{"product_id":"white-smoke-two-gulls-and-a-pope","title":"White Smoke, Two Gulls, and a Pope","description":"\u003cp\u003eIt’s whimsical. It’s poetic. It’s adorably illustrated. It’s everything readers love a good storybook to be — and it’s all about the beauty of our two-thousand-year-old Faith, the incredible legacy of the papacy, and the enduring gift of the universal Church.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn a grand chamber high above St. Peter’s Square, something wonderful is happening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe crowds swell below. Pilgrims ponder and pray. Bells brace to ring out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp style=\"margin-left:40px;\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eThis is the moment,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eso full of thrill,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eas eyes fill with tears,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eand hearts all stand still.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnd on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, a mother seagull and her baby chick perch together, watching, waiting …\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eWhoosh!\u003c\/i\u003e White smoke pours out into the sky.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA new pope has been chosen.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eWhite Smoke, Two Gulls, and a Pope\u003c\/i\u003e, young readers are invited into the excitement and mystery of one of the Church’s most significant moments. Through delightful storytelling and bright, beautiful illustrations, children experience and relive the unmatched anticipation of a papal election, the wonder of the white smoke, and the joyful surprise when the new Holy Father steps onto the balcony.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis charming story draws readers to marvel at the papacy as the gift of hope that it is — the bridge between Heaven and earth, and a sign that God never stops caring for His Church, which He has guided for more than two thousand years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eReaders will also:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeet the beloved birds who stole the spotlight on May 8, 2025, as people around the world watched and waited for the announcement of the new Holy Father.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLearn to pray for the pope, that he may ever desire that which is pleasing to God and may accomplish it with all his might.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGlimpse the Vatican and its treasures — especially the people who come from all corners of the world, races, and states in life to join in prayer and praise as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiscover the historical election of the first American pontiff, and learn about his faith-filled childhood.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUncover the meaning of papal names, the fascinating legacies of previous Pope Leos and how the Spirit guides the Church through “good” and “bad” popes throughout history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eMagnificently illustrated by Leah Ballard and Cora Potvin, \u003ci\u003eWhite Smoke, Two Gulls, and a Pope\u003c\/i\u003e is a warmhearted picture book to be enjoyed over and over again, shared with others, and cherished: a gentle celebration — and an unforgettable memory brought to life — of hope, faith, and the Church we call home.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sophia Institute Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48576856948951,"sku":"6622","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0495\/2834\/0630\/files\/Images_2.png?v=1778007748","url":"https:\/\/catholic.store\/products\/white-smoke-two-gulls-and-a-pope","provider":"Catholic.Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}