Inside The Vatican

In March 2026, the Vatican’s doctrine office released its final report on women’s participation in the life and leadership of the Catholic Church. The report brings to a close the two-year work of Study Group 5, which, as part of the Synod on Synodality, was tasked with studying women’s ministries and leadership. In this special roundtable conversation, editors at America magazine discuss the report’s content and proposals, and ask if the document changes the status quo for women in the Catholic Church. Featuring: Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of the “Jesuitical” podcast Kerry Weber, executive editor Colleen Dulle, Vatican correspondent and co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast Molly Cahill, associate editor 0:00 The Vatican’s final report on women and ministry 4:23 Women’s reactions to the report 11:28 New ministries for women? 20:05 The horizons and limits of women’s authority 30:30 Will women be involved in decision-making? Links: ⁠The final synod report on women: what it says, what it means and what’s next⁠ ⁠Where the women deacons question stands at the Vatican⁠ ⁠Full Report of Study Group 5 on “The Participation of Women in the Life and Leadership of the Church⁠” Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at ⁠americamagazine.org/subscribe⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle is joined by guest host Ashley McKinless for an interview with Gerard O’Connell and his wife and journalist Elisabetta Piqué about their new book, “The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis.” They discuss pre-conclave maneuvering, including organized resistance to Pope Francis's reforms, as well as their decision to report conclave details despite Cardinals taking oaths of secrecy. - 0:00 Breaking the secrecy of a conclave - 8:10 A Vatican journalist and a war correspondent - 12:04 Calculating the conclave vote tallies - 15:09 Pressure campaigns and conclave maneuvering - 22:17 How the cardinals choose a pope - 30:10 What the cardinals think of Pope Leo so far - 35:50 A touching personal story Links: The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis by Gerard O'Connell and Elisabetta Pique Excerpt: Behind the scenes of Pope Leo XIV’s election Backer of Cardinal Parolin attacks Pope Francis’ push for lay involvement in church governance Los puntos débiles de Parolin, el favorito a ser el próximo papa, y el secreto a voces de su relación con Francisco Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Leo’s consistent statements pushing for peace and an end to armed conflicts worldwide. In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry unpack a few brief stories including Pope Leo receiving the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center, his new home in the apostolic palace and the Vatican’s appeals court’s decision for a partial re-trial in the “Trial of the Century.” 0:00 Intro 1:50 Did Pope Leo tell American leaders to go to confession? 5:43 Pope Leo calls for ceasefire 8:18 Wars are becoming video games 10:53 Leo’s phone call with Palestinian president 14:44 Pope Leo’s laser focus on peace and unity 17:30 Vatican’s soft power in conflicts 19:26 Pope Leo turns down invite to the US 23:13 Pope Leo moves to the Apolostic Palace 27:30 Update on the Vatican’s “Trial of the Century” 32:34 Pope Leo meets with Gareth Gore 33:26 Outro Links: What the Middle East needs: Not more bombs, but ‘hard, focused diplomacy’ Pope Leo to journalists: Don’t become agents of propaganda during wartime Pope Leo to warring nations in the Middle East: ‘Cease fire!’ Pope Leo to accept Liberty Medal and address Americans on July 3rd Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss comments from Pope Leo XIV and three cardinals on the Iran War, including one cardinal’s analysis of whether the conflict meets the requirements of a “just war.” In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry give an overview of the three synod study group final reports that have been released so far: on digital mission, seminaries and women’s roles in the church. 0:00 Intro 1:04 Pope Leo’s comments on Iran 7:30 Cardinal Cupich warns against ‘gamifying’ war 12:25 Cardinal David on war technology 14:10 Cardinal McElroy on Just War Theory 21:27 New papal nuncio to the U.S. 24:33 Synod study group report on digital mission 28:31 Final report on seminary formation 31:46 Final report on women’s ministries 36:36 Why did Cardinal Sako resign? Links: Register for Gerry’s book launch Pope Leo calls for a stop to ‘the thunderous sound of bombs’ in the Middle East Pope Leo praises heroic action of priest killed by Israeli tank fire in Lebanon Iran’s Cardinal Mathieu evacuated to Rome Cardinals McElroy and Cupich denounce Iran war: ‘War now has become a spectator sport.’ Pope Leo appoints Archbishop Caccia as nuncio to the United States First synod final reports published: on digital culture and seminary formation The changing face of seminary formation: Group therapy, digital detoxing and more listening Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday morning, Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with other senior regime figures. The following day, Pope Leo appealed for peace, urging world leaders to stop “the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.” This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Veteran Vatican Correspondent Gerard O’Connell explains why he saw Leo’s comments as relatively restrained compared to John Paul II’s at the beginning of the Iraq War. In the second part of the show, Gerry shares a story from his forthcoming book on the 2025 conclave. 0:00 Intro 2:20 Vatican response to Iran war 7:05 John Paul II on the 2003 Iraq War 9:07 Pope Leo decries 'zeal for war' 10:48 Archbishop Coakley speaks out on war 11:30 On the Christian communities of Tehran 12:50 Pope Leo talks on Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai 14:18 Cardinal Parolin's statements on the war 19:00 What difference the Vatican make 22:14 Stories from Gerry's new book on the conclave 25:40 Cardinal forgets to give away his phone 27:25 Cardinals unused to having no phones 29:00 Behind the scenes of the conclave 32:05 Is the conclave not 'top secret'? 33:26 Outro Links: Pope Leo urges a halt to ‘spiral of violence’ across Iran and Middle East Cardinal Parolin on Iran war: ‘The force of law has been replaced by the law of force’ Address of Pope Leo XIV to Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See, Jan. 9, 2026 Against Unjust and Unjustified War with Iran I regret supporting the Iraq War. We shouldn’t repeat our mistakes in Iran now. Book Excerpt: Behind the scenes of Pope Leo XIV’s election The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the announcement of several new papal trips, as well as the Society of St. Pius X’s rejection of a Vatican offer for dialogue and what could happen next. In the second part of the show, the hosts look at the situation of Ukrainian Catholics and the Vatican’s efforts to help end the war on its fourth anniversary. 0:00 Intro 0:47 Papal trips for spring announced 7:30 SSPX rejects Vatican proposal 12:33 The extra letter to SSPX that Gerry saw 17:30 Cardinals Muller and Sarahs’s warnings 19:24 What’s next for SSPX? 24:14 Fourth anniversary of war in Ukraine 26:59 Vatican response to Ukraine peace talks 31:02 Vatican’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine 34:02 Situation of Ukrainian Catholics 38:32 Outro and Credits Links: Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour and trips to Spain and Monaco SSPX rejects Vatican dialogue, plans to consecrate bishops without papal mandate Cardinals Müller, Sarah urge SSPX to submit to papal authority Pope Leo calls for ‘an immediate ceasefire’ to the war in Ukraine Four years of war: ‘The Ukrainian Catholic Church is wiped out every time there is Russian aggression.’ Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Senior Vatican Correspondent and Contributing Editor Ricardo da Silva, S.J., discuss the Vatican’s decision not to join President Trump’s Board of Peace, Pope Leo’s Lenten message, and the pope’s plans for the first Lent since his election last May. 0:00 Intro 0:35 Vatican declines Board of Peace invitation 5:06 Pope Leo’s Ash Wednesday plans 7:17 Pope Leo’s Lenten message 12:14 Inviting communities to listen during Lent 14:30 Pope Leo calls war a public health crisis 18:14 Pope Leo begins visiting Roman parishes 22:43 Altar girls serve at papal Mass 25:36 Recent appointments of women in Vatican offices 29:20 Pope Leo dissolves papal committee for World Children’s Day 32:11 Credits Links: Vatican will not join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin says Pope Leo XIV explains why Catholics fast during Lent Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle are joined by longtime Vatican journalist John Thavis to discuss the strained relationship between the Vatican and the Priestly Society of St. Pius X, after the Society said it plans to ordain new bishops July 1 with or without papal permission. 0:00 Intro 1:08 Pope Leo travel updates 4:36 What is the Society of St. Pius X? 7:14 SSPX’s beginnings and beliefs 12:46 The 1988 SSPX bishops’ ordinations 16:48 Pope Benedict and the Latin Mass 22:24 Benedict lifts excommunications, offers autonomy 28:05 Pope Francis’s actions on SSPX and Latin Mass 30:34 Questions facing Pope Leo XIV 36:37 What do the Vatican and SSPX each want? 42:57 Update on Feb. 12 meeting with Cardinal Fernandez 44:00 Credits St. Pius X Society to ordain new bishops without Vatican approval, risking excommunication The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bishop Kevin Kenney was born in Minneapolis and has ministered to Latino communities there for years. Now an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, he speaks to America about the realities facing Latino Catholics on the ground and what the Catholic Church is doing to support them. 0:00 ICE outside churches and schools 4:45 How the Catholic Church is responding 10:00 Targeting criminals only? 11:45 Preaching during the crisis 15:12 Ministering to ICE 16:45 Latinos have enriched Minneapolis 18:53 Longterm effects 23:45 Pope Leo and prioritizing immigration 34:00 What Bishop Kenney is praying for Links for further reading: Twin Cities pastors preach on the killing of Alex Pretti: ‘We are walking in darkness and living in fear’ I’m a Minnesota Catholic mom. Here’s what my neighbors are saying about ICE No more funding for ICE without reform. Congress must act Bishop Tyson: Not all are called to be martyrs like Alex Pretti. But we can be witnesses Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund Support Inside the Vatican by ⁠becoming a subscriber to America Magazine⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Junno Arocho Esteves, international correspondent for OSV News, joins host Colleen Dulle to explain what factors the Vatican is likely weighing in its decision-making on whether or not to join the “Board of Peace.” Links from the show: Vatican weighs joining Trump’s Board of Peace but calls for respect for international law Top Vatican official calls violence in Minneapolis ‘unacceptable’ Pope encourages Neocatechumenal Way to continue mission ‘without closing yourselves off’ Pope Leo to visit Spain this year, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona and Canary Islands, cardinal says What does the Vatican know about A.I.? A lot, actually. Pope Leo gives stark warning on AI: We must ‘safeguard ourselves.’ Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Inside the Vatican,” America Chief Correspondent Kevin Clarke joins Colleen Dulle to discuss the cardinals’ statement, analyzing its content, precedents, and potential impact on the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Links from the show: Vatican expert John Allen shaped a generation of Catholic reporters Vatican weighs joining Trump’s Board of Peace but calls for respect for international law Cardinals urge Trump to step back from threats on Greenland and Venezuela Archbishop Broglio: It is ‘morally acceptable’ for troops to disobey ‘morally questionable’ orders on Greenland Pope Leo meets families of victims of Crans-Montana fire Pope encourages Neocatechumenal Way to continue mission ‘without closing yourselves off’ Vatican completes official mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV for papal basilica Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado this week, only the latest in a monthslong series of statements and meetings that have shown the Vatican repeatedly pushing for peace. This week, David Gibson of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss Pope Leo’s approach to foreign policy. Links from the show: New York Times Opinion: Pope Leo Confronts Trump on His Own Terms Pope Leo meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Machado Washington Post: Inside the frantic global race to find an escape route for Maduro George Orwell is more relevant than ever. Just ask the pope. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! 0:00 Intro 3:57 Vatican/Venezuela timeline in fall 2025 6:53 Parolin and Burch’s urgent Christmas Eve meeting 11:28 Pope Leo’s comments after U.S. operation 13:11 Leo XIV’s ‘State of the World’ address 20:00 Maria Corina Machado meets Pope Leo 21:50 Why Vatican diplomacy matters 24:36 Is Pope Leo a counterweight to Donald Trump? 27:44 Pope Leo’s message to the American church 29:41 Pope Francis’ vs. Pope Leo’s foreign policy 33:33 Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI’s foreign policies 37:30 What makes Pope Leo’s approach unique? 41:20 The Vatican’s endgame in Venezuela Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few events in Pope Leo’s young papacy have built as much anticipation as his first consistory. Summoning the cardinals of the Catholic Church to Rome for two intense days of meetings, the pope laid out clear signals about the direction for the church and a new collaborative style of governance. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the key takeaways from the consistory, including: - The significance of the topics chosen: synodality and evangelization - How Leo is building on Pope Francis’ legacy - How Leo’s collaborative style will shape church governance Links from the show: Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year‘War is back in vogue,’ Pope Leo warns in major foreign policy speech For Megaphone only: Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pope’s annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia was once a run-of-the-mill affair, but in 2005, the year he was elected pope, Benedict XVI used the speech to lay out his decisive vision for the implementation of the Second Vatican Council. Francis famously used the speech to decry the “diseases” of the Roman Curia. This week, Pope Leo XIV delivered his own first Christmas address to the Curia. On a special roundtable episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and producers Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes examine how Leo’s speech continued his predecessors’ priorities, and where it differed. “Inside the Vatican” will take a break for Christmas and return on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, barring any breaking news. Links from the show: Pope Leo in Christmas address to Vatican officials asks: ‘Is it possible to be friends in the Roman Curia?’ Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast Hark! The stories of our favorite Christmas carols For Megaphone only: Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jubilee Year is drawing to a close and Christmas is drawing near. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell cover several important arts events the Vatican has hosted in the lead-up to Christmas, including the “Concert for the Poor” featuring Michael Bublé, the Ratzinger Prize concert with conductor Riccardo Muti and a live performance about St. Peter by filmmaker Roberto Benigni. In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry cover the final major event of the Jubilee of Hope: the jubilee for prisoners and those who work in prisons. The hosts highlight some of the key points from Pope Leo’s powerful jubilee homily. Finally, Gerry and Colleen review some of the week’s Vatican headlines, including Pope Leo’s comments on his visit to the Blue Mosque, his message of condolence to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting and the appointment of Bishop Ronald Hicks, as the new archbishop of New York. Links from the show: Pope Leo asks Michael Bublé to give his best for the poor at Vatican Christmas concert Pope Leo attends Vatican Christmas concert for the poor featuring Catholic singer Michael Bublé Full text: Pope Leo’s homily on the Sunday of the Jubilee of Prisoners Executions nearly doubled in 2025. But the Jubilee Year saw other good news for death penalty abolition. Pope Leo explains why he appeared not to pray at the Blue Mosque in Turkey Pope Leo condemns ‘antisemitic violence,’ ‘terrorist massacre’ in Sydney Pope Leo picks Chicago-born Ronald Hicks to follow Dolan in New York Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices