One year ago, the world waited as the cardinals huddled in Rome to choose a new pope. Thousands of pilgrims crowded St. Peter’s square while many more watched from afar in anticipation. Who would take Pope Francis’ place as Holy Father to 1.4 billion Catholics? Thankfully, the cardinals did not make us wait long. On May 8, 2025, after only two days of deliberation, white smoke rose from the Sistene Chapel!
In all the excitement of this grand moment in history, one small detail caught the eyes of everyone watching. A pair of seagulls sat near the chimney and were among the first to see the white smoke rise. Their story is now captured in Katie Warner’s adorable picture book, White Smoke, Two Gulls and a Pope. With illustrations by Leah Ballard and Cora Potvin, this rhyming story introduces young children to the papal election.
I received this book for review courtesy of the publisher; all opinions expressed remain my own. This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
A Moment in History
Think of the first historical, newsworthy event you were aware of as a child. What made it memorable to you? Were all your adults discussing you? Were pictures flashed across the news? For most Catholics (and even many others), Pope Leo’s election was one of these memorable events. Two Gulls, White Smoke and a Pope is a fun way to hang onto this memory with our children.
Although I wasn’t Catholic in 2005 when Pope John Paul II passed away, I was aware of the event. Pope Francis’ election has even more significance in our family because I went into labour with Jade when the cardinals went into the conclave. After her birth, we woke up to find we also had a new pope.
Two Gulls, White Smoke, and a Pope begins with a prayer for the Holy Father and a brief introduction to May 8, 2025. The rhyming story then draws kids’ attention to the various things happening in St. Peter’s square on that day, starting with the seagulls on the roof…
This is the roof,
ancient and wide,
where Mama Seagull
 stands full of pride.
We see the priests and religious sisters waiting and praying, the crowds gathering, the beautiful basilica that has seen so many popes, the eager anticipation of everyone. My 8-year-old was very impressed by the illustrations of Rome and St. Peter’s. In the grandeur of this event, in the mystery of what happens at a papal election, two little seagulls help draw children into this important event.
White Smoke, Two Gulls and a Pope ends with more details about the 2025 papal conclave, Pope Leo, the office of the papacy, and the significance of the papal name. These are perfect for kids who love more details or have questions after listening to the story. This book certainly generated some interesting discussions with my children about Pope Leo and the Church.
The Church has seen many holy popes throughout history, but not all popes have been model leaders. Nevertheless, no matter how holy or less-than-holy a pope may be, the office he occupies was instituted by God and thus remains holy itself. Whether a pope is “good” or “bad,” Jesus never abandons his Church. He is the true Head, and the Holy Spirit always guides the Church towards truth.
Follow Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV is the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. He is the first pope from the USA and the first Augustinian pope. He was born in Chicago and had a normal, American childhood as the youngest of three boys who were active in their parish. He served most of his priesthood as a missionary in Peru or living in Rome. He is also a canon lawyer who can speak multiple languages and enjoys playing tennis.
You can follow Pope Leo XIV on the Vatican website, where his speeches, homilies, prayers and more are posted. The pope’s prayers for each month are brief and accessible for kids, who could add his monthly intention to their own petitions.
White Smoke, Two Gulls and a Pope is available from Sophia Institute Press, Amazon, and your local Catholic bookstore.
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