Choosing a Shepherd for Our Times

Why the Next Pope Matters More Than Ever—and How Trump Could Help Guide the Church Toward Truth

Who will be the next shepherd of the Catholic Church?

Will he defend biblical truth or bend to the world?

And does a U.S. president—especially one like Donald Trump—really have a role to play in shaping that outcome?

These questions may seem disconnected at first glance. After all, the Vatican is its own sovereign entity, far removed from the politics of Washington.

But in today’s globalized world, where power and influence intersect across borders, the moral direction of the Church is not immune to the cultural and political currents swirling around it.

That’s why the upcoming selection of a new pope could be one of the most important spiritual moments of our generation.

And for Christians who long for a return to conservative, biblical values—there’s reason to hope that someone like Trump could help tip the scales.

The next pope will shape the Church’s direction for generations

Every pope leaves a legacy, but some legacies linger longer than others. Pope John Paul II reminded the world of the power of faith and freedom, standing strong against communism.

Pope Benedict XVI emphasized the beauty of tradition and theological clarity. Pope Francis, by contrast, has steered the Church in a far more progressive direction—offering openness to same-sex blessings, environmentalism, and globalism in ways that have stirred confusion and division.

Many conservative Catholics and evangelicals alike have felt increasingly alienated under this papacy.

They’re asking: Where is the bold defense of life, marriage, and timeless doctrine? Where is the unwavering stand on the Word of God?

The next pope could change all that—or deepen the divide. That’s why the upcoming conclave is more than just a religious event; it’s a spiritual battleground over truth, tradition, and the soul of the Church.

Trump may not be Catholic, but he stands for moral clarity

It may surprise some to say that Donald Trump could play a part in all this. No, he won't vote in a papal conclave.

But influence comes in many forms. Trump’s presidency brought a wave of renewed support for religious liberty, pro-life policies, and strong national identity.

His Supreme Court appointments helped overturn Roe v. Wade—a moment many Christians thought they’d never live to see.

As Trump campaigns once again for the presidency, his stance on cultural issues echoes the concerns of many conservative believers—Catholic and Protestant alike. When he speaks boldly about faith, defends traditional values, and challenges the moral relativism that dominates the global elite, it sends a signal to religious leaders around the world.

If Trump returns to the White House, his influence could bolster conservative cardinals and embolden voices within the Vatican who are yearning for a return to biblical clarity. Political power doesn’t appoint popes, but it can create conditions where moral courage is respected—and rewarded.

Praying for a pope who will stand firm on truth

We are living in times of confusion, compromise, and spiritual drift.

The Church needs a leader who won’t flinch in the face of culture. A man who knows Scripture, upholds truth, and is not afraid to be unpopular with the world. A man who will lead with grace—but also with grit.

While we don’t know who that man will be, we do know how to pray: that God would raise up a shepherd after His own heart. That the Holy Spirit would guide the cardinals with clarity and conviction.

That political leaders—yes, even Trump—would use their influence to protect religious freedom and speak out in support of conservative values.

This is not about nostalgia or politics. It’s about truth. It's about the kind of leadership the Church—and the world—desperately needs right now.

In Closing: A Call to Hope and Intercession

The pope is not just a figurehead. He’s a voice, a teacher, and a symbol of faith to over a billion people. His words ripple across denominations, cultures, and nations. That’s why this moment matters so much.

Let’s be bold in our prayers. Let’s ask God for a strong and faithful leader in the next pope—one who will restore the beauty of tradition, uphold the authority of Scripture, and defend the sanctity of life and family.

And let’s not be afraid to hope that leaders like Trump might be used by God to support that vision.

In the end, it’s not about one man or one vote. It’s about God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven.

Let’s be watchful.

Let’s be prayerful.

And above all, let’s be faithful.