For humility. For trust. For faith. Let’s be people who stay on our knees... not on our soapboxes.

Pope Leo XIV