Witness to White Smoke: Maggie McDaniel, Pilgrimage Leader and Founder of Catholic Faith Journeys
An interview with Maggie McDaniel, Pilgrimage Leader and Founder of Catholic Faith Journeys
Maggie McDaniel didn’t plan to witness the election of a new pope when she scheduled a pilgrimage to Rome in 2013—but divine providence had other ideas. As the founder of Catholic Faith Journeys, LLC, Maggie has led countless pilgrims across the globe to deepen their Catholic faith through travel. But during one unforgettable trip, she and a group of pilgrims found themselves in St. Peter’s Square on the very night white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of Pope Francis.
We spoke with Maggie to hear what it was like to experience this historic moment firsthand.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about Catholic Faith Journeys?
I started Catholic Faith Journeys about 20 years ago, really just as a favor to a friend. It started simple, but it turned into more of a ministry than a business. What I do is try to provide small, local, personalized pilgrimages for people who want to grow in their Catholic faith.
Was your 2013 trip planned before the conclave was announced?
Yes, the trip had been planned for about a year. It was with Monsignor Kubacki and included both the Holy Land and Rome. When Pope Benedict announced his resignation on February 11, we thought, “Oh my gosh, what’s going to happen? Will there be a pope when we arrive?” There was so much speculation.
We ended our time in the Holy Land and arrived in Rome the evening before the conclave began. Our guide asked if we’d be willing to adjust our itinerary to attend the opening Mass and be in the square for every smoke signal. So it was truly just by the grace of God that we were there at that time.
What was the atmosphere like in Rome during the conclave?
There was this unique energy. People were buzzing, wondering who the next Holy Father would be. It wasn’t like politics—this is the man who will lead us in faith. I’ve been to Rome many times, but I had never felt anything like that before. It was electric and deeply spiritual all at once.
Were you in the square when the white smoke appeared?
We were! That evening it was raining, and we were under the colonnades waiting. When the white smoke came, it was overwhelming. I didn’t know whether to pray, cry, or cheer—I ended up jumping and running to get closer. Then we turned around, and it felt like all of Rome was pouring into the square behind us. It was incredible.
What was it like seeing Pope Francis for the first time?
I didn’t know who he was at the time—most people didn’t. But when he stepped out and addressed the crowd, it was powerful. The moment that really struck me was when he asked us all to pray for him. Instantly, the entire square went silent. You could hear a pin drop. Thousands of people just stopped and prayed. I’ve never experienced anything like it.
Did the conclave change the spiritual experience of the pilgrimage for your group?
Absolutely. This kind of moment doesn’t happen often. To be there as part of Church history was unforgettable. I remember trying to leave the square—we spotted Fr. Jeff Walker and were clinging to his coat to stay together in the crowd! People were stopping him for interviews because he spoke English and Msgr. Kubacki was on the phone with reporters from back home. Everyone wanted to know what it was like.
Have you felt a deeper connection to Pope Francis because you were there when his papacy began?
Yes, especially now that we were also there for his final farewell. If I had to guess, I’ve probably been to Rome 35 to 40 times in the past 12 years. So to have been there at both the beginning and the end of Pope Francis’ papacy—it definitely feels special.
Where are you headed next?
I leave again this Friday with Father Anthony Coci and 36 students from Corpus Christi University Parish. We’ll visit Assisi, Florence, and end in Rome. We won’t be there in time to see the next conclave, but hopefully we’ll be there to see the new Holy Father.
– Annie Lust, Diocese of Toledo
Posted May 7, 2025 at 10:11 am