Wisdom of Pope Francis

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This podcast explores the teachings of Pope Francis and looks into how it applies to the lives of Catholics, people of other faith traditions, or no faith at all.


    • Nov 10, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 11m AVG DURATION
    • 26 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Wisdom of Pope Francis

    30. LAST EPISODE: How do we view Pope Francis?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 7:47


    This is the last episode (as far as I can tell) of the Wisdom of Pope Francis podcast. I end with some of my personal thoughts on him and his pontificate. Thanks for listening. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    29. Care for Planet Earth is a Spiritual Issue

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2021 8:47


    In this latest episode of Wisdom of Pope Francis, I get into the beginning of chapter 1 of Laudato si', the pope's encyclical (letter to the world) on care for the planet, which he calls "our common home." He lays out some of the main environmental problems facing us today and explains how they affect the most poor and vulnerable in our world. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

    28. St. Francis: the True Catholic Environmentalist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 7:48


    In the intro to Laudato si, Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, the pope turns his attention to the model of St. Francis and explains why he is a great model for Catholics when it comes to how we look at environmental issues. The heart of St. Francis' for God's creation should be our hearts as well. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

    27. To Be Catholic is to Be an Environmentalist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2021 8:25


    Pope Francis begins his letter to the world on the environment (Laudato Si') by pulling together a string of quotes by previous popes, as well as an Eastern Orthodox patriarch, on the importance of not using and abusing the environment. As early as 1971, the Catholic Church has been sounding alarm bells concerning how modern, industrialized nations treat the natural world. With this letter, Pope Francis lends his voice to that same call for humanity to have a right relationship with Creation.   This is one episode in a series exploring Pope Francis' writings in general, and Laudato Si' in particular. If you have any thoughts on this episode or others, feel free to comment at: jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    26. We are More Connected to the Environment than we Think

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 14:41


    In this episode, I continue my conversation with Ryan Mayer about Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato si'. Ryan emphasizes the deep, ontological connection we have with each other and with the world around us expressed in the pope's writings. This is the third and last installment of my conversation with Mr. Mayer. Next week, I will dive more deeply into the encyclical itself.  jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    25. Is Laudato si' about the environment? No. It's about a Whole Lot More

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2021 17:16


    Continuing our introduction on Laudato si', Ryan Mayer explains Pope Francis' view of "creation" versus the secular idea of the "environment." Humans have a God-given role to play in caring for the earth. He also talks about our profound connectedness. Blog: jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    24. Part 1 of an Intro to Laudato Si' - with Special Guest Ryan Mayer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2021 16:12


    Before taking a deep dive into Pope Francis' encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si', I sit down with Ryan Mayer, who works at the Archdiocese of San Francisco, take a birds-eye view of the letter. Is it a break from what previous Popes have said? How does Pope Francis' style affect how he talks about the environment? Find out in this first installment of our conversation. Read Laudato Si' for yourself Blog: jonnycatholic.wordpress.com Links to books mentioned in this episode: The Environment, Pope Benedict XVI Ten Commandments for the Environment, Pope Benedict XVI Letters from lake Como, Romano Guardini Romano Guardini --Laudato Si and Romano Guardini, Bishop Barron

    23. The Brotherhood of Mankind Needs Religion to Ground It

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 20:45


    In the last chapter of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis makes the point that true, stable fraternity is not going to happen "without an openness to the Father of all." (272) The root of all religion is love for God and love for neighbor, he says, and violence has no place in any belief system. Do you agree? Listen and hear his perspective. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com Fratelli Tutti: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html Slight Change: In this episode, I used the term "ecumenism" to refer to dialogue among different religions. This was incorrect. Ecumenism is defined as "the principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian Churches", not among every religion.

    22. War and the Death Penalty: What are They Good For? Next to Nothing, says Pope Francis

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2021 16:04


    In chapter 7 of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis' encyclical on fraternity and friendship in the world, he addresses the need to abolish the death penalty and the lame excuses countries give for going to war. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

    21. Real Reconciliation Begins with Telling the Stark Truth and Ends with Genuine Forgiveness

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2021 12:17


    Pope Francis, in chapter 7 of Fratelli Tutti, explains how to sort through the hardest kind of "encounter" - the kind between two countries, groups, or people who hate each other. He offers an outline of where to begin, what needs to be laid on the table, and what the beautiful fruit of such encounters can be.  jonnycatholic.wordpress.com https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

    20. How Do We Bring Together a Fractured Society? Sit and Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2021 10:30


    In this next episode, I wrap up chapter 6 of Fratelli Tutti. Pope Francis speaks of the need for us to get out of our cultural cocoons and speak with those who are different from us, working through differences together through the slow process of encounter. To help ease this process, he recommends the virtue of kindness. Blog: jonnycatholic.wordpress.com Encyclical: https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

    19. Did Pope Francis Just Sideline the Latin Mass?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2021 13:25


    The big news out of the Vatican this week is that Pope Francis has put major restrictions on the celebration of the Tridentine Latin Mass - a form of the Mass cherished by many traditional Catholics. In this episode, I explore this decision and share some thoughts on it. To comment or contact me: jonnycatholic.wordpress.com For some more perspective on Pope Francis' decision: https://wherepeteris.com/traditionis-custodes-the-council-and-the-roman-rite/ Correction: At around 10 minutes in the episode, I give the impression that I know, personally, people who are lovers of the Tridentine Latin Mass and who are also schismatic, hateful of the Pope, or don't think he is the Pope at all. On later reflection, I realized that I don't know a singular person who exemplifies all those characteristics at once. I know many in the Catholic community who do not like Pope Francis. I know some who think he was not the legitimate Pope (their views may have changed since last I talked to them). I know people who are very conservative that love and go to the Latin Mass. But these are all separate sets of people I personally know. It is easy for me to lump those who have these views into one group. And I do believe, among very conservative Catholics and in Latin Mass communities, these sentiments or leanings are floating in the air. But to say that I personally know people who exemplify all three of these sentiments in one person is wrong. And I apologize for saying it on here.

    18. Dialogue can Bring Us Together If It's Done Right - Here's How

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2021 16:25


    At the beginning of chapter 6 in Pope Francis' encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he explores what healthy dialogue looks like (and does NOT look like). He explains that true friendship and unity can emerge by talking with people we disagree with but only if it's done right. He lays out practical ground rules and explains the obstacles and pitfalls many of us get into when we are trying to work out difficult issues with others. Sifting through issues together can be a powerful method to discover fundamental truths about life we can all agree on. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com Read Fratelli Tutti for yourself: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html

    17. What Does a Holy Politician Actually Look Like? Pope Francis has some ideas.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 9:45


    In this section of Pope Francis' encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, Francis outlines characteristics of the ideal politician - someone who works for the common good, with long-term goals and a preference for the poor.  jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    16. Pope Francis' Message for Lent/2021

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2021 9:57


    Pope Francis offers advice and encouragement, reminding us of the meaning of Lent and offering practical advice on how to deepen our experience of it. He gives his perspective on the practices of almsgiving, fasting and prayer while also diving deeper into the meaning of the virtues of love, hope and faith in this season. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    15. Love Them or Hate Them, We Still Need Politicians

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2021 7:07


    This week in Wisdom of Pope Francis, I get into another section of chapter 5 in the pope's encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. Here, Pope Francis addresses the need for international organizations that bring countries together to "acquire real teeth." Also, politics has an important role to play in the world. Politicians, if they can do it right, can fulfill their lofty callings of working for the common good. Lastly, where does the local church fit into all of this? Check out this Rutger Bregman video mentioned in the episode. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    14. What Does a Real, Authentic and Healthy Populism Look like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2021 10:35


    In this episode, I explore the beginning of chapter five in Fratelli Tutti. Here, Pope Francis addresses the need for good governance and politicians who look towards the common good of all those they serve. This means setting robust, long-term goals and organizing resources and people to accomplish them. This must not be done, however, without the input of the most poor, vulnerable, and affected in the decision-making process. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    13. Globalization or localization? Save the world or save your community? Let's do both!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2021 9:11


    Wrapping up chapter 4 of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis makes the point that we need to hold the twin goals of dealing with global problems and taking care of our own in tension with one another. It is not either/or. It's both/and. Grounded in our own culture and way of life, we can still interact and learn from those outside our communities and countries. I explore how this might affect how we live our own individual lives and what light this might shed on the divisions in America and in the Catholic Church today. Read Fratelli Tutti for yourself at this link. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    11. How do we practically show brotherly love to the immigrants within our borders? Pope Francis has an answer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2021 15:03


    Pope Francis in the fourth chapter of Fratelli Tutti explores how we can practically welcome, protect, promote, and integrate the immigrants in our midst. He teases out what it means for us to practically live out the call of the Bible to embrace the immigrant, and he outlines the responsibilities countries have to one another in making room for the outsider. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    10. Pope Francis Encourages Families, Communities, and even whole Countries to Get Outside of their Bubbles and Help Others

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2020 16:01


    In this episode, I explore chapter 3 of Pope Francis' latest encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. In this chapter, Pope Francis counsels communities big and small to not be self-focused but rather to join the larger mission of the Catholic Church in loving and serving the world. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    9. It is the Year of St. Joseph! Pope Francis Encourages us to Look to the Foster Father of Jesus for Moral Guidance and Intercession

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2020 15:26


    Forget the Year of the Ox. In the Catholic Church, this is the Year of St. Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary and foster father of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis encourages us to look to St. Joseph as a model of the "good father." In his recent Apostolic Letter, he explores the different characteristics of St. Joseph. He was a beloved, tender, loving, obedient, accepting, courageous, and working father. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    7. The Story of the Good Samaritan has Everything to do with Addressing Global Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2020 12:31


    In this episode, we explore chapter 2 of Pope Francis' encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. The pope takes a deep dive into Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan to explain the responsibility we all have to help others in need. He seeks to answer the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    6. Texting can't replace physical friendship, and Immigrants are People, too

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 9:33


    In this episode, I finish up chapter 1 of Fratelli Tutti. Here, Pope Francis makes the case for why we need to connect with people and have conversations in person, not just online. He explains how poisonous internet culture can be. And he also touches on the need to be open to immigrants and combat xenophobia. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    5. Ch. 1 of Fratelli Tutti Continued - Pope Francis tells us to up our game when it comes to the world's most pressing problems.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 9:46


    We've got human trafficking, poverty, abuse of the environment, and disregard for the disabled, unborn and elderly. Pope Francis encourages us to come together globally to do something about it. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    2. Exploring the Intro to Fratelli Tutti

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2020 9:08


    In this episode, I take a dive into the Introduction to Fratelli Tutti, and what Pope Francis has to say about the need for fraternity in the world today. Continue the conversation at jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

    The Wisdom of Pope Francis - Explores why the teaching of Pope Francis is important for us today

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2020 5:50


    In this introductory episode, I explain the reasons why this podcast is being made. I talk about the importance of Pope Francis' teaching, and how it speaks to not just Catholics but people of all faiths or no faith. jonnycatholic.wordpress.com

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