Keaton from the listening audience posed a thoughtful question on The Patrick Madrid Show: “Will the reality of a U.S. Pope, who’s served abroad but was shaped in America, help inspire young men to consider the priesthood?”
Patrick’s answer? A hopeful and heartfelt “Yes—I believe that could happen!”
Patrick brings more than speculation—he brings experience. All four of his sons spent time in seminary, seriously discerning the priesthood before eventually choosing the vocation of marriage. So he’s lived through the tension between the altar and the altar rail.
It’s personal, and it’s profound.
Patrick’s perspective also comes from inside the seminary walls. As a later-in-life seminary student himself, he sat beside young men in formation. Today, he serves on the Board of Directors of a seminary, giving him insight into both the spiritual and structural sides of priestly discernment.
He understands what draws men in and what sends them out.
Patrick beautifully compared today’s moment to the “JP2 Effect.” So many priests and bishops in recent decades trace their vocation to seeing Pope Saint John Paul II—especially at World Youth Day—where they thought: “I want to be like him.”
Why? Because vocation is contagious, especially when it’s modeled in someone holy and relatable.
Likewise, Patrick sees great potential in Pope Leo XIV. He’s:
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Young and vibrant, but not showy
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Rooted in humility, not headlines
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A man of the people, shaped by Midwest roots and missionary work in Peru
That kind of authenticity can spark something powerful in the hearts of young men watching him from afar.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Pope Leo XIV becomes a catalyst,” Patrick said. “I hope he is.”
So, will more American men become priests because of Pope Leo XIV?
Hopefully.
Only one thing’s for sure: young men are watching. And when they see someone like them become Pope, it opens the door to imagining a bold, joyful life with Christ.
Say a prayer today for your parish priest—and for a young man in your life who might be called.
