Inside The Vatican

Pope Leo appeals for “reason and responsibility” amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran—and lights up the jumbotron in Chicago. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerry O'Connell report on the pope's plea for peace and his message to 30,000 faithful at Rate Field, where he urged them to be “beacons of hope” in a divided world. Find full show notes and related links on our ⁠⁠website⁠⁠ Support our podcast—become a ⁠⁠digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We pause our usual “Inside the Vatican” weekly format to continue the conversation from America Media's subscriber-only Conclave Debrief event this past Monday, June 9. Hosts Colleen Dulle, Gerard O'Connell, and producer Ricardo da Silva respond to subscriber questions about Pope Leo XIV and the recent conclave. Gerard compares this conclave with the 2013 election of Pope Francis, highlighting what made it unique. Colleen shares her firsthand experience covering a conclave live from the Vatican for the first time, while Ricardo reflects on the surprising surge in secular media coverage and growing interest in the papacy both in the U.S. and at St. Peter's. They also answer questions about Pope Leo's early warnings on artificial intelligence, the urgent need for structural reforms to address the sexual abuse crisis with a focus on survivors, and how his background may shape Vatican-China diplomacy going forward. Find full show notes and related links on our ⁠website⁠ Support our podcast—become a ⁠⁠⁠digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gerard O'Connell shares insights from his interviews with seven cardinal-electors about why they chose Pope Leo XIV: a missionary with a global outlook, a leader known for deep listening, a promoter of synodality, and someone they found deeply credible. We also cover Pope Leo's first priestly ordinations in Rome, where he urged new priests to live “lives that are known, lives that can be read, lives that are credible.” At the Jubilee Mass for Families, he said, “We must be prepared to defend the family.” Though some saw this as signaling a return to a firmer stance, this is a teaching popes in living memory have always upheld. Plus, Pope Leo blesses riders of the Giro d'Italia as the race passes through the Vatican Gardens. Find full show notes and related links on our website Support our podcast—become a ⁠⁠digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV met with 5,000 Vatican employees this week, thanking them for their dedication and recognizing their role as the Vatican's “institutional memory.” To acknowledge their extra work during the papal transition, he surprised them with a €500 bonus. We discuss what this gesture reveals about his leadership style and efforts to boost staff morale. We also recap his packed Sunday schedule: his installation at St. John Lateran, prayers at Pope Francis's tomb and before the Salus Populi Romani icon, and a meeting with the mayor of Rome. Plus: his renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of humanitarian aid, Vatican efforts to mediate peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, and the launch of the Vatican's redesigned website. Find full show notes and related links on our website Support our podcast—become a ⁠digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A week into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV—the first U.S.-born pope—hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell take stock of the emerging contours and dimensions of his leadership. They begin with his private meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and what it might suggest about his diplomatic approach amid tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. over issues like migration and climate. They then turn to his emotional inauguration Mass, where the pope quoted St. Augustine, received the woolen pallium and fought back tears as the Fisherman's Ring was placed on his finger. Finally, they consider how his early private audiences, formal speeches and video messages suggest a papacy in continuity with Pope Francis, yet possibly distinguished by a more scripted, deliberate style and a gift for expressing ideas with arresting elegance. One phrase he has already repeated might offer a defining glimpse into his papal politic: “disarmed and disarming.” Find full show notes and related links on our website Support our podcast—become a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the first days of Leo XIV's historic papacy. Today, Pope Leo met with members of the Vatican press corps and the thousands of other media in Rome covering his election, telling them to be peacemakers and calling for the release of all imprisoned journalists.  On our final episode recorded in Rome, the team discusses: How Pope Leo related to the media, and the importance of his message of peace and truth in a world threatened by war and the rise of A.I. Pope Leo's meeting with the College of Cardinals on Saturday, in which he signaled that he would continue the work started by Pope Francis Pope Leo's “honeymoon” period—and the opposition he will inevitably face This episode features: Sebastian Gomes, America's executive editor of audio and video Gerard O'Connell, America's Vatican correspondent  Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Links from the show: Pope Leo XIV calls for the release of imprisoned journalists, tells media to be peacemakers Full text: Pope Leo XIV's address to the media Pope Leo XIV's message to the cardinals: Vatican II and Pope Francis are here to stay Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first formal address to the College of Cardinals Interview: Chicago's Cardinal Cupich on why the cardinals chose Pope Leo XIV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. In this episode, the team discusses the Augustinian (and American) roots of Pope Leo XIV. They discuss: Pope Leo XIV is an alum of Villanova University. What's the atmosphere is like on campus right now? The Augustinian roots of Pope Leo: the intellectual, spiritual and social principles that will lead his ministry How poverty, chastity and obedience are a path to freedom and joy Subscribe to America to get our extensive coverage of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV at: ⁠⁠https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠⁠ Links from the show: ⁠Pope Leo XIV's first Sunday blessing: Appeals for peace, vocations and happy Mother's Day.⁠ ⁠Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first formal address to the College of Cardinals⁠ ⁠Pope Leo XIV's message to the cardinals: Vatican II and Pope Francis are here to stay⁠ ⁠⁠Pope Leo XIV: What to expect in the coming days⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first homily⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Who was Pope Leo XIII?⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. In this episode, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O'Connell speaks to Colleen Dulle and Sam Sawyer, SJ about the unexpectedly quick election of Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on the fourth ballot in the conclave. They discuss: What the speedy election tell us about the conclave? Why a pope from the U.S. was thought to be "impossible", and why it happened anyway. Analyzing Leo XIV's first address to the world and homily to the cardinals. Who was Leo XIII? Who is Leo XIV in light of his legacy? Leo XIV was once a poor missionary in Peru and a capable administrator on a global stage Subscribe to America to get our extensive coverage of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV at: https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe Links from the show: Pope Leo XIV: What to expect in the coming days Full text: Pope Leo XIV's first homily Who was Pope Leo XIII? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the America magazine conclave podcast. We are thrilled to join the church in welcoming Pope Leo XIV! Our team was just in St. Peter's Square for the historic election, and we're here with first reactions and some important details about the life and ministry of the missionary Augustinian friar turned pope: the now former-Cardinal Robert F. Prevost. Links from the show: Robert Francis Prevost elected first American pope Peru rejoices for their former bishop: Pope Leo XIV Prepare to be surprised by the next pope Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: ⁠⁠⁠AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do we really trust the Holy Spirit to guide the election of a pope? What does that trust feel like? Are we hopeful or fearful for what is to come? Why does it feel so hard to pray in Rome sometimes?  The cardinals have asked for our prayers repeatedly in the run-up to the conclave. While they are sequestered away on the second day of conclave, Sebastian Gomes, Ashley McKinless, Zac Davis and J.D. Long García talk about what their prayer has been like while covering the lead-up to the conclave. Read more: Conclave watch: Which cardinals are likely contenders? Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: ⁠⁠AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses: The protocols being followed by the cardinals in conclave The “habemus papam” moment, what the pope wears and other telling symbolic gestures  What happens in the days immediately following the election of a pope? This episode features: Sam Sawyer, S.J., America's editor in chief Colleen Dulle, co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast David Gibson, director of Fordham University's Center for Religion and Culture Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show:  Cardinal Re's pre-conclave homily: ‘Love is the only force capable of changing the world.' Conclave: Everything you need to know about electing a new pope What time will we see black or white smoke? Past conclaves give clues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses the frontrunners entering the conclave, and explains how the voting could quickly confirm papabile lists or pivot to an unexpected candidate. Featuring: Gerard O'Connell, America's Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave that Changed History Colleen Dulle, co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor in chief of America Read more at: https://www.americamagazine.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses: Final preparations for the conclave, including additional meetings for the cardinals President Trump's A.I. pope image Covering the conclave for secular media, with NPR's Scott Detrow The quirky procedures and protocols of the conclave, with Religion News Service's Thomas Reese, S.J. This episode features: Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Scott Detrow, weekend host of “All Things Considered,” and a co-host of the “Consider This” podcast. Thomas Reese, S.J., senior analyst at Religion News Service Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: ⁠⁠AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe⁠⁠ Links from the show: ⁠⁠Conclave: Everything you need to know about electing a new pope⁠⁠ ⁠⁠‘God is not mocked': US Catholic leaders criticize Trump's AI pope meme⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The conclave is a referendum on synodality⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Interview: Cardinal Müller on if Pope Francis was a heretic and what he wants in the next pope⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The pope is not the point⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses: The security measures being taken at Casa Santa Marta, where the cardinal electors will stay during the conclave, including lock inspections and sealed windows The history and recent rise of betting on who will be the next pope, as well as Fantasy Football-style apps for building your conclave team The influence of the Synod on Synodality for the conclave—and what the result of the conclave might mean for the future of synodality This episode features: Sebastian Gomes, America's executive editor of audio and video Colleen Dulle, co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Anna Rowlands, a professor of theology at Durham University Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show:  The conclave is a referendum on synodality Over $10 million in bets placed on who will be the next pope Vatican guesthouse secured and sealed ahead of secret papal election Interview: Cardinal Müller on if Pope Francis was a heretic and what he wants in the next pope Hong Kong's Jesuit Cardinal Chow on the conclave, the next pope and Francis' legacy How will the next pope strengthen safeguards against sex abuse? Pope Francis and the future of Catholic moral theology Is it time for the second Latin American pope? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses: The latest conclave news, including the installation of the chimney of the roof of the Sistine Chapel and how many cardinals have arrived in Rome The cardinals have asked Catholics to pray for them and the conclave. What exactly should we be praying for? And should we be scandalized by the intermingling of politics and spirituality? This episode features: James Martin, S.J., America's editor at large and founder of Outreach Colleen Dulle, co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast J.D. Long García, senior editor at America  Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show: Vatican firefighters install a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel for the conclave With five days before the conclave, all but four cardinal electors are in Rome The prayer Rome needs right now: Come, Holy Spirit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses: Cardinal Beniamino Stella's stunning attack on Pope Francis in Wednesday's general congregation meeting of the College of Cardinals The “election” of a new bishop in mainland China—while the chair of St. Peter is empty Papabile: How do conclave watchers come up with their lists of the next pope (and should we trust them?) This episode features: Sebastian Gomes, America's executive editor of audio and video Colleen Dulle, co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show: Backer of Cardinal Parolin attacks Pope Francis' push for lay involvement in church governance The new pope: How journalists (and cardinals) come up with their list of candidates Designers up in arms over Pope Francis' tombstone Despite the death of Pope Francis, auxiliary bishop elected in Shanghai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode from Rome, the team discusses: President Donald Trump's choice for pope The latest from the cardinal pre-conclave meetings The question: Will the next pope be an Italian? The unfinished business of Pope Francis' papacy, including: synodality, fighting sexual abuse, reforming Vatican governance and an ecumenical trip to Turkey on the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea   This episode features: Sam Sawyer, S.J., America's editor in chief  Sebastian Gomes, America's executive editor of audio and video Colleen Dulle, co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show: Cardinals say they are expecting a short conclave Watch: Trump jokes he'd ‘like to be Pope' Synodality—and ‘controversial' issues—are here to stay: Takeaways from the Synod's final document The four signs of a truly synodal church Pope Francis issues new rules for accountability and response to allegations of sexual abuse Pope Francis' new sex abuse rules are a revolution for the Catholic Church Vatican to consider classifying ‘spiritual abuse' as new Catholic crime With Pope Francis' reform of the Roman Curia, nine years of work is coming to fruition Podcast: Pope Francis' Roman Curia reform, explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine's Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today's episode, the team discusses: - The controversial presence at the pre-conclave meetings of Cardinal Becciu, convicted of embezzlement, and Cardinal Cipriani, who was sanctioned by the Vatican for alleged sexual abuse - The topics emerging in the cardinals' secret meetings - How “unity” and “clarity” are becoming buzzwords for reversing Francis' style of governance This episode features: - Sebastian Gomes, America's executive editor of audio and video - Colleen Dulle, co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast - Gerard O'Connell, Vatican correspondent and co-host of America's “Inside the Vatican” podcast - Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast - Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America's “Jesuitical” podcast - Sam Sawyer, S.J., America's editor in chief  Sign up for America's subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: ⁠AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe⁠ Links from the show:  - ⁠What Pope Francis taught us: Church teaching finds clarity and power in acts of mercy⁠ - ⁠Cardinal Becciu will not participate in conclave following dispute over right to vote⁠ - ⁠As Cardinals Prepare to Elect a Pope, One Motto Is ‘Unity.' That's Divisive.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America Magazine's editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope. As part of the coverage, the team is producing a new podcast episode every day and releasing it on Inside the Vatican and Jesuitical. In today's episode, the team discusses: - The funeral of Pope Francis - The cardinal's decision to start the conclave on May 7 - The College of Cardinals by the numbers - How the conclave is (and isn't) a referendum on Pope Francis' pontificate Hosted by Sebastian Gomes, America's executive editor of audio and video, and featuring commentary from “Inside the Vatican” co-hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell, Jesuitical hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless, editor in chief Sam Sawyer, SJ, editor at large James Martin, SJ, and senior editor J.D. Long García. Sign up for America's exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis—the first Jesuit and Latin American pope—has died. As 1.4 billion Catholics begin mourning the loss of their pastor, and the world grieves one of its most prominent spiritual leaders, the Church remembers the pope who saw himself not only as the bishop of Rome, but as a parish priest to the whole world. Now, a momentous process begins in Rome: the funeral, the mourning rites, and the election of a new pope. In this special deep-dive episode of Inside the Vatican, host Colleen Dulle guides listeners through the rituals, rules, and hidden dynamics that unfold when a pope dies—from the certification of his death and the breaking of the papal ring to the solemn gathering of cardinals from around the world, and the quiet conversations that begin among them as they prepare to discern who will lead the church into its next chapter. These cardinals will soon enter the conclave—the oldest surviving method of leadership selection in the world. Held beneath Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is a spiritual event wrapped in secrecy and tradition. There, 135 cardinal electors, bound by oath and guided by prayer, will choose the next successor of Peter. You'll hear from: John Thavis, veteran Vatican journalist and former Rome bureau chief for Catholic News Service, and author of The Vatican Diaries Anne Thompson, NBC News' Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, who has long reported on the Catholic Church Gerard O'Connell, veteran Vatican correspondent for America magazine, co-host of Inside the Vatican, and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History Join us as we explore the sacred traditions and profound moments that shape a papal transition—and gain unique insight into the process of choosing the next leader of the Catholic Church. Please support Inside the Vatican by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Links for further reading Pope Francis, trailblazing Jesuit with a heart for the poor, dies at 88 How Pope Francis changed the place of women in the church Pope Francis never stopped being a Jesuit Trump, Vance and Biden react to the death of Pope Francis A prayer for our beloved Pope Francis Vatican releases Pope Francis' final testament What happens after a pope dies? Pope Francis died after stroke and heart attack, Vatican says Pope Francis' funeral set for April 26, first photos of his body released Before picking a new pope, the cardinals will politick In last words, Pope Francis thanked his nurse ‘for bringing me back to the square' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“We've lost a friend on earth—and gained one in heaven,” says Gerard O'Connell as he mourns Pope Francis. In this special Inside the Vatican roundtable, recorded the day after the pope's death, hosts Gerard O'Connell and Colleen Dulle join their producer, Ricardo da Silva, S.J., for a heartfelt conversation about the life, legacy and final days of a pope who changed the Catholic Church—and changed them. Gerry, who perhaps knew Francis more as a friend than as pope—having shared a personal bond for more than two decades, and whose children were baptized by him—recalls the last time he saw him alive: Easter Sunday, riding through the crowds in his popemobile. “That's my last image of him,” he says. Colleen reflects on witnessing the pope's final Urbi et Orbi blessing from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square and thinking, “He gave his all to the job,” she says. “Really left nothing on the table.” Ricardo remembers the pope's joy at World Youth Day in Lisbon and the line that has stayed with him: “‘Todos, todos, todos!' This is the church for all!” Together, they reflect on the global impact of Francis' papacy: his outreach to migrants and the poor, his advocacy for peace and the planet, and his reforms on synodality and inclusion. Colleen recalls the pope's final request, recorded in his last testament: It would be “just a simple grave in the ground with a stone over the top that just says Franciscus on it. No extra ornamentation.” Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Further reading Pope Francis, trailblazing Jesuit with a heart for the poor, dies at 88 How Pope Francis changed the place of women in the church Pope Francis never stopped being a Jesuit Trump, Vance and Biden react to the death of Pope Francis A prayer for our beloved Pope Francis Vatican releases Pope Francis' final testament What happens after a pope dies? Pope Francis died after stroke and heart attack, Vatican says Pope Francis' funeral set for April 26, first photos of his body released Before picking a new pope, the cardinals will politick In last words, Pope Francis thanked his nurse ‘for bringing me back to the square' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis died early this morning at 7:35 a.m. Rome time. He was 88. His death follows a 38-day hospital stay for double pneumonia that ended last month. He died at Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where he lived. A brief service was held there, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, who now oversees preparations for the next conclave. In announcing the pope's death, Cardinal Farrell said Francis “taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized.” The cardinals will meet tomorrow, April 22, to set the date of the funeral. Pope Francis will lie in state in St. Peter's Basilica, likely beginning Wednesday, April 23. We'll have much more coverage in the days ahead. For now, you can find Gerry's obituary and our ongoing reporting here: Pope Francis, trailblazing Jesuit with a heart for the poor, dies at 88 Pope Francis never stopped being a Jesuit How Pope Francis changed the place of women in the church Pope Francis pushed the U.S. church to move beyond the culture wars—with mixed results What happens after a pope dies? The official documents of Pope Francis' papacy Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Nicene Creed, which emerged from the Council of Nicaea, remains a foundational declaration of Christian faith today. But what exactly was Nicaea? Why does it still matter to Christians centuries later?  This special deep dive unravels what made the council groundbreaking and explores how it continues to impact Christian life today. Host Colleen Dulle brings listeners inside its rich history through interviews with experts; theologians, ecumenical scholars and historians. Our guests include: Aristotle (Telly) Papanikolaou, Professor of Theology and the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture at Fordham University  John Chryssavgis, deacon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina in Canada and a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity  Married professors Ben Hohman, a Roman Catholic, and Claire Koen, an Eastern Orthodox Christian Sandra Beardsall, Professor of Church History and Ecumenics at St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, Canada, an ordained United Church minister and a member of the World Council of Churches' Faith and Order Commission Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former cardinal Theodore McCarrick died on April 3; he was the first cardinal to be removed from the College of Cardinals over sexual abuse and was ultimately laicized. This week, we're re-presenting “Inside the Vatican”'s 2020 deep dive, “The Rise and Fall of Theodore McCarrick,” which was published just after the Vatican published an unprecedented report into how McCarrick was able to rise through the church's ranks despite his abuse being an “open secret.” In this episode, America's Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell and host Colleen Dulle explain the rise and fall of Theodore McCarrick, once the most prominent prelates in the U.S. Catholic church. The two unpack the accusations made in Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò's incendiary 2018 letter and how those are addressed in the Vatican's recent report. Gerry gives an up-close view of how the events of the last two years unfolded, and Colleen raises questions about whether this report will usher in a new era of accountability. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find a transcript of this episode here. Links for further reading and listening: Inside the Vatican: A 3-minute summary of what the McCarrick Report reveals Disgraced former cardinal Theodore McCarrick dies at 94 Sexual abuse case against defrocked Cardinal McCarrick suspended in Wisconsin Timeline: The allegations against former Cardinal McCarrick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Mar. 20, Pope Francis said in his written Sunday Angelus address that he was experiencing Lent as a time of “healing” in his body and his soul. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell walk us through the pontiff's recovery, including “slight improvements” in his speech. In the second half of the show, Colleen and Gerry discuss an announcement made by the bishop of Lourdes that the mosaics on the doors of the Lourdes Shrine by alleged abuser Marko Rupnik will be covered up this week. Note: After this episode was recorded, the Sanctuary of Fátima announced that it would no longer use photos of its Rupnik mosaics in promotional materials, however it would leave the artwork on display. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find links to further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis has returned home after 38 days in the hospital, which included two life-threatening respiratory crises. In this episode, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell discuss a revealing new interview that the pope's doctor gave to an Italian newspaper. Gerry describes the scene at the Gemelli Hospital when the pope made his first public appearance on March 23, and the two describe what they know so far about what to expect from the pope's planned two-month convalescence period. Note: After this podcast was recorded, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III and Queen Camilla's planned visit to the Vatican had been postponed due to the pope's need for rest. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find links to further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis' doctors announced at a press conference early this evening Rome time, March 22, that he will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow, March 23, following a six week hospitalization for double pneumonia, the longest of his pontificate. The pope will give a quick wave from his balcony at Rome's Gemelli Hospital tomorrow, then return to the Vatican. The doctors said he will have to observe a recovery period of two months before he can return to his usual pace of work. During this time, he can work and have individual meetings, but no big events or meetings with groups. Find the latest at americamagazine.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Buckingham Palace announced a meeting between King Charles III, Queen Camilla and Pope Francis at the Vatican on April 8. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry discuss whether the pope is on track to leave Gemelli Hospital in time for the royal visit, noting his gradual health improvements and the absence of setbacks since March 3. In the second part of the show, Francis appears to be shoring up his legacy, announcing the next stage in the global synodal process: a three-year implementation phase culminating in an ecclesial assembly in 2028. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis is no longer in imminent danger, according to the Vatican and doctors at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, where he has now entered his fourth week of treatment. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O'Connell to provide the latest updates on Pope Francis' slow but steady recovery.  In the second half, Ricardo and Gerry discuss a recent talk in Germany given by the Vatican's doctrinal chief Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, which appears to present a pastorally sensitive response to those experiencing gender dysphoria. Find the full show page and links for further reading here. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 21 days of hospitalization, Pope Francis sent a brief message of thanks that was played for those praying for him in St. Peter's Square the night of March 6. Read Gerard O'Connell's report on the message here. Visit americamagazine.org for the latest on Pope Francis' health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis has been hospitalized for nearly three weeks with double pneumonia. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Ricardo da Silva, S.J., speaks with veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O'Connell about the pope's health, ongoing work, and the misinformation surrounding his condition. While stable, the pope's condition remains serious, and his prognosis is “guarded,” meaning he is not yet out of danger. In the second half, Ricardo asks Gerry about his recent interview with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister, where they discussed ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as diplomatic relations with the U.S. and China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier today, March 3, the Vatican announced that the Pope experienced two acute breathing crises caused by a significant buildup of mucus in his airways, linked to his ongoing pneumonia infection. Doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear the mucus and resumed non-invasive ventilation with an oxygen mask to assist his breathing, without the need for intubation. His prognosis remains guarded, and doctors will continue to closely monitor his condition. Subscribe to americamagazine.org for the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special update, we report on a concerning turn in Pope Francis' health. Earlier today, Feb. 28, the Vatican announced that the pope suffered a severe “bronchial spasm,” causing vomiting and inhalation complications that worsened his breathing. Doctors cleared his airways and stabilized him, but informed sources tell America he is back in a “critical state.” His prognosis remains guarded, and doctors say it will take a day or two to assess the impact of this setback. Subscribe to americamagazine.org for the latest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis remains in critical condition after being hospitalized for bronchitis that developed into double pneumonia. While his condition is serious, there are signs of improvement, including progress in his lab results and increased mobility. However, his doctors caution that he is not out of danger, and his condition could still worsen. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell provide a comprehensive update on Pope Francis' health crisis, discussing the Vatican's daily health reports and a recent press conference in which the pope's medical team shared details of his condition. Despite the severity of his illness, his doctors highlighted his good humor and mobility. Colleen and Gerry also address the misinformation that has been circulating about the pope's health. Links for further reading Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vatican told the press this evening, Saturday, Feb. 22, that Pope Francis experienced what it called a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis”—essentially, the symptoms of a severe asthma attack—requiring him to receive high-flow oxygen. This evening's update also said that Francis' most recent blood tests revealed “thrombocytopenia,” which is a lowered level of platelets in the blood that is common in critical care patients. This condition resulted in a need for the pope to receive blood transfusions. Repeating what doctors said at the press conference yesterday, the Vatican said, Pope Francis' condition remains critical, and he is not yet out of danger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since his admission on Feb. 14 with a respiratory infection, later confirmed as double pneumonia. He is stable, without fever, and in good spirits. Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss his diagnosis, treatment, and how the week has unfolded in this episode of “Inside the Vatican.”  In the second half of the show, Colleen and Gerry use Pope Francis' letter to the U.S. bishops—offering a strong critique of U.S. immigration policy under Trump—as a springboard to explore broader policy tensions between the new administration and the Vatican, from Gaza and Ukraine to USAID funding, climate change, and artificial intelligence. They also consider whether any common ground can be found between the two. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital on Friday, February 14 for a respiratory infection that the pope referred to as bronchitis. He underwent tests and rested over the weekend, skipping his Sunday Angelus for the first time in 12 years. The Vatican said his condition was improving on Saturday and Sunday and that the fever he entered the hospital with had gone away. A statement from the Vatican Monday morning, however, revealed that Pope Francis may need to stay in the hospital longer than originally anticipated. When the pope entered the hospital, the Vatican announced all his engagements were cancelled through Monday. This morning's statement said that the pope's test results have shown “a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract,” which paints a “complex clinical picture that will require an adequate hospital stay.” It was unclear how long that stay would be. Read Gerry's latest report here. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vatican released the long-awaited document Antiqua et Nova ("Ancient and New") on artificial intelligence on Jan. 28. It explores the relationship between human and artificial intelligence, emphasizing that humans cannot be replaced by AI, which must always serve the common good. Bishop Paul Tighe, secretary for the culture section of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, joins Inside the Vatican host Colleen Dulle to discuss the document, and Vatican's broader approach and response to AI. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This morning, Feb. 11, Pope Francis sent a letter to the U.S. bishops denouncing President Trump's mass deportation program, which has already deported thousands of people and sparked fear in the migrant community. Read more at americamagazine.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, Feb. 3, the Vatican hosted its first International Summit on Children's Rights, which Pope Francis called an “open observatory” for children's protection in an attempt to showcase “the reality of childhood throughout the world, a childhood that is unfortunately often hurt, exploited, denied.” In this week's episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry dive into the goals of the summit and unpack Pope Francis' plan to write a papal document dedicated to children, described as an attempt “to give continuity to this commitment and promote it throughout the church.” In the second half of the episode, Colleen and Gerry discuss Pope Francis' call for a common date for Easter among all Christian Churches in 2025, which he announced during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from Jan. 19-25. As it happens, the churches will share a common date this year on Apr. 20, 2025.   Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special deep dive episode recaps the 2024 VaticanRoman meeting of the Synod on Synodality, featuring interviews with five synod delegates about the tensions and unexpected breakthroughs in the Synod hall—and outside it. The episode brings listeners inside Synod meetings with archival audio, and parses the synod's final document, which Pope Francis adopted as part of the church's magisterial teachings. Finally, host Colleen Dulle and expert guests look at what the Synod's results demand now from church leaders and every baptised Catholic. Guests include: - Archbishop Timothy Costelloe of Perth, Australia - Helena Jeppesen, a Swiss synod delegate - Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator, S.J., dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University and a synod delegate - Diana Macalintal, co-founder of “Team Initiation” Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find the full show page and links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., filling in for Colleen Dulle, speaks with Gerard O'Connell about Pope Francis' recent interview on Italian TV. In the interview, given on the eve of the U.S. presidential inauguration, the pope announced that by March he would appoint a woman to lead the Vatican City-State government. He also criticized President Donald Trump's mass deportation plans as a “disaster.” Last week, the Biden administration announced that Cuba would release 553 political prisoners, and in return, the U.S. would remove Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism—a deal reportedly brokered by the Vatican. However, on his first day back in office, President Donald Trump reversed this decision reinstating Cuba's status as a state sponsor of terrorismon his first day back in office. This reversal has jeopardized the agreement and raised concerns among the families of the prisoners who were set to be released.   Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Links for further reading Pope Francis assures Donald Trump of his prayers, but says mass deportations would be a ‘disgrace' Cuba to release 553 prisoners for Jubilee at Pope Francis' request Pope Francis falls, suffers bruise but no fractures Pope Francis dissolves Peru-based Catholic movement after abuses uncovered by Vatican Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices