Podcasts about Holy See

As tensions rise in the Middle East, Israeli Ambassador to the Holy See offers insight on the conflict. Meanwhile, 2 priests prepare to lead a pilgrimage retracing the steps of Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati. And, Trump gathers his security team as he considers his next move in the Middle East conflict.

Kelly talks with Yvonnick Denoël about his new book, Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis, exploring the Vatican's little-known intelligence operations. Yvonnick is a French historian, publisher and intelligence specialist who has written on the CIA, Mossad, and espionage in the twentieth century. His new book uncovers a little-known side of Vatican history that saw the Holy See develop its own extensive espionage capability that still exists today. Link to Vatican Spies: From the Second World War to Pope Francis: https://www.amazon.com/Vatican-Spies-Second-World-Francis-ebook/dp/B0DNZVX2VS?ref_=ast_author_mpb  The opinions expressed in this conversation are strictly those of the participants and do not represent the views of Georgetown University or any government entity. Produced by Theo Malhotra and Freddie Mallinson.  Recorded on June 9, 2025. Diplomatic Immunity, a podcast from the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University, brings you frank and candid conversations with experts on the issues facing diplomats and national security decision-makers around the world. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. For more, visit our website, and follow us on Linkedin, Twitter @GUDiplomacy, and Instagram @isd.georgetown

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 14 -points this morning from Friday's close, at 22,058 on turnover of 2.2-billion N-T. The market closed in negative territory on Friday, after Wall Street made marginal gains following the release of more data about inflation in America. Influencer Holger Chen denies receiving money on China trip Online celebrity Holger Chen is denying claims that he received money from China to travel there last week. Speaking to reporters after wrapping-up a six-day trip to Shanghai, the gym-entrepreneur-turned-online-influencer, stressed the he paid for the trip to China with his own money. Chen also said that he "never degraded Taiwan and never said Taiwan was not good" during his trip - despite allegations (指控) that he belittled Taiwan by praising China. According to Chen, he also didn't engage any business discussions on the trip, but he hopes to have commercial opportunities in China in the future. Chen arrived in Shanghai last Tuesday, stating he was hoping to act as an "ambassador of peace" and encourage more cross-strait exchanges on his first trip to China. Pope Leo XIV blesses Taiwanese newlyweds and wishes peace for Taiwan Pope Leo XIV has blessed a newlywed Taiwanese couple in person during a public appearance in Rome - where he applauded missionary work in Taiwan and pledging (誓言) to pray for peace in the country. According to a Facebook post by Taiwan's Embassy to the Holy See, the couple met the Pope during the weekly Public Audience, and the Pope smiled warmly and his eyes "lit up" upon hearing they were from Taiwan. The post says the Pope praised the missionary work of Taiwan's Chinese Regional Bishops' Conference and the local Catholic Church, and promised to pray for "no wars" for the nation. Trump says Israel-Iran will come to deal 'soon' and warns Tehran against retaliating against US US President Donald Trump wants Israel to hold off on a plan to assassinate (暗殺) Iran's top leader, as he holds out hope for a negotiated settlement. The AP's Jennifer King reports. France Macron Stops in Greenland French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Greenland is “not to be sold” nor “to be taken” in a key visit to the strategic Arctic territory. Macron says he's conveying a message of French and European solidarity, as the French leader is on his way to a summit of the Group of Seven leading industrialized nations in Canada that will be also attended by US President Donald Trump. Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge (承認) that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions during a congressional hearing Thursday. UK MI6 Female Chief From the UK…. MI6 has appointed its first female chief. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Sunday that Blaise Metreweli will be the next director of the U.K.'s foreign intelligence agency. She is currently the MI6 director of technology and innovation (創新). Metrewel steps from the shadows into the light as the only MI6 employee whose name is made public. She will take up her post in the fall. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ －挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行－ 中國信託銀行APP超越大升級， 眾多好用功能，力挺你的金融需求！ 趕緊註冊行動銀行，就送OPENPOINT100點。 立即點擊連結看活動詳情～ https://sofm.pse.is/7qsbfa -- 打造綠能與AI科技的示範驗證場域，串聯嘉義、南科、高雄及屏東等園區，大南方智慧轉型的關鍵樞紐，歡迎一同探索沙崙智慧綠能科學城，共創智慧未來！ 參訪進駐資訊請至 https://sofm.pse.is/7qsbfb 網站查詢 經濟部能源署/臺南市政府經濟發展局(廣告) -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The Holy See's diplomatic efforts amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The Jubilee of Ecclesiastical Movements. Bishop Herrera on safeguarding in the Church. And, the Global 2033 initiative.

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 5:20-26 - Jesus said to His disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven." You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3) Father Juan Gutierrez on a miraculous healing that occurred to him 4) Leftist violence planned for the 14 June 2025 anti-ICE "We Don't Do Kings protests"

The Jubilee of the Holy See was celebrated, honoring the ministry of those serving at the Vatican. Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox prepare to host a special event featuring a video message from Pope Leo. And, in a controversial move, NY Senate approved a bill allowing medically assisted suicide.

Ambassador Francis Rooney is former US Ambassador to the Holy See (the Vatican) and a former member of Congress from Florida. He's a personal friend (or at least fairly close acquaintance) of the new Pope Leo XIV, formerly "Father Bob" Prevost.More about Amb Rooney: Francis Rooney | Wilson Center

Catholic history is full of famous excommunications involving court intrigue and geopolitical conflicts. Henry VIII of England was excommunicated twice: first in a “provisional excommunication,” by Pope Clement, then again by Pope Paul III, in 1538. An earlier English monarch, Henry II, also clashed with the church—specifically, with Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury. Though Becket never excommunicated Henry, he did excommunicate a number of his supporters. Further back in history, yet another Henry, the Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV, was famously excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII. The emperor ended up walking on foot to Canossa Castle in 1077, and kneeling in the snow doing penance for three days, begging for his excommunication to be lifted.  Stories like this might suggest that excommunication was a tool for political leverage, or a weighty and dramatic event that only happened when the Catholic Church wielded massive political power. But excommunications still happen today, and most of them do not involve state leaders.  On this episode of the podcast, the hosts talk with canon lawyer Dawn Eden Goldstein about the canonical and theological significance of excommunication. Goldstein is one of the few laywomen in the world to hold both a theology doctorate licensed by the Holy See and a licentiate in canon law. She is also the first woman to earn a doctorate in sacred theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. She is also the author of several books, including The Sacred Heart: A Love for All Times (Loyola Press) and Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor (Orbis Books). You can find more information about this topic and read some of Dawn's work in these links.  “What is excommunication?” by Michelle Arnold What is excommunication? “Excommunication is not the church's equivalent of capital punishment,” by Thomas Reese Excommunication is not the church's equivalent of capital punishment | National Catholic Reporter “Vatican excommunicates former nuncio to the US, found guilty of schism,” by Carol Glatz Vatican excommunicates former nuncio to the US, found guilty of schism | USCCB “What is canon law?” by Dawn Eden Goldstein What is canon law? - U.S. Catholic The Dawn Patrol The Dawn Patrol Glad You Asked is sponsored by the Claretian Missionaries.

The Pope is not just a religious leader—he's also a Head of State. The Holy See maintains formal diplomatic relations with most countries on Earth and holds the status of a permanent observer at the United Nations. In recent years, the Pope has leveraged his dual role as the leader of the Catholic Church and a head of state to pursue a purposeful foreign policy vision and play a key diplomatic role. Indeed, Pope Francis was instrumental in brokering a major détente between the United States and Cuba during the Obama administration. So, what is Pope Leo's foreign policy vision? How does it differ from that of his predecessors? And how might the fact that he is an American and a native English speaker influence the kind of impact he can have on the world stage? Joining me to explore these questions and more is Tom Reese, a Jesuit priest and senior analyst for Religion News Service. In our conversation, Tom Reese unpacks the key takeaways from Pope Leo's first foreign policy address to foreign diplomats at the Vatican and offers insights into the role the first American pope might play on the global stage as he assumes leadership of the Vatican.

While praying, Maddie de Aquino heard God speak to her heart as a young girl: "You are mine, and I am yours." Maddie thought she was being called to religious life. However, everything shifted when Maddie was 15 and her beloved mother passed away from a stroke. Consumed by anger, Maddie distanced herself from God. She could not have imagined how God would pursue her and transform her heart. Now, Maddie is a consecrated virgin. She has made a vow of perpetual virginity and offers her spiritual motherhood in service to the Church. In this Easter podcast, learn how to run to God, even amidst great sorrow. Maddie is a digital missionary and works under Monsignor Lucio Ruiz, Secretary of the Dicastery for Communications of the Holy See.        

Step onto the hallowed ground of Pedro Bidegain Stadium as we delve into the emotional tribute paid by Argentine club San Lorenzo to their most devoted lifelong fan, Pope Francis, just days after his passing. This episode explores the profound connection between the Holy See and the "Cyclone," tracing Pope Francis's fervent support for San Lorenzo and the club's unique origins tied to a Catholic priest. We'll transport you to the match day, detailing the poignant displays of Roth Vatican and club colors, the powerful "Together for Eternity" banner, the minute of silence, and the black armbands worn by players. Experience the atmosphere as hymns echoed through the stadium, uniting fans and players in shared grief and celebration of a remarkable legacy. Beyond the match, discover how San Lorenzo is forever enshrining Pope Francis's memory, including the historic decision to name their future stadium "Estadio Papa Francesco" and the launch of charitable initiatives reflecting the pontiff's values. Hear how this tribute transcended the sport, offering a moment of unity and hope amidst challenging times for the club, and solidifying Pope Francis's place not just in San Lorenzo's history, but in the hearts of football fans worldwide.  San Lorenzo, Pope Francis, football tribute, Argentine soccer, Estadio Papa Francesco,

Ambassador Francis Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, appointed by President George W. Bush. He subsequently wrote a book about diplomacy and the US-Holy See relationship titled The Global Vatican. America's First Pope

Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! We’re joined by Ambassador Francis Rooney, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, to talk about the new papacy of Pope Leo and the evolving role of the Catholic Church in today’s world. Ambassador Rooney shares personal insights from his 25-year relationship with Pope Leo—formerly Father Bob—highlighting the Pope's experience, character, and potential to reconnect younger generations with faith. The conversation covers the global decline in religious participation, especially in the secular West, and the Church’s challenge in Latin America, where evangelical Christianity is rapidly growing. Rooney critiques liberation theology’s historic alignment with Marxist ideology and emphasizes the importance of a faith that nurtures individual aspirations and economic progress. He also expresses hope that Pope Leo’s calm, measured demeanor will strengthen the Church’s ability to build bridges, advocate for peace, and support global diplomacy. Rooney’s book The Global Vatican remains a relevant resource on U.S.-Vatican relations. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top headlines for Monday, May 19, 2025In this engaging episode, we explore the political tensions surrounding the confirmation of President Trump's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, highlighting accusations from a GOP senator about alleged Democratic obstruction. Then, we shift to a compelling story of transformation and activism as we discuss how an ex-porn star-turned-pastor is playing a pivotal role in raising awareness about abuses within the pornography industry, coinciding with the release of a crucial report by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE). Plus, we turn our attention to international affairs, where President Trump's statements on the prospect of a nuclear deal and lasting peace with Iran suggest a hopeful future in U.S.-Iran relations. 00:11 Dems block Trump's Holy See nomination ahead of installalation01:15 Illegal immigrant mom convicted of sex trafficking her daughter02:04 Pope Leo affirms Catholic Church teaching on abortion, marriage03:04 Ex-porn star-turned-pastor reveals how God saved his life04:02 US, Iran ‘close' to deal and ‘long term peace,' Trump says05:00 UK churches see twice as many people commit to following Christ06:01 Comedian Carrie Murphy on joy of knowing Jesus through laughterSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsDems block Trump's Holy See nomination ahead of installalation | PoliticsIllegal immigrant mom convicted of sex trafficking her daughter | U.S.Pope Leo affirms Catholic Church teaching on abortion, marriage | WorldEx-porn star-turned-pastor reveals how God saved his life | U.S.US, Iran ‘close' to deal and ‘long term peace,' Trump says | PoliticsUK churches see twice as many people commit to following Christ | LivingComedian Carrie Murphy on joy of knowing Jesus through laughter | Podcast

Pope Leo XIV met with ambassadors to the Holy See, emphasizing peace and human dignity. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct peace talks since the early days of the war. And, the Catholic Information Center in Washington, D.C., will host its 3rd annual Eucharistic Procession.

The Holy See is all over the news, so let's take a look at a movie from the 70s featuring the pope! This film dares to ask the question: woman pope good? Or woman pope bad? Join Tom and Ryan as they talk about stoicism, sexuality, and angry mobs. It's our review of Pope Joan! Time stamps: 0:03:55 - Background 0:22:05 - Summary 0:39:35 - Notable Scenes 0:45:40 - The Good 0:53:25 - The Bad 1:09:25 - The Ugly 1:19:35 - Final Thoughts

The pope is American, he's a certified baseball fan, and the Catholic Church has a detailed and rich theology of sports that we want to talk about! On today's show, Chad and John discuss:4:00 - NBA Draft Lottery and Playoff check-in.11:15 - Barcelona and Inter Milan played one of the greatest soccer ties of all time.16:05 - Major League Baseball unbanned Pete Rose, Joe Jackson, and others. Why is this happening now? Should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame?25:30 - Pope Leo XIV35:00 - The theology of sports. To read the Holy See's bulletin, click here.As always, make sure to share this episode if you enjoyed it, and give us a follow on all your social media platforms!

Full Text of ReadingsTuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter Lectionary: 280The Saint of the day is Our Lady of FatimaThe Story of Our Lady of Fatima Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children–Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lucia dos Santos–received apparitions of Our Lady at Cova da Iria near Fatima, a city 110 miles north of Lisbon. Mary asked the children to pray the rosary for world peace, for the end of World War I, for sinners, and for the conversion of Russia. Mary gave the children three secrets. Following the deaths of Francisco and Jacinta in 1919 and 1920 respectively, Lucia revealed the first secret in 1927. It concerned devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The second secret was a vision of hell. When Lucia grew up she became a Carmelite nun and died in 2005 at the age of 97. Pope John Paul II directed the Holy See's Secretary of State to reveal the third secret in 2000; it spoke of a “bishop in white” who was shot by a group of soldiers who fired bullets and arrows into him. Many people linked this vision to the assassination attempt against Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on May 13, 1981. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church's worldwide calendar in 2002. Reflection The message of Fatima is simple: Pray. Unfortunately, some people—not Sister Lucia—have distorted these revelations, making them into an apocalyptic event for which they are now the only reliable interpreters. They have, for example, claimed that Mary's request that the world be consecrated to her has been ignored. Sister Lucia agreed that Pope John Paul II's public consecration in St. Peter's Square on March 25, 1984, fulfilled Mary's request. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith prepared a June 26, 2000, document explaining the “third secret.” Mary is perfectly honored when people generously imitate her response “Let it be done to me as you say” (Luke 1:38). Mary can never be seen as a rival to Jesus or to the Church's teaching authority, as exercised by the college of bishops united with the bishop of Rome. Click here for more on Our Lady! Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu discusses China-Holy See relations following the announcement of Pope Leo XIV, and China's historical policy record regarding religious freedom. Second, we revisit United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its varied interpretations from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as the People's Republic of China seeks to legitimize the One China principle in international forums. Lastly, Miles unpacks China's historical role in the India-Pakistan conflict and the impact of Chinese military modernization efforts on the recent kinetic exchange in Kashmir.]China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future.

Let's Talk Poe Leo XIV with Catholic Leaders and what is all means. Today Robb Ryerse and Doug Pagitt are joined by two Catholic Leaders - Miguel Diaz, Ambassador to the Holy See, Ret and Denise Murphy McGraw, Catholics Vote Common Good, National Co-Chair  What does all this mean for faith and politics in the US and Globally?

In this conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of Berserk Volume 16, exploring the transition from the Golden Age arc to the new narrative involving the Holy See. They discuss character dynamics, the nature of evil, and the personal battles faced by characters like Guts and Jill. The conversation also touches on the implications of waiting for manga releases and the evolution of storytelling in the digital age, culminating in a discussion about the enigmatic Skull Knight and his role in the narrative. In this conversation, the participants delve into the complex themes of sacrifice, vengeance, and character dynamics within the manga 'Berserk'. They explore the implications of Guts' journey, the nature of his relationships, particularly with Puck, and the darker themes presented in the upcoming Conviction Arc. The discussion also touches on the philosophical questions raised by the narrative, including the existence of good and evil, and the role of innocence in a grim world. As they speculate on future arcs, they highlight the interconnectedness of art and literature, emphasizing the depth and richness of storytelling in 'Berserk'.Send us a messageSupport the showFilm Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/followLens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewingSpeculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculationsSupport the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9EJoin Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

China is cracking down on religious freedom and Pope Leo XIV faces a raging controversy about a deal his predecessor signed with Xi Xinping’s Communist Party. Today - how the China situation helped Leo defeat other contenders, and the dilemma he faces now. Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Jasper Leak, who also composed our theme. Our team also includes regular producer Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Stephanie Coombes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His Majesty the King has extended his congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo the Fourteenth, as the newly elected pontiff takes over as leader of the Roman Catholic Church.In a statement on Friday, Buckingham Palace confirmed that His Majesty had sent a private message to Pope Leo, offering his and Queen Camilla's “most sincere good wishes for his pontificate.” A Palace spokesperson added that the King conveyed “warm regards” and noted Pope Leo's “lifelong dedication to service, compassion and spiritual leadership.”The King, who has forged a strong relationship with the Holy See, enjoyed a longstanding rapport with the late Pope Francis. The two last met in person just weeks before Pope Francis's passing. His Majesty, as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, has maintained close diplomatic ties with the Vatican throughout his reign.Charles paid solemn tribute to the wartime generation on Thursday evening, delivering a moving address marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.Get the show without ads. Five bucks.  For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which says UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus.   

May 9, 2025 ~ The election of Pope Leo, the first from the United States, has generated excitement and a sense of closeness to the Vatican. Frances Rooney, former Congressman from Naples and U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, talks with Lloyd, Jamie, and Chris Renwick about his personal connection to the Pope and what he will do next for the Church.

IMAGE CREDIT Claude Truong-Ngoc / Wikimedia Commons - cc-by-sa-3.0, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons LINKS Vatican bio of Cardinal Kurt KOCH: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinali_biografie/cardinali_bio_koch_k.html         Kurt KOCH on FIU's Cardinals Database (by Salvador Miranda): https://cardinals.fiu.edu/bios2010.htm#Koch      Cardinal Kurt KOCH on Gcatholic.org: https://gcatholic.org/p/4021                         Cardinal Kurt KOCH on Catholic-Hierarchy.org: https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bkoch.html    Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity on Gcatholic.org: https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/romancuria/d16.htm  Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity on Catholic-Hierarchy.org: https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dxpcu.html Basel Cathedral website discussing the canons: https://www.bistum-basel.ch/news/drei-neue-domherren-eingesetzt La Repubblica 1995 article on Bishop Vogel's resignation and son: https://ricerca.repubblica.it/repubblica/archivio/repubblica/1995/06/03/il-vescovo-si-dimette-aspetto-un.html  Nostra Aetate: https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decl_19651028_nostra-aetate_en.html 2012 Catholic News Service overview of Cardinal Koch's comments on conservative Catholics and Judaism (archived via Library of Congress Web Archives): https://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20121205205921/http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1202023.htm    Thank you for listening, and thank my family and friends for putting up with the time investment and for helping me out as needed. As always, feel free to email the show at Popeularhistory@gmail.com  If you would like to financially support Popeular history, go to www.patreon.com/Popeular. If you don't have any money to spare but still want to give back, pray and tell others– prayers and listeners are worth more than gold!   TRANSCRIPT Welcome to Popeular History, a library of Catholic knowledge and insights.   Check out the show notes for sources, further reading, and a transcript.   Today we're discussing another current Cardinal of the Catholic Church, one of the 120 or so people who will choose the next Pope when the time comes.   Kurt KOCH was born on March 15, 1950, Emmenbrücke a town just north of the middle of Switzerland, in the Canton of Lucerne.   Cardinal Koch is the second Swiss-born Cardinal we've met after Cardinal Tscherrig, the Nuncio's Nuncio we met last summer. But at the time we had dozens of countries involved, because, well, nuncio's nuncio, and didn't get a chance to just talk Switzerland.   These days Switzerland is famous for their neutrality, staying out of pretty much every conflict they can avoid. Perhaps that's in part due to the fact that it used to be a battleground, especially in the rolling conflicts between the Popes in Italy and the Holy Roman Emperors in Germany. When the Reformation came, Switzerland was again divided in loyalty between largely Catholic southern Europe and largely Protestant northern Europe. One of the fruits of conflict, for better or for worse, is military skill, which is how the Swiss Guard that still protects the Vatican today came about. Fortunately, like I mentioned, the Swiss came to embrace neutrality, including in religion, with laws allowing for freedom of conscience–first just among Christian denominations and then more broadly. Keep this context  of conflict to resolution in the back of your mind as we go.    Kurt Koch studied Theology at the University of Lucerne in Switzerland, then went to Munich Germany to study more theology, getting a diploma in theology in 1975. He served as a research assistant at the University of Lucerne from ‘76 to ‘81, presumably while studying even More theology, and soon after he was ordained a priest for his home Diocese of Basel in 1982. This is actually the first time I've seen someone ordained apparently without any specific philosophy training, going pure theology isn't as normal as one might expect.   After a period of chaplaincy, his theology studies continued, and in 1987 he wound up with a doctorate in, you guessed it, theology. I expected he'd stop there, or perhaps get another doctorate, but apparently in Kurt's neck of the woods there's another step you can go beyond a simple doctorate, the Habilitation, which basically works out to full professorship. The most surprising thing about this to me is that this is the first time I'm realizing it, it's extremely possible- I would say likely- that he actually isn't our first Cardinal to achieve this level, I just didn't flag it before and my sources described it differently this time. Part of why I love doing this is it lets me learn something every day.   Anyways, after obtaining his habilitation, Father Koch became Professor of dogmatics, liturgy and ecumenical theology at the Theological Faculty of the University of Lucerne from 1989, a post he held until 1996. He was also simultaneously rector for a short time, though that was interrupted by a call. Normally this would be a tongue-in-cheek note about a white phone, but in this case the call was coming from the Cathedral Chapter of the Diocese of Basel, because it was actually their job to elect the next Bishop of Basel and they wanted to choose Father Koch.   Of course, much like my normal white phone joke, this isn't necessarily *exactly* how it went down, since for all I know maybe Father Koch *was* one of the Canons of Basel Cathedral and no phone was needed for the news. But either way, my point is that unlike the typical process for most dioceses, where the relevant nuncio and the relevant Dicastery work with the Pope to figure out new bishops, Basel uses the old Cathedral Chapter model, where there's a local election among the members of the Chapter.   The Cathedral Chapter might have been a little sheepish, because they had actually just elected a new Bishop of Basel, who had found himself under a lot of psychological pressure–being a bishop isn't easy–and had wound up going to an old friend for comfort. A female friend, who wound up pregnant. He resigned, got laicized, and married her. Hopefully he's a better traditional father than he was a spiritual one.   Bishop Koch received his episcopal consecration directly and personally from Pope John Paul II in the Vatican, possibly because everyone was wanting to do things right after the last kerfuffle, though I don't have any source claiming that, just a guess.   The University Of Lucerne made him an honorary professor on his way out the door, a nice gesture, presumably a sort of “you're welcome to come back by any time” kind of arrangement.   Bishop Koch got involved in the Swiss Bishop's conference, serving as their Vice-President for nine years, and as their President for three. Together that represents pretty much his entire time as a bishop in Switzerland, because in 2010 Bishop Koch was called up to the Vatican to head the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity, of which he had been a member since 2002. To fit the dignity of his new office, he was promoted to Archbishop and then Cardinal.    Speaking of archbishops, today I learned Switzerland has no archbishops, all six dioceses are immediately subject to the Holy See, meaning if there's something that would normally involve an Archbishop, it goes to the Vatican. But enough about Switzerland, we're in Rome now.   Pope Benedict had Cardinal Koch jump in headfirst, heading a delegation to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew–the leader of the Orthodox,  the largest Christian Church outside of Catholicism, and co-presiding over a meeting of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue Between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church with his Orthodox counterpart. In December, Pope Benedict also added Koch to the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.   What a difference a year makes, Koch had started the year as a simple bishop, now he was pretty much everywhere.   Cardinal Koch's big Christian unity gig also extends outside Christianity, as the head of that dicastery is also automatically the President of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews. Sometimes the two overlap, like when he's talking with traditionalists who are to varying degrees reluctant to embrace Jews as their brothers. In those cases he points to Nostra Aetate, essentially the Catholic Church's foundational document on religious freedom, which explicitly decries antisemitism, and which Cardinal Koch has called “important for every Catholic”.   In addition to dozens of articles and papers, Cardinal Koch has written at least fifteen books.   Originally elevated as a Cardinal-Deacon, Cardinal Koch exercised his right to become a Cardinal-Priest after ten years of service as a Cardinal.   In addition to the roles we've already discussed, Cardinal Koch is currently a member of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith; the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints; the Dicastery for Bishops; and the Dicastery for Culture and Education.   A veteran of the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, Kurt Cardinal KOCH is eligible to participate in future conclaves until he turns 80 in 2030.   Today's episode is part of Cardinal Numbers. Stay tuned to see if today's Cardinal gets selected for a deeper dive in the next round! Thank you for listening; God bless you all!

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Pioneer's Mary Connaughton interview Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law professor emerita and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Glendon reflects on her formative education, mentors, and how law and faith have shaped her worldview. She discusses her admiration for Western Civilization's intellectual and spiritual heritage—especially Cicero, Edmund Burke, and […]

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Pioneer’s Mary Connaughton interview Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law professor emerita and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Glendon reflects on her formative education, mentors, and how law and faith have shaped her worldview. She discusses her admiration for Western Civilization's intellectual and spiritual heritage—especially Cicero, Edmund Burke, and […]

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Pioneer’s Mary Connaughton interview Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law professor emerita and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Glendon reflects on her formative education, mentors, and how law and faith have shaped her worldview. She discusses her admiration for Western Civilization's intellectual and spiritual heritage—especially Cicero, Edmund Burke, and […]

In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Pioneer's Mary Connaughton interview Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law professor emerita and former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. Ambassador Glendon reflects on her formative education, mentors, and how law and faith have shaped her worldview. She discusses her admiration for Western Civilization's intellectual and spiritual heritage—especially Cicero, Edmund Burke, and the harmony of Catholicism with reason. Ambassador Glendon offers insights from her memoir In the Courts of Three Popes, recounting her service under Popes St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. She explores Vatican diplomacy, the Church's governance, the Vatican Bank, and key challenges facing the Church today, including the upcoming papal conclave. In closing, she reads a passage from her book, In the Courts of Three Popes.

May 7, 2025 ~ Cardinals from all over the world have gathered in Vatican City for the Conclave to elect the next Pope. Frances Rooney, former congressman from Naples and U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, joins Lloyd, Jamie, and Chris Renwick to discuss the front runners for Pope and the significant global influence the next Pope will have.

This week, Tim talks with Ambassador Francis Rooney, who was the U.S. Representative to the Holy See during the George W. Bush administration and who later served as a Member of Congress.  They talk about talk about how American Catholics will remember Pope Francis, what to expect from the conclave electing the next pope (including discussion of some of the leading candidates), and the path the next pope should chart on global and church affairs including dealings with the Trump administration.

The Trump team is getting inventive about playing off bad ecconomic numbers as good. It's likely hard for Trump, who made promises to voters about his economic prowess, to admit that the US economy just had its worst quarter since 2022. Economists blame Trump's significant policy changes for shaking up consumers and businesses. We welcome Ambassador Francis Rooney to The Mark Thompson Show. He served in Congress representing Florida's 19th Congressional District and served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, under President George W. Bush. We'll ask Ambassador Rooney what Trump's American foreign policy should look like. Former federal prosecutor and now defense attorney, David Katz joins us. He will discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether religious schools can be funded with taxpayer dollars.

The new pope is chosen by cardinals in a secret election held in the Sistine Chapel. The Holy See organizes the process to make sure it follows Church rules. Here is a slow English lesson about it.

In this conversation, the participants delve into the themes and character dynamics of Berserk Volume 14. They explore the implications of parenthood, the nature of Guts' struggles, and the philosophical questions surrounding revenge and human choices. The discussion highlights the complexity of Guts and Casca's relationship, the portrayal of demons, and the overarching themes of struggle and duty within the narrative. In this conversation, the participants delve into the themes of sacrifice, human nature, and the complexities of characters in the narrative of Berserk. They discuss the undemocratic nature of sacrifice, the portrayal of human flaws, and the introduction of authority figures like the Holy. The conversation also explores the ambiguity in storytelling that keeps readers engaged and speculates on future developments in the series.Send us a messageSupport the showFilm Chewing Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235582/followLens Chewing on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lenschewingSpeculative Speculations: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/speculative-speculationsSupport the podcast: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9EJoin Riverside.fm: https://riverside.fm/?via=steve-l

The new NonZero World ... Headlines ... Stories of the week ... Michael Brendan Dougherty on Pope Francis' foreign policy legacy ... Michael: The pope should be a voice for peace ... A European church no more ... Michael: The Vatican went too far in deal with China ... How the Holy See helped Obama reach out to Cuba ... The pope's moral clarity on Gaza ... A restrainer in the Vatican? ...

The new NonZero World ... Headlines ... Stories of the week ... Michael Brendan Dougherty on Pope Francis' foreign policy legacy ... Michael: The pope should be a voice for peace ... A European church no more ... Michael: The Vatican went too far in deal with China ... How the Holy See helped Obama reach out to Cuba ... The pope's moral clarity on Gaza ... A restrainer in the Vatican? ...

Within days, perhaps even hours of Pope Francis's funeral, the discreet meetings will begin among the 135 cardinals who will elect the next Pope. When the doors close on the conclave, we won't – strictly speaking, shouldn't – know anything until a new pope appears on the balcony of St Peter's Square. But what happens in the crucial days leading up to the conclave as candidates start to emerge. FRANCIS CAMPBELL is vice chancellor of Notre Dame University in Australia. He also served as the UK ambassador to the Holy See.

April 23, 2025 ~ Frances Rooney, former U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, joins Lloyd, Jamie, and former congressman Dave Trott to discuss selection of the next Pope involving complex negotiations, potential Pope candidates, the Vatican's role in global diplomacy, and much more.

Claire Giangrave from the Religion News Service is in Rome where the city is preparing for the funeral of Pope Francis. There's a guest list including princes, presidents, and prime ministers. Why is this funeral as much a geopolitical event as a centuries-old religious rite?Within days, perhaps even hours of Pope Francis's funeral, the discreet meetings will begin among the 135 cardinals who will elect the next Pope. When the doors close on the conclave, we won't – strictly speaking, shouldn't – know anything until a new pope appears on the balcony of St Peter's Square. But what happens in the crucial days leading up to the conclave as candidates start to emerge. FRANCIS CAMPBELL is vice chancellor of Notre Dame University in Australia. He also served as the UK ambassador to the Holy See.MARK SHRIVER has spent much of his life around power. He was a successful Democratic Party politician and he's a Kennedy. JFK and Bobby were his uncles and his father, Sargent Shriver ran for vice-president. But he's also had a life of service, working with disadvantaged kids. A decade ago, grappling with his own Catholicism, he became fascinated with the relatively new Pope Francis. He wanted to recharge his faith. The result was an extraordinary book, Pilgrimage: My Search for the Real Pope Francis. We spoke with Mark when the book came out in 2017 but this week, we caught up again.

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died. The Argentinian, the first Latin American – and the first Jesuit – to lead the Church, has been the head of the Holy See for 12 years, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in 2013. Francis presided over the funeral of his predecessor, who died in 2022 – a first in modern history. But Francis's leadership has been historic for many other reasons. In fact, says Damian Thompson, his reign has been ‘one of the most memorable, if controversial – not just in recent years but in recent centuries'. Liberals lauded his position on a number of social issues, while Conservatives saw the papacy as over-reaching and out of touch with every-day Catholics. But is it really that simple? Catholic priest and theologian Father Alexander Lucie-Smith joins Damian to react to the news of the Pope's death. Fr Alexander says that while Francis ‘defies summary', it is incredible to consider how far the papacy has changed when comparing him to his predecessors, even those of the 20th Century like Pope Pius XII. What will his legacy be? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

On this episode of the podcast, Father Frank Pavone joins the show to reflect on the impact of Pope Francis' passing and what it could mean for the future of the Catholic Church. He discusses the Pope's complex legacy, the confusion surrounding his teachings and the critical role the next pontiff will play. Father Pavone also commended President Trump's Administration for defending religious freedom and pro-life values, and he highlights the growing influence of young conservatives in faith and politics today. The conversation also includes his endorsement of Brian Burch as a strong candidate for U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.You can follow the ongoing pro-life work of Father Frank Pavone by following him on X (formerly Twitter) here: @FrFrankPavone.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died. The Argentinian, the first Latin American – and the first Jesuit – to lead the Church, has been the head of the Holy See for 12 years, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in 2013. Francis presided over the funeral of his predecessor, who died in 2022 – a first in modern history. But Francis's leadership has been historic for many other reasons. In fact, says Damian Thompson, his reign has been ‘one of the most memorable, if controversial – not just in recent years but in recent centuries'. Liberals lauded his position on a number of social issues, while Conservatives saw the papacy as over-reaching and out of touch with every-day Catholics. But is it really that simple? Catholic priest and theologian Father Alexander Lucie-Smith joins Damian to react to the news of the Pope's death. Fr Alexander says that while Francis ‘defies summary', it is incredible to consider how far the papacy has changed when comparing him to his predecessors, even those of the 20th Century like Pope Pius XII. What will his legacy be? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Pope Francis has died. Former Anglican Arch Bishop Sir David Moxon was the Arch Bishop of Canterbury's representative to the Holy See and met the Pope many times. He spoke to Paddy Gower.

Tonight, we crack open the gates to one of the most mysterious and heavily guarded institutions on Earth — the Vatican Secret Archives.In this episode, Chad and Sheri set the stage for a deep dive into the hidden vaults of the Catholic Church. From ancient forbidden texts and lost gospels to potential evidence of extraterrestrial contact and technology that could see through time, we begin unraveling the countless conspiracies that surround this enigmatic archive. What is the Vatican really hiding? Could the secrets locked beneath the Holy See rewrite our entire understanding of religion, history, and humanity itself? This is just the beginning.

We have barely set foot in Ishgard when we are swept up in schemes beyond our ken. The Holy See itself has set its gaze upon our companions, and only Halone can save them... or perhaps our lance arm. Join us for this continuation of the FFXIV Heavensward story!   You can reach us at: https://discord.gg/SUHTBVMVxj  podreturnffxiv@gmail https://www.patreon.com/Podreturnffxiv https://bsky.app/profile/podreturnffxiv.bsky.social   FINAL FANTASY is a registered trademark of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. © SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/fernweh-goldfish/skippy-mr-sunshine License code: 91CJGK73DTQIXILK https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/fairytales License code: PQ1IMSLKP0XTU1IC

Full Text of ReadingsWednesday of the Fourth Week of Lent Lectionary: 246The Saint of the day is Saint Francis of PaolaSaint Francis of Paola's Story Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the “least in the household of God.” Yet, when the Church called him to active service in the world, he became a miracle-worker and influenced the course of nations. After accompanying his parents on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, he began to live as a contemplative hermit in a remote cave near Paola, on Italy's southern seacoast. Before he was 20, he received the first followers who had come to imitate his way of life. Seventeen years later, when his disciples had grown in number, Francis established a Rule for his austere community and sought Church approval. This was the founding of the Hermits of St. Francis of Assisi, who were approved by the Holy See in 1474. In 1492, Francis changed the name of his community to “Minims” because he wanted them to be known as the least (minimi) in the household of God. Humility was to be the hallmark of the brothers as it had been in Francis's personal life. Besides the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, Francis enjoined upon his followers the fourth obligation of a perpetual Lenten fast. He felt that heroic mortification was necessary as a means for spiritual growth. It was Francis's desire to be a contemplative hermit, yet he believed that God was calling him to the apostolic life. He began to use the gifts he had received, such as the gifts of miracles and prophecy, to minister to the people of God. A defender of the poor and oppressed, Francis incurred the wrath of King Ferdinand of Naples for the admonitions he directed toward the king and his sons. Following the request of Pope Sixtus IV, Francis traveled to Paris to help Louis XI of France prepare for his death. While ministering to the king, Francis was able to influence the course of national politics. He helped to restore peace between France and Brittany by advising a marriage between the ruling families, and between France and Spain by persuading Louis XI to return some disputed land. Francis died while at the French court. Reflection The life of Francis of Paola speaks plainly to an overactive world. He was a contemplative man called to active ministry and must have felt keenly the tension between prayer and service. Yet, in Francis's life it was a productive tension, for he clearly utilized the fruits of contemplation in his ministry, which came to involve the workings of nations. He responded so readily and so well to the call of the Church from a solid foundation in prayer and mortification. When he went out to the world, it was not he who worked but Christ working through him—“the least in the household of God.” Saint Francis of Paola is a Patron Saint of: Sailors Jane de Chantal: A Saint for the Depressed Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

In this episode we kick off with special thanks to Patreon supporters Cort the Great and Larry. Inspired by a suggestion from longtime listener Zach, we dive into the intriguing world of betting on the name of the next Pope. We explore the rise of sports gambling, the use of prediction markets, and historical papal bans on gambling. With Pope Francis currently hospitalized, we consider the likelihood of a Pope Francis II and the potential for corruption in modern sports and ecclesiastical betting. Join us for this unique intersection of history, gambling, and the papacy.00:00 Introduction and Special Thank Yous01:16 Listener's Hilarious Suggestion: Betting on the Next Pope01:45 The Fascination and Risks of Modern Sports Gambling03:03 Prediction Markets: A New Way to Forecast04:16 Betting on the Next Papal Name08:38 Historical Context: Papal Conclaves and Gambling11:52 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSupport the show:Buy me a coffee! https://buymeacoffee.com/historyofthepapacyPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofthepapacyBuy me a book! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1MUPNYEU65NTFHave questions, comments or feedback? Here are ways to contact me:Email Us: steve@atozhistorypage.comhttps://www.atozhistorypage.com/podcastMusic Provided by:"Sonatina in C Minor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Funeral March for Brass" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"Crusade Heavy Perfect Loop" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Agnus Dei X - Bitter Suite Kevin MacLeaod (incomptech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.