Father James Altman urges Catholics to rally in prayer as the Church awaits new leadership following Pope Francis’s unexpected death.
At a Glance
- Father Altman calls for intense prayer as the conclave approaches following Pope Francis’s passing
- He emphasizes the need for a Pope firmly committed to traditional Catholic teachings
- Altman acknowledges current Church troubles but reassures that Christ remains victorious
- The priest draws parallels to historical Church challenges that were overcome
- Catholics are encouraged to follow saints’ examples of courage and faithfulness
A Call for Unified Prayer in Critical Times
In the wake of Pope Francis’s death on April 27, 2025, Father James Altman has issued a powerful appeal to Catholics worldwide to unite in dedicated prayer as the Church prepares for the upcoming papal conclave. The well-known priest, recognized for his traditional stance, emphasizes the critical importance of this moment in Church history as cardinals gather to select a new pontiff. Father Altman’s message, delivered with characteristic directness, focuses on the urgent need for divine guidance during this pivotal transition of Church leadership.
Father Altman specifically calls for Catholics to pray for a pope who will steadfastly uphold traditional Church teachings. His message resonates particularly with traditionalist Catholics who have expressed concerns about doctrinal clarity in recent years. As preparations for the conclave accelerate, Father Altman’s appeal highlights what many conservative Catholics view as a crucial juncture for the direction of the 2,000-year-old institution.
Seeking a Shepherd for Challenging Times
In his message, Father Altman frankly acknowledges the current atmosphere within the Church, which he characterizes as marked by scandal, betrayal, and confusion. This candid assessment resonates with many traditional Catholics who have expressed unease about various developments within Church governance and teaching interpretations. Father Altman’s call emphasizes qualities he considers essential in the next pope: unwavering fidelity to Church doctrine, moral courage, and clear teaching ability that leaves no room for ambiguity on matters of faith and morals.
Historical Perspective and Ultimate Hope
Drawing on the Church’s long history, Father Altman offers a perspective that places current challenges within a broader historical context. He reminds the faithful that the Catholic Church has weathered numerous serious crises throughout its existence, from the earliest persecutions to modern challenges. This historical framing serves to both acknowledge current difficulties while providing reassurance that the Church has overcome equally serious threats in the past through divine protection and the courageous witness of faithful Catholics.
Father Altman’s message culminates in a reminder of what he characterizes as the ultimate truth: Christ’s victory is assured regardless of immediate circumstances. He encourages Catholics to look to the example of saints and martyrs who maintained their faith through persecution and uncertainty. Their witness, he suggests, offers a template for today’s Catholics facing what many traditionalists perceive as a period of doctrinal confusion and institutional weakness. The priest advocates a three-fold response: reject fear, adhere firmly to traditional teachings, and prepare through prayer for a restoration of clear doctrinal leadership.
A Time for Faithful Vigilance
As cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to begin the solemn process of selecting a new pope, Father Altman’s message emphasizes the spiritual dimension of this institutional transition. He portrays the conclave not merely as an administrative procedure but as a moment requiring supernatural intervention through the prayers of the faithful. The message resonates with many Catholics who see the selection of the next pope as potentially definitive for the Church’s near-term future direction on matters ranging from liturgical practice to moral teaching.
In his concluding thoughts, Father Altman suggests that regardless of immediate outcomes, faithful Catholics should maintain confidence in the Church’s ultimate divine protection. His message balances acknowledgment of serious present challenges with the theological certainty of Christ’s promised protection of His Church. For traditional Catholics concerned about recent developments, Father Altman’s words offer both a realistic assessment of current difficulties and a supernatural perspective that transcends immediate circumstances.
