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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

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Klaus Schwab wanted everyone to eat bugs, use solar and wind and give up everything, meanwhile he has everything. AOC and Sanders uses a private plane while going green. Trump is weaving in out of the [CB], keeping the market up, while the [CB] is trying to crash it. Trump signals that the Fed is obsolete. The [DS] is in the process of destroying themselves. The more they do the worse its going to get for the D's and the [DS]. Trump is slowly pushing the information out so the [DS] is feeling the pain. When the time is right Trump will bring the hammer down on the entire corrupt system.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1914796678890012813 https://twitter.com/DanielTurnerPTF/status/1914667184254492860   https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1914731340936737271 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1914704144075551118     https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1914956571496661285 https://twitter.com/sfliberty/status/1914751437994614985 https://twitter.com/Geiger_Capital/status/1914733728691073119 https://twitter.com/TrumpWarRoom/status/1914794507763142951 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/1914738395747586259 Trump Meets with U.S. Retail Giants, Walmart and Target Might Feel the Pain Differently   U.S. President Donald Trump met with the CEOs of three major American retailers at the White House: Doug McMillon of Walmart, Brian Cornell of Target, and Ted Decker of Home Depot. After the meeting, all three retail giants issued similar statements, describing the discussions as "productive" and "constructive." Trump has now launched a global tariff war, imposing significantly higher tariffs on China—a country that plays a critical role in the global supply chain—compared to other nations. This move poses challenges for U.S. retailers. The impact of these tariffs varies across different retailers, such as Walmart and Home Depot. For instance, two-thirds of the goods Walmart sells in the U.S. are made domestically, but Target, a furniture and household goods giant, sources the majority of its products overseas, with China accounting for roughly 50% of its supply chain. Source:  mitrade.com  Now as new trade deals are announced with major economic powers, the market will jump Soon we'll not only have new all time highs in equities, but the middle class will actually be able to enjoy the rewards as well as new manufacturing jobs are brought back to America Media will try ignore or downplay Trump's economic success https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1914806834965131559 Fed Chair Powell 5. Trump on April 21st: Fed Chair Powell is "a major loser" . Trump today: "No intention" to fire Fed Chair Powell What changed today? “No. None whatsoever. Never did. The press runs away with things,” Trump said. “No, I have no intention of firing him. I would like to see him be a little more active in terms of his idea to lower interest rates. This is a perfect time to lower interest rates.” “If he doesn't, is it the end? No, it's not, but it would be good timing. It… could have taken place earlier, but no, I have no intention to fire him,” he added.   Trump challenges the Fed Source: americanthinker.com https://twitter.com/blayone/status/1914744634313424910 Political/Rights https://twitter.com/ExxAlerts/status/1914846365391241287 https://twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/1914831046375260228 https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1914998359271559663 https://twitter.com/ChrisVanHollen/status/904684045476515840

On this week's episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by America magazine's editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J., and America editor at large James Martin, S.J., to discuss the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 in the early morning of April 21, 2025. He was the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope. Zac, Ashley, Sam and Jim discuss:  - Their personal encounters with the pope and how Francis impacted their priesthoods, careers and prayer life  - Pope Francis' gifts as a pastor—and whether he will have a lasting impact on the papacy - How Pope Francis responded to criticism and sought to preserve the unity of the church 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' You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe. 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

James Martin, SJ, a Jesuit priest, founder of Outreach, an LGBTQ Catholic resource, editor at large for America Media, consultor to the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, and author of Come Forth (HarperOne, 2023) and Learning to Pray (HarperOne, 2021), reflects on the life and leadership of Pope Francis, who died earlier today at 88, as listeners share their thoughts.

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

On this week's episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Sam Sorich, an award-winning filmmaker teaching film production at John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California. His latest film, which you can watch on YouTube, is “Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard.” Zac, Ashley and Sam discuss:  How Sam's love of filmmaking and faith led him to make a documentary on the life and work of philosopher René Girard Mimetic desire, Girard's central theory of human behavior and relationships Girard's insights that offer a new perspective on Christian theology In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' plan to end a decades-long partnership with the U.S. government related to refugee resettlement after funding cuts from the Trump administration; and the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council in the history of the church.  Zoom Event | Praying through Holy Week with ‘Jesuitical' and Father James Martin As we enter into Holy Week, join America Media for a subscriber-only virtual event with James Martin, S.J., and “Jesuitical” hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless. Links for further reading:  Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard 8beats  8beats and Cinematic Catholic Beauty: An Interview with Sam Sorich U.S. bishops will cease refugee resettlement work with government after Trump funding freeze Nicaea anniversary inspires faith, strengthens mission, theologians say The Council of Nicaea, Christian unity and a common date for Easter Pope Francis hopes to travel to Turkey for Council of Nicea's 1,700th anniversary "Inside the Vatican": The Council of Nicaea and the struggle for a common date of Easter Why the Council of Nicaea still matters—1,700 years later You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe. 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

Joining Zac and Ashley on this episode of “Jesuitical” recorded in Douglaston, N.Y., is Msgr. Robert Sarno, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn and a former official of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. With 38 years of experience in overseeing the process of canonization and beatification of saints, Monsignor Sarno offers a deep dive into the world of Catholic relics, including their history, hierarchy and controversy.  Zac, Ashley and Monsignor Sarno discuss: - How the devotion to relics began in the early Catholic Church and evolved over time - The distinction between first-class, second-class and third-class relics  - Contemporary issues with the misuse and trafficking of relics  Links for further reading:  Why every Catholic church altar has a relic inside it How are saints made in the Catholic Church? Inside the long, complicated and expensive process St. Thomas Aquinas' skull went on tour. Here's what the medieval saint would have said about its veneration I've always loved relics. After my cancer diagnosis, they mean even more to me. I wear a third-degree relic every day. It reminds me that all things are possible through God. What to make of holy relics You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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

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

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Sofia Carozza, a developmental neuroscientist working in research and a co-host of “The Pilgrim Soul,” a Catholic podcast about the journey of faith in the modern world. Sofia is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Human Network Initiative at Harvard Medical School, where she uses computational modelling to study the role of the early-life environment in the development of the human brain.  Zac, Ashley and Sofia discuss: - The brain as a “relational organ” linking body and spirit - The neuroscientific response to the question, “What does it mean to be human?” - Sofia's experience as a person of faith in a “secular field” - Digital technology's effects on our brains (and faith) In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give an update on Pope Francis' health after doctors lifted their “guarded prognosis,” meaning they no longer believe the pope is in imminent danger; next they discuss the lowering the standard age for confirmation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to 9. Jesuitical is coming to Philadelphia! Join the Jesuitical team in Philadelphia for a Holy & Happy Hour at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Topic: How to talk to your friends about your faith Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Location: 1166 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 Time: 6:00pm adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; 7:00pm group faith sharing and happy hour Links for further reading:  “The Pilgrim Soul: A Catholic Podcast”  “An Appraisal of the Neuroscientific Revolution's Promise of New Theological Horizons” by Sofia Carozza The Religious Sense by Luigi Giussani “The Faith of Fr. Luigi Giussani” Chest X-ray confirms improvements in Pope Francis' condition Pope Francis is out of imminent danger. What's next? Confirmation age lowered to 9 years old in Archdiocese of Baltimore You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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

Gloria Purvis is an author, commentator, public scholar, and the host and executive producer of The Gloria Purvis Podcast. Through her media presence, she has been a strong Catholic voice for life issues, religious liberty, and racial justice. She was Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic of the Year for 2020.She presented a powerful video series entitled Racism, Human Dignity and The Catholic Church through the Word on Fire Institute. She was part of a groundbreaking, exclusive interview with Pope Francis with a delegation from America Media.Most recently, she delivered one of the keynote speeches at the historic National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the Inaugural Pastoral Fellow at the McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame University and recently received Honorary Doctorates in Humane Letters from the University of Portland in Oregon and Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Catholic Charities USA. We talked today about our Christian responsibility not only to avoid acting unjustly, but also to actively oppose injustice.Listen to an extra segment on our Patreon page.

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Kim Daniels, the director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. Kim is a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, and served in the 2021-24 Synod on Synodality as an expert participant, as a member of the Synod Communications Commission, and as the coordinator of one of the 10 major Synod study groups, which focused on the church's mission in the digital environment. Zac, Ashley and Kim discuss: - How the Catholic Church is responding to the Trump administration's cuts to USAID - Kim's vision for implementing Catholic social teaching in the digital age  - How the church and government partner to serve communities, including some myth-busting about where funds go and how they're used In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by Bill O'Keefe, the executive vice president for mission, mobilization and advocacy at Catholic Relief Services, to discuss the 50th anniversary of C.R.S. Rice Bowl—an ecumenical response to the problem of world hunger. Plus: an update on Pope Francis' health, and the Trump administration terminates the U.S. bishops' refugee resettlement contract. Links for further reading:  Trump administration terminates US bishops' refugee resettlement contract I led Catholic Relief Services. I've seen USAID projects change lives. Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life Pope Francis' hospitalization: The complex picture, three weeks in Former USCCB spokesperson Kim Daniels appointed to Vatican commission The interfaith history of the C.R.S. Rice Bowl The Mission of C.R.S. Rice Bowl You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“What does it mean to be a prophet?” This is the challenge preachers must wrestle with and present to their congregations over and over, says Luke Timothy Johnson, a renowned Scripture scholar, particularly in Luke-Acts, and Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. Christian prophetic witness lies at the heart of Luke's Gospel. “The prophet is led by the Spirit of God; speaks God's word; embodies God's word; enacts God's word; and bears witness even through persecution for God's word,” Professor Johnson says. “And so in each of those categories, the church has room to examine itself.” In this episode, released ahead of the First Sunday of Lent, Year C, “Preach” host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., first invites Professor Johnson to explore key themes in Luke's Gospel. Then, they discuss the Gospel readings for the first four weeks of Lent—The Temptation of Jesus, The Transfiguration, and the parables of the barren fig tree and the prodigal son—and reflect on how these passages illuminate Jesus's prophetic journey to Jerusalem and the church's call to embody this same prophetic mission today. Support Preach with a digital subscription to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley are joined by Sister Josephine Garrett, a sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a licensed counselor, host of the “Hope Stories” podcast and the author of the new book, Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation. Presently a counselor in private practice, Sister Josephine earned a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2019. Prior to entering religious life, she worked as vice president in the home loans division of Bank of America. She resides in Tyler, Tex. Zac, Ashley and Sister Josephine discuss:  - The challenges (and graces) that emerge in the spiritual wilderness - How therapy and counseling compare to spiritual direction and prayer - Why Lent promotes deeper reflections on our relationships with others and ourselves In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by America's editor at large, James Martin, S.J., to give an update on Pope Francis' health after his 13th day in Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia in both of his lungs. They also discuss Father Martin's viral prayer for the pope during his illness, which is linked below.  Links for further reading:  Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation  A prayer for Pope Francis during his grave illness Update: Pope Francis' CT scan shows ‘normal progression of the lung inflammation' Pope Francis beats back speculation of imminent death or conclave as he continues pneumonia recovery Hope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFN Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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

Joining Ashley and Zac to cover the cosmos on this week's episode of “Jesuitical” is Guy Consolmagno, S.J., the director of the Vatican Observatory and author of the new book, A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and Science. A research astronomer, physicist and Jesuit brother, he has served at the Vatican Observatory since 1993, and in 2015 Pope Francis appointed him director. He is the author of God's Mechanics and co-author of Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? and Turn Left at Orion. Zac, Ashley and Brother Guy discuss:  - The relationship between science, theology and faith—how science points to God and God enables science - Brother Guy's passion for teaching science and inspiring “oh my God” moments in his students - Brother Guy's vocation story and the history of Jesuits making scientific advancements  In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley unpack Pope Francis' recent hospitalization for a respiratory infection, later confirmed as double pneumonia. As of Thursday, Feb. 20, he is stable, without fever and in good spirits.  Links for further reading:  A Jesuit's Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and Science Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia, ‘alert and responsive,' according to Italian PM Cardinals push back on rumors Pope Francis will resign while in hospital Three ways Pope Francis should fix the procedures for papal illness, death and elections You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Simon Critchley, the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York and a Director of the Onassis Foundation, about his new book, Mysticism. Among the most prolific of modern academic philosophers, Simon has written over twenty books, from works of philosophy to studies on topics from Greek tragedy and dead philosophers to David Bowie, football and suicide. Zac, Ashley and Simon discuss:  - The historical development of the concept of “mysticism,” how it was suppressed during the Reformation and its resurgent relevance for today. - Emotionally-charged forms of piety in the high Middle Ages among women mystics like Julian of Norwich - How modern mysticism can provide access to the sacred and transcendent in a melancholic world In Signs of the Times, Zac is joined by Fr. Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor-in-chief of America, for a conversation about Pope Francis' strongly worded letter of support to the Catholic bishops of the United States in which he denounced the mass deportation of undocumented migrants initiated by President Donald Trump, and corrected Vice President JD Vance's theology.  Links for further reading:  Mysticism by Simon Critchley  Pope Francis' letter, JD Vance's ‘ordo amoris' and what the Gospel asks of all of us on immigration Pope Francis to U.S. Catholic bishops: Oppose mass deportations What's on tap? Gin Martini You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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 week, Zac and Ashley chat with Dr. Gina Zurlo, the Yang Visiting Scholar of World Christianity at Harvard Divinity School, about her groundbreaking research on women outpacing men in worldwide church participation. Zac, Ashley, and Gina discuss:  - Gina's experience co-authoring World Christian Encyclopedia (Third Edition),  a 1,000-page textbook that documents the changing status of global Christianity over the past 120 years, which she presented to Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2023. - Why the participation and leadership of women in churches is often overlooked or underreported - Suggestions for how the church can better support and empower women in leadership and ministry In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the hundreds of emails obtained by the Associated Press that reveal the extent to which the NFL's New Orleans Saints helped the Archdiocese of New Orleans contain the damage of new revelations of sexual abuse; and the Vatican's new rules on how to worship when when a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday.  Links for further reading:  Gina Zurlo's website Gina Zurlo's Groundbreaking Research on Women in World Christianity World Christian Encyclopedia (Third Edition)  Emails reveal extent of New Orleans Saints' damage control for Catholic sex abuse crisis When a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday: Vatican releases new rules  What's on tap? Black coffee  You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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 week's episode of “Jesuitical” features a conversation with journalist Helene Stapinski and her son, Dean Jamieson, a fiction writer from Brooklyn who, now in his 20s, finds himself drawn to the Catholic Church his mother left behind two decades ago because of the sex abuse crisis.  Zac, Ashley, Helene and Dean discuss:  - Helene's faith journey, from a “cradle Catholic” and member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps to a mom disillusioned by the church's sex abuse scandal and culture-war stances - How Dean became “Catholic curious” in college and started attending Mass, drawn to the aesthetics, anti-consumerist values and sense of community he found in the church - How the priest at Dean's local parish in Brooklyn has sought to actively engage young adults and welcome them (and sometimes their parents) back In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Vice President JD Vance's accusations that the U.S. bishops were being critical of the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration because it would hurt their “bottom line”; the threat to Catholic Charities by Trump's directive to freeze federal financial assistance programs; and the Vatican's latest document on “the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence” that addresses the ethical challenges raised by AI and warns against “creating a substitute for God.” Links for further reading:  “Turning Out, Tuning In? I left the Church, but now my twenty-something kids seem drawn to it” Vice President Vance: Thank you for making headlines about the bishops' care for immigrants JD Vance suggests U.S. bishops only care for immigrants to protect ‘their bottom line' Trump executive order will strip funds from Catholic Charities, White House says New Vatican document on A.I. warns against ‘creating a substitute for God' You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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's episode of “Jesuitical” features a conversation with James T. Keane, senior editor at America and columnist for the Catholic Book Club, a weekly newsletter on literature and the arts. Jim's new book, Reading Culture Through Catholic Eyes, explores 50 Catholic writers, thinkers, and “firebrands” who have influenced Catholic culture—and yes, as Jim's colleagues, we may sound a little biased when we say it's well worth the read. Just take our word for it. Even better, grab a copy and see for yourselves.  Zac, Ashley and Jim discuss:  - What makes someone a “Catholic writer”  - Why so many of us get stuck on the same Catholic writers  - The works of three lesser-known Catholic authors: Myles Connolly, Andre Dubus and Mary Karr In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss inauguration prayers for the 47th U.S. president Donald J. Trump offered by Pope Francis, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Father Frank Mann and Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde; the Cuban government's plan to release 553 prisoners in response to Pope Francis' Jubilee request to set the captives free; and increased family benefits for Vatican City-State employees. Links for further reading:  Reading Culture through Catholic Eyes: 50 Writers, Thinkers, and Firebrands Who Challenge and Change Us Pope Francis assures Donald Trump of his prayers, but says mass deportations would be a ‘disgrace' If the Catholic Church is pro-life, why is its maternity leave so bad? After the election, people may know your political party—but will they know you're a Christian? God lifts up the underdogs Lean into love, not fear, this World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Beirut Jesuit pastor tells preachers You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Kelly Ryan, the president of Jesuit Refugee Service USA, about her 30 years of experience working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in light of a second Trump administration. A two-time U.S. presidential political appointee, Kelly has also worked extensively with faith-based organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See.  Zac, Ashley and Kelly discuss:  - The origins of Jesuit Refugee Service, from its founding in 1980 by Pedro Arrupe, S.J., to assist refugees, especially those fleeing the Vietnam War - Challenges at the U.S. southern border, including the dangerous journeys many migrants make and the difficulties in processing their asylum claims - Concern about potential changes to refugee admissions and deportation policies under the incoming Trump administration In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Pope Francis' autobiography Hope, which features critical reflections about his rowdy youth and staunch defenses of his most controversial moves; plus they chat about the 2025 College Football National Championship between the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University, including some words on Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame's current coach, a Catholic convert—and a former Buckeye.  Links for further reading:  Opening doors at Advent and all year long: How J.R.S. responds to the plight of refugees  Pope Francis acknowledges mistakes and defends most controversial decisions in new autobiography Notre Dame story  Father Pedro Arrupe: a controversial Jesuit's bumpy path to sainthood A Jesuit border priest on Trump and the plight of migrants 109th World Day of Refugees and Migrants Message from Pope Francis Jesuit Refugee Service JRS is on Instagram: @jrs_usa You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Vatican has approved new guidelines from the Italian Bishops' Conference, allowing gay men to enter seminaries if they commit to celibacy, as expected of all seminarians regardless of sexual orientation. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss whether this signals a shift in admissions policy and the potential implications for seminarians worldwide. They also cover Pope Francis's annual address to diplomats accredited to the Holy See, where he called for a “diplomacy of hope.” Later, Gerry shares highlights from his interview with Filipino Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, who faced death threats for opposing former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The cardinal also observes what he sees as contrasting approaches to evangelization between Pope Francis, who calls the church to go outside its doors and seek those on the peripheries, and Pope Benedict, who stressed opening the church's doors to welcome people in. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Jan. 6, Pope Francis announced that Cardinal Robert McElroy will be the next archbishop of Washington, D.C. Cardinal McElroy, currently the bishop of San Diego, spoke with Zac and Ashley on the “Jesuitical” podcast back in 2023, and this week, they're revisiting that conversation. In it, Cardinal McElroy embraces the synodal vision and pastoral approach of Pope Francis and calls upon the church to dismantle the “structures and cultures of exclusion” that alienate some Catholics, including women, the poor, divorced-and-remarried couples and L.G.B.T. Catholics.  Zac, Ashley and Cardinal McElroy discuss:  - Cardinal McElroy's 2023 article in America on the Eucharist and radical inclusion for L.G.B.T. people, women and others - Why synodality is the connective tissue of the Catholic faith that enables us to work through disagreements in communion  - How to handle polarization in the church on issues like sexuality, marriage, racism and poverty In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss President Joe Biden's decision to commute the death sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row to a sentence of life in prison without parole; Pope Francis' appointment of Italian missionary nun Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a major Vatican dicastery; and the exciting news that a soccer-loving Catholic nun from Brazil is officially the oldest living person at nearly 117.  Links for further reading:  Cardinal McElroy to lead D.C. archdiocese, Vatican announces Cardinal McElroy on ‘radical inclusion' for L.G.B.T. people, women and others in the Catholic Church Biden commutes 37 death row sentences before Trump can resume executions A woman leads a Vatican office for the first time ever. Why now? Historic first: Pope Francis appoints woman as prefect of Vatican dicastery A soccer-loving nun from Brazil is world's oldest living person at nearly 117 Zac's New Year's recommendation: What if you're already on top of things? You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Francis has appointed Cardinal Robert McElroy as Archbishop of Washington, D.C., and Sister Simona Brambilla, an Italian Consolata missionary, as prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. Her appointment makes her the first woman to lead a major Vatican department and to have a cardinal as her deputy. On this week's episode of “Inside the Vatican,” hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss the challenges Cardinal McElroy may face in Washington, D.C., due to his views on issues like racism, migration, poverty, and climate change, which may conflict strongly with the incoming administration's proposed policies. They also explore how Sister Brambilla's appointment marks a milestone for the Vatican and consider Pope Francis' ongoing efforts to elevate women to top leadership roles within the Vatican. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Preaching for the Feast of the Holy Family. Ellen Romer Niemiec offers a reflection on mutuality: "In a time when it may seem safest to preserve ourselves as individuals and avoid the risk of vulnerability, may we heed God's radical invitation to love one another deeply and courageously. May we choose to trust that when we act out of love for one another, that love will be shared in return and enkindle in us the desire to only love more deeply." Ellen Romer Niemiec currently serves in enrollment management at Catholic Theological Union, where she is also pursing a Doctor of Ministry. She has pastoral experience in retreats, international immersions, non-violence work in correctional facilities, program development, and spiritual direction. She has written prayers and other spiritual reflections for Wisdom's Dwelling, Catholic Health Association, GIA publications, FemCatholic, and America Media. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/12292024 to learn more about Ellen, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

The Catholic Jubilee Year, established in 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, is rooted in the Jewish tradition of releasing prisoners, forgiving debts, and restoring harmony every 50 years. During the Jubilee, Catholics can receive plenary indulgences, which remove the temporal punishment for sins that have already been forgiven and can be offered for others, such as those in purgatory. In this episode of Inside the Vatican, Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss the 2025 Jubilee Year, beginning on Christmas Eve 2024 and ending in January 2026. With the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” Pope Francis seeks to rekindle hope and trust in the future, encouraging Catholics to deepen their faith through acts of charity, penance, and pilgrimage. The hosts explore the history of the Jubilee Year, the Vatican's plans for 2025, and Rome's preparations to accommodate an anticipated 32 million pilgrims. They also offer travel tips for visitors and alternatives for those unable to make the trip to the Eternal City. Links for further reading from the episode Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Colleen Dulle, an associate editor at America and co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, about how realistically the new film “Conclave” portrays the process of selecting a new pope. They praise the film's historical accuracy but raise eyebrows over the complex theological implications around the film's twist ending. Warning: This episode contains major spoilers.  Zac, Ashley and Colleen discuss:  - The challenges of translating the complexities of the Catholic Church to a mainstream audience through a cinematic lens - Varying reactions to “Conclave” from Catholics, including Bishop Robert Barron's critique of the film - The role and representation of women, including nuns, in the Catholic Church as depicted in the film In Signs of the Times, Zac, Ashley and Colleen discuss Pope Francis' new autobiography Hope, which reveals two assassination attempts on his life during his trip to Iraq in 2021; and a recent liturgical debate sparked by Cardinal Blase Cupich's guidance to parishioners in the Archdiocese of Chicago that discouraged kneeling to receive Communion. Links for further reading:  ‘Conclave' explainer: Could that twist ending really happen? Your Take: Is ‘Conclave' worth seeing for Catholics? ‘Conclave' hits theaters. What really happens when a new pope is elected? Pope Francis reveals he survived two assassination attempts during visit to Iraq Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis  Should you stand or kneel to receive communion? Cardinal Cupich stirs debate after weighing in What's on tap? French 75s You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On his 88th birthday, Pope Francis revealed he survived two assassination attempts during his 2021 apostolic visit to Iraq, a journey already recognized as high-risk. In this episode of Inside the Vatican, Colleen and Gerry examine this shocking disclosure and other insights from his forthcoming autobiography, Hope, with excerpts released to mark the occasion ahead of its January publication. They also reflect on the first-ever visit of a pope to the Mediterranean island of Corsica on Sunday, Dec. 5, where he participated in a conference on popular religiosity and celebrated Mass for the island's predominantly Catholic community. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley interview bestselling Irish author John Connell on how embracing the farm life preserved by his family for generations brought him closer to God and greater inner peace. John's new book, The Lambing Season, explores the rhythms and realities of raising livestock, as well as the profound spiritual guidance John gleaned from a simple flock of sheep.  Zac, Ashley and John discuss:  - How John's spiritual awakening on a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain led to his transformation from journalist and world traveler to shepherd on his family's farm  - John's discovery of the spiritual and therapeutic power of lambing season in Ireland - The contrast and balance between rural and urban life, and the need for citydwellers to “make appointments with nature” In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris after a fire in 2019, Pope Francis' latest consistory that created 21 new cardinals on Saturday, Dec. 7, and how the Loyola Chicago Ramblers recovered after (seemingly) snubbing their very own Sister Jean from a celebratory fist bump after their win against Eastern Michigan.  Links for further reading:  The Lambing Season: Stories of Life on an Irish Family Farm The Cow Book: A Story of Life on an Irish Family Farm Pomp and presidents at the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris Podcast: Pope Francis creates 21 cardinals, calls for an end to U.S. death penalty Read: Pope Francis' homily and message to new cardinals A busy weekend for Pope Francis: The Immaculate Conception, a consistory and prayers for death row inmates in the United States You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell take a closer look at  Pope Francis' latest consistory, which created 21 new cardinals on Saturday, Dec. 7. In the second half of the show, they discuss the pope's call for an end to the death penalty in the United States and for ceasefires in the world's wars before Christmas.  Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find the links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by Madeleine Kearns, an associate editor at The Free Press, and the author of a recently reported article, “The Young Catholic Women Bringing Back Veils.” Maddy shares how the veil boom evokes a “lost type of Catholicism” that satisfies the desire for reverence challenged by the reforms of Vatican II.  They discuss:  - The motivations of young women who veil—from personal expressions of piety and nostalgia to political posturing - Whether individual practices of worship impact communal worship in the church  - How young people engage with the “sacred space” of Mass today In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a Brooklyn priest wrapped up in scandals involving a federal corruption investigation, New York City's Mayor Eric Adams and pop star Sabrina Carpenter. Plus: Environmentalists in Italy try (and fail) to stop Pope Francis from cutting down a Christmas tree to decorate St. Peter's Square. Links for further reading:  The Young Catholic Women Bringing Back Veils NYC priest who allowed Sabrina Carpenter to shoot a music video in church further stripped of duties The Priest, the Power Broker and the Pop Star Local group protests cutting down 200-year-old tree for Vatican's Christmas You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell investigate Pope Francis' new letter on the final synod document, his address to experts of the International Theological Commission on developing a theology of synodality and Gerry's interviews with Archbishops Charles Scicluna and Timothy Costelloe. They also unpack Pope Francis' hope to leverage the 2025 Jubilee Year to end international wars.   Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find the links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can a preacher deliver a homily that captures the hopes of younger audiences—from toddlers to teens—while keeping parents and the entire congregation engaged? It's a tall order, but in this special “Preach” episode, host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., tackles this challenge in another panel discussion, this time with three America Media colleagues and parents: Tim Reidy, deputy editor-in-chief; Kerry Weber, executive editor; and Heather Trotta, vice president of advancement. Together, they share their experiences of nurturing their children's faith and reflect on what makes for a homily that connects with everyone. Get daily Scripture reflections and support "Preach" by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine. “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off the fourth season of “Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols” we're embarking on an adventure to learn about an American-born carol that features some classic nativity characters—figures that, though very familiar to us, we know little about. It's a Christmas song that begins on a plodding, somber note and erupts into a thrilling epiphany. We're exploring “We Three Kings.” To help us understand who the magi were—at least from the perspective of Matthew's Gospel— host Maggi Van Dorn invites Eric Vanden Eykel, author of The Magi: Who They Are, How They've Been Remembered, and Why They Still Fascinate and Associate Professor of Religious Studies at Ferrum College. The magi's gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh have long been viewed as symbolic of Jesus' kingship, divinity and humanity, but how were these two herbs used in antiquity? Maggi learns about their earliest uses from Emiliana Patrick, a fourth year doctoral student in Classical Chinese Medicine at Daoist Traditions College in Asheville, North Carolina. To trace the star the magi followed, Maggi turns to the director of the Vatican's observatory, Guy Consolmagno, S.J., a Jesuit brother.  Finally, to better appreciate the musical genius of the carol's composition, she speaks with ContraForce, a folk metal band known for their eclectic range of musical styles at contra dances, who specially created an instrumental rendition of “We Three Kings,”specially for “Hark!,” that is woven throughout the episode. The music featured in this episode is courtesy of ContraForce, Michael Logozar, Cynthia Boener, Dante Bucci, the Lee siblings of the Seasons band, Jeff Black and Lotos Nile Music. Special thanks to Jim Bilodeau, our sound engineer, and Jonathan Reid Gealt for lending their vocal talent. Support Hark! by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine at: americamagazine.org/subscribe Please donate for Giving Tuesday! From all of us at America Media, thank you! This season of Hark! is sponsored by Saints for Sinners, offering divine saint medals imported from Italy and meticulously hand-painted in New Orleans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor-in-chief of America Media, returns to “Preach” to discuss his Advent homily series, designed to be more cohesive than the usual week-to-week, stand-alone Sunday homilies that preachers typically prepare. Sam shares with host Ricardo da Silva, S.J., how Pope Francis' latest encyclical, Dilexit Nos, inspired him to create these homilies for the season, specially commissioned for Homiletic & Pastoral Review. Over the four weeks, Sam leads the congregation through a four-part reflection on the heart: awakening the heart, trusting its activity and passion, recognizing our heart's capacity to desire something greater, and embracing God's grace in our heart as it overflows from within us Read the full text of this week's homily and Scripture readings. Get daily Scripture reflections and support "Preach" by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine. “Preach” is made possible through the generous support of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, a project of Lilly Endowment Inc.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode of “Jesuitical” features a conversation with Brian Strassburger, S.J., a Jesuit priest who serves as the director of Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries in the Diocese of Brownsville, Tex., and a co-host of the Jesuit Border Podcast. In his ministry, Brian not only celebrates Mass in migrant shelters and camps at the U.S.-Mexico border, but he and his team also provide basic orientation and advocacy for migrants navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. Zac, Ashley and Brian discuss:  - What the election of Donald J. Trump might mean for migrants and his border ministry - How Brian talks to Catholics who are concerned about chaos at the border and want to see greater immigration restrictions - Brian's vision of heaven: one where the poor and migrants are welcomed and honored, rather than dismissed and betrayed Links for further reading:  The Betrayal of American Border Policy  The Jesuit Border Podcast  Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries  Donald Trump's election has brought new fear to immigrant communities As U.S. Catholic bishops meet, Trump looms over their work on abortion and immigration You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell discuss Hope Never Disappoints: Pilgrims Toward a Better World, a new book being released this week in which Pope Francis calls for the investigation of allegations of genocide in Gaza. They also unpack the Pope's celebration of the eighth World Day of the Poor on Sunday, Nov. 17 with a lunch shared by 1300 poor and homeless people in St. Peter's Square and a moving homily at Sunday Mass. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Find the links for further reading here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by Sister Laura Vicuña Pereira Manso, an Indigenous activist fighting to protect the Amazon rainforest and serve its people. As the current vice president of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon region (known as CEAMA) and a 2019 auditor of the Synod for the Pan-Amazon Region, Sister Laura has met with Pope Francis to make the case for women's ministries, including restoring women deacons. They discuss:  - Sister Laura's experience at Amazon Synod, and whether synodality “works” - What a typical day looks like when you are ministering to Indigenous communities in the Amazon and struggling against powerful (and violent) corporations. - What she would say to those who criticize women deacons as a “Western obsession” Links for further reading:  A Franciscan sister joins the fight for Indigenous rights in Brazil A nun makes the case for women deacons to Pope Francis What you need to know about the 2019 Synod on the Amazon Brazilian Cardinal talks restoring women deacons, ordaining married men at synod press briefing Synod Diary: Women deacons are not a ‘Western' obsession We'd like to give a special thanks to our translators, America O'Hare fellow Leilani Fuentes and Ellie Hidalgo of Discerning Deacons, who helped with the translations for this episode.  You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by America magazine's editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J., to discuss the results of the 2024 presidential election, in which Donald Trump defeated the sitting vice president, Kamala Harris. They discuss:  The Catholic vote in the election and how it differed from previous elections How Catholic leaders might respond to a second Trump presidency  The role of faith and trust in God in the face of political turmoil Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Links for further reading:  The day after Trump's victory: searching for mercy, justice and God's providence Five political takeaways from the 2024 election Voters in 3 states reject abortion ballot measures, defying trend around country Trump courted white Catholics—and they helped him win the White House again Donald Trump won: 5 Catholic takeaways Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris to become the 47th president of the United States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices