Daily briefings on the conclave
and election of the new pope
As the world turned its attention to the 267th pope these past few days, our president, Father Jack Wall, decided he would offer a “crash course” on several of the 266 popes that preceded him.
From early martyrs, to the popes of the Middle Ages, to Pope Pius X who established Catholic Extension Society as a papal society and to Pope Francis, these pontiffs, in their time in the Chair of Peter, proved to be consequential and memorable. Watch the video below to learn more!
Father Jack Wall and Pope Leo XIV up in the same south suburb of Chicago—Dolton, Illinois. They walked the same streets. They went to the same school—St. Mary’s—and were taught by the same Catholic sisters. For years, Father Wall thought he might be the only priest ever ordained from that little parish school. But now he now knows: the Holy Father, the pope of the universal Church, was shaped by the same place and people who shaped him.
That connection isn’t just personal—it’s providential. No corner is too small, no beginning too humble, for God to do something extraordinary.
Our president reflects on these shared South Side Chicago roots, and about how the new pontiff will carry on the wonderful message of Pope Francis by building bridges of peace and reaching out to the peripheries.
The joyful presence of young people in St. Peter’s Square was unmistakable! Their energy and enthusiasm enlivened the square. Father Jack Wall was there to witness it all—a powerful sign of hope and renewal for our Church. Together with the next generation, we move forward in our mission!
Just like our new pontiff, Father Jack Wall is a native of Chicago’s South Side. So our president, the lifelong White Sox fan that he is, had to get to the bottom of the burning baseball debate that’s been on everyone’s mind since Leo XIV became the Holy Father: is the new pope a Sox or Cubs fan?
Father Wall met up with Father Joe Farrell (pictured below), an American Augustinian based in Rome.
Father Farrell had been texting with the Holy Father earlier that day, trying to settle the question—as there have been a few competing claims going around.
The reply was simple:
“Sox,” the new pope wrote.
Clear as day.
Rivalries aside, Pope Leo XIV is is a unifier, a bridge builder, and someone who will help connect hearts across every divide.
Here’s what Pope Leo XIV said during his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the College of Cardinals:
“As I begin my mission as Bishop of Rome and, according to the well-known expression of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, am called to preside in charity over the universal Church (cf. Letter to the Romans, Prologue).
“Saint Ignatius, who was led in chains to this city, the place of his impending sacrifice, wrote to the Christians there: “Then I will truly be a disciple of Jesus Christ, when the world no longer sees my body” (Letter to the Romans, IV, 1). Ignatius was speaking about being devoured by wild beasts in the arena—and so it happened—but his words apply more generally to an indispensable commitment for all those in the Church who exercise a ministry of authority. It is to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified (cf. Jn 3:30), to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love him.”
Our president, Father Jack Wall, reacts to fellow Chicago South Sider Pope Leo XIV being named the next pontiff of the Catholic Church!
The excitement and joy in St. Peter’s Square today was incredible! Father Jack Wall was present through it all. Watch him react and reflect on the significance of this beautiful moment, from white smoke going up, to excitement of waiting in the square for the new pope to emerge, and finally watching Pope Leo XIV’s first address. Together, with the communities we support, our friends, followers and the Holy Father, we move forward in our mission!
Father Jack Wall discusses the Michelangelo painting of the Crucifixion of St. Peter, located in the Pauline Chapel near where the cardinals are voting. The new successor of Peter will emerge on the balcony to the people in the square named after the first pope of our Church.
Father Jack Wall prayed at the very simple tomb of Pope Francis earlier today, at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. He carried with him all the prayer intentions of those receiving our daily updates, especially those who personally asked for our prayers. He also prayed for the new pope and the future of the Church.
The tomb is located just next to a side chapel dedicated to Our Lady, which Pope Francis was fond of visiting each time he returned to the city following a pilgrimage abroad.
Father Wall reflected upon his experiences meeting Pope Francis, especially his joyful first encounter in which they shared a big laugh.
From atop the Colonnades of St. Peter’s Basilica, Father Wall watched as the cardinals processed into the Sistine Chapel.
Father Jack Wall spoke with several reporters covering the conclave, including Mary Ann Ahern from NBC 5 Chicago, pictured below. The journalists are deeply moved by the pilgrims, the faith, and the excitement of this moment.
Chicagoans can watch Father Wall’s interview with NBC 5 at 4 and 6 p.m. CT on May 7. Or, watch from their website here.
Father Jack Wall was live on WGN News Chicago! Watch below:
Father Jack Wall reports from Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinals will be staying during the conclave:
Our chancellor, Cardinal Blase Cupich, departed for the conclave with several other American cardinals. They were celebrated by students at the North American Pontifical College in Rome, where Catholic Extension Society has supported the education and advanced degrees of many priests serving in poor communities. Video from the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Father Jack Wall reflects on this sacred moment from St. Peter’s Basilica. Join us in praying for the cardinals as they seek a shepherd to lead us into the next chapter of the Church’s life and mission.
Team Extension has arrived in Rome! We brought all five Extension magazine issues that featured Pope Francis on the cover to commemorate his transformative pontificate. We look forward to welcoming the new pope, who will appear on this balcony, in just a few days.
As the world turns its attention to Rome for the election of our next pope, we are providing exclusive updates from inside Rome during the conclave.
As a papal society, Catholic Extension Society is inviting you to experience the conclave in a unique way.
For 120 years, Catholic Extension Society’s president has been appointed by the Holy See. In 2007, the Holy See named Father Jack Wall as president. He has been re-appointed four times.
He is in Rome during the conclave, providing daily, firsthand reflections. His insights will provide an up-close view into the Church and about how these events will profoundly impact Catholic life in America.
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Founded in 1905, Catholic Extension Society works in solidarity with people to build up vibrant and transformative Catholic faith communities among the poor in the poorest regions of America.
In 1910, Pope St. Pius X approved pontifical status for Catholic Extension Society, creating a lasting connection between Rome and Catholic Extension Society.
Catholic Extension Society has built or repaired 13,500 churches, supports the education of future priests, Catholic sisters and lay leaders, and supports critical Catholic ministries among the poor. Presently, Catholic Extension Society supports 15 million Catholics in 87 diverse dioceses, spanning from Alaska to Puerto Rico.
Read our stories below to learn more about our history as a papal society, our relationships with popes throughout history, and how we have shaped the Church in America.
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