Jesuitical

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

America Magazine’s editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope. As part of the coverage, the team is producing a new podcast episode every day and releasing it on Inside the Vatican and Jesuitical. In today’s episode, the team discusses: - The funeral of Pope Francis - The cardinal’s decision to start the conclave on May 7 - The College of Cardinals by the numbers - How the conclave is (and isn’t) a referendum on Pope Francis’ pontificate Hosted by Sebastian Gomes, America’s executive editor of audio and video, and featuring commentary from “Inside the Vatican” co-hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell, Jesuitical hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless, editor in chief Sam Sawyer, SJ, editor at large James Martin, SJ, and senior editor J.D. Long García. Sign up for America’s exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org Links: - Conclave to elect a new pope will start on May 7 - The three surprises of Pope Francis’ funeral - Mourners from around the world flock to Rome to say goodbye to ‘pope of the people’ - Father James Martin: Don’t be afraid of the conclave—or the next pope - The papal transition: What you need to know - Cardinal Becciu will not participate in conclave following dispute over right to vote - The prayer Rome needs right now: Come, Holy Spirit. 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., 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

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

Joining Zac and Ashley on this week’s episode of “Jesuitical” is Kerry Robinson, the president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, the domestic humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in the United States. Kerry was recently awarded the Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor bestowed exclusively on American Catholics. Zac, Ashley and Kerry discuss: - Kerry’s family history of serving the Catholic Church - The importance of having more women in leadership positions in the church - How Kerry has navigated challenging political opposition to Catholic Charities’ work with migrants and refugees In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the Supreme Court’s likelihood to side with Catholic Charities in a religious-rights case; and a recent article in The Economist about Carlo Acutis, who is set to be made the first “millennial saint” on Apr. 27, 2025. Links for further reading: Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, to receive 2025 Laetare Medal Catholic Charities USA: Working to Reduce Poverty in America Supreme Court seems likely to side with Catholic Charities in religious-rights case The secret life of the first millennial saint Zac’s NYC marathon Catholic Charities fundraiser 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 magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe 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

On this Jubilee Year of Hope-themed episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Father Ramil Fajardo, a tribunal judge in the Archdiocese of Chicago, about indulgences: What are they? Where did they come from? And how are they practiced today? Zac, Ashley and Father Ramil discuss: - The evolution of indulgences, from the early church through the Protestant Reformation to today - The four current grants of indulgences, which involve acts of faith, charity, penance and witness - How to approach indulgences during the current Jubilee Year of Hope In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a recent announcement from Buckingham Palace that King Charles II and Queen Camilla will be received in a Vatican audience by Pope Francis on April 8; and describe the busy lives of nuns working the Vatican switchboard to soothe anxious callers asking about Pope Francis’ health. 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 p.m. adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; 7 p.m. group faith sharing and happy hour (come to either or both!) Links for further reading: Vatican norms for Jubilee indulgence include pilgrimage, penance, service The Key Of Heaven: A Prayer Book for Catholics Manual of Indulgences The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Breaking: Pope Francis will receive King Charles III and Queen Camilla in audience in the Vatican on April 8 At the Vatican switchboard, nuns soothe anxious callers about Pope Francis You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

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

In this special Jesuitical episode to kickstart the Advent season, Ashley speaks with her colleague, Maggi Van Dorn, the host and creator of America's podcast, "Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols." Maggi previews an all new season of "Hark!" launching today, November 29, and reveals what she uncovered about the Magi and the star of Bethlehem while working on the classic carol, "We Three Kings." Hark! is available everywhere. Listen on Apple or Spotify or your podcast app. 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

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

At the end of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Jesuitical’s co-host Zac Davis and producer Sebastian Gomes spoke with Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark, about the synod’s final document, which kept open the question of women’s access to the diaconate. The cardinal also spoke to the urgent need for initiating processes of communal decision-taking in parishes and for greater accountability to synodality among U.S. bishops. Thank you for following Jesuitical’s coverage of the Synod on Synodality. It was sponsored in part by the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Magazine and stay up to date on Catholic news and analysis. Links: Synodality—and ‘controversial’ issues—are here to stay: Takeaways from the Synod’s final document Pope Francis says he will not write his own exhortation on synod, publishes members’ final document Women Deacons and the Catholic Church: A Video Explainer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the highly anticipated publication of the final report for the Synod on Synodality, Jesuitical host Zac Davis and Inside the Vatican host Colleen Dulle speak with their colleague and synod delegate James Martin, S.J., about his experience this month inside the second assembly. Zac and Colleen discuss: - The atmosphere at this year’s synod assembly compared to last year’s - How controversial topics like L.G.B.T. issues and women’s ordination have been tackled - The deep conversion that took place among the members and the long-term impact of this gathering on the global church Jesuitical’s synod coverage is sponsored in part by the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. Links from the show: The Jesuit roots of the synod’s ‘conversations in the spirit’ ‘Palpable outrage’: Synod delegates react to women deacons study group meeting Synod Diary: The Vatican Curia is still learning synodality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is no secret that the reception of the synod in the United States has been uneven. Whether you participated in a synod listening session, or even heard about the Synod on Synodality when it was launched by Pope Francis three years ago, likely depends on whether your pastor or bishop made it a priority. To get a sense of the ways the synod is (and isn’t) taking root in the U.S. church, we spoke with Michael Sean Winters, a columnist covering the Catholic Church for National Catholic Reporter and a fellow at the Center for Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University. Zac, Ashley and Sebastian ask Michael Sean: - Whether the Vatican gave bishops the time and resources needed to make the synod a success - About the common claim that the U.S. church, where lay men and women already hold positions of authority in dioceses and chanceries, is already “synodal” - If the synod process can help to reduce the polarization among U.S. Catholics Links from the show: Michael’s column at NCR Become a subscriber to America to follow our daily synod diaries and much more! Jesuitical’s synod coverage is sponsored in part by the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are in the final stretch of the Synod on Synodality, and the question that looms large in and outside the synod hall is: Will this process give us concrete results? But some Catholics aren’t waiting for the synod’s final document or Pope Francis’ post-synod apostolic exhortation to start bringing synodality down to earth in practical ways. Avril Baigent, a facilitator at this year’s synod assembly, is a co-founder of the School for Synodality, a project that supports the synodal conversion of the Church in England and Wales. Zac and Ashley ask Avril: - What does synodal discernment look like in families, parishes and dioceses? - Does every decision in the church need to be made “synodaly”? - Is the “conversations in the spirit” method capable of producing concrete proposals? In Signs of the Times, Zac and Sebastian discuss the lack of transparency around the synod’s Study Group 5, tasked with looking at the possibility of the female diaconate, which has led to “palpable outrage” among delegates and damage control on the part of the Vatican. Plus, the Vatican announced on Monday that Pope Francis will release the fourth encyclical of his pontificate, “Dilexit Nos” (“He Loved Us”), on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Links from the show: ‘Palpable outrage’: Synod delegates react to women deacons study group meeting ‘Dilexit nos’: Pope to publish encyclical on Sacred Heart of Jesus Learn more about the School for Synodality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics to speak boldly and to air their criticisms openly. Since, the pope initiated the three-year Synod on Synodality, critics of the process have done just that. One such critic is George Weigel, a distinguished senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and the author of numerous books including his latest, To Sanctify the World: The Vital Legacy of Vatican II. To better understand the concerns of those who are skeptical of the synod, Zac and Ashley spoke with George, who is in Rome contributing to First Thing’s “Letters from the Synod” series. They discuss: - The confusion around what synodality really means and whether the synod is a good use of the church’s “evangelical energy” - Whether George sees the synodal process as inherently problematic or if he’s more concerned about who is, and isn’t, in the synod hall - Whether the synod is in accordance with the vision of church articulated at the Second Vatican Council In Signs of the Times, Zac discusses where we are in the synod process and looks ahead to the drafting of the assembly’s final document. Links from the show: The Synod on Synodality at the halfway point Letters from the Synod Jesuitical’s synod coverage is sponsored in part by the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret Karram, was in Rome as a member of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 7, 2023 when she learned her homeland, Israel, was under attack. Margaret, a Catholic Arab born in Israel, is also the president of the Focolare Movement, a lay Catholic organization that promotes unity and fraternity in countries around the world. Though part of her felt she should leave Rome, she ultimately decided that the experience of synodality could help Catholics to become “bridges of peace” in places, like the Holy Land, where hope for a just end to the conflict is all but lost. Ashley and producer Sebastian Gomes speak with Margaret about her upbringing, the Focolare Movement and her experience inside the synod hall. They ask: - What it was like to learn about Hamas’ attack on her homeland on Oct. 7 while in the synod hall - About the difficulties and blessings she experienced growing up as a Catholic Arab in a majority Jewish neighborhood in Haifa, Israel - How the Focolare charism of dialogue and unity can keep Catholics from despairing when we face situations like the war in the Holy Land, where peace seems impossible In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the ecumenical prayer service held for synod delegates on the 62nd anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. The vigil was held at the site of St. Peter’s crucifixion and included readings from Vatican II documents by fraternal delegates. Plus, in the synod hall, delegates have begun their discussion on Part III of the instrumentum laboris on “Places,” that is, how the church lives and proclaims the Gospel in particular contexts and cultures. Links from the show: Synod Diary: At the synod’s ecumenical prayer service, a cry for unity in a world at war Cardinal Hollerich: Church is rooted in places and cultures Learn more about the Focolare Movement Jesuitical’s synod coverage is sponsored in part by the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While it might not generate as many headlines as women deacons or L.G.B.T. Catholics, the role of the bishops has emerged as one of the most prominent—and controversial—topics of the Synod on Synodality. Two of the 10 study groups established by Pope Francis are dedicated to bishops, and the pope used his opening address at the final session of the synod in Rome to defend his decision to include lay people as voting members in a Synod of Bishops. Few people are better equipped to dig into questions around the role, qualifications and selection of bishops than Tom Reese, S.J., a senior analyst at Religion News Service and former editor in chief of America magazine. Tom has written several books about the history and structure of the episcopacy and has covered synods since the 1980s. Zac, Ashley and Sebastian talk to Tom about: - How the process of choosing bishops has changed from the apostolic age to today - The qualities we should look for in a bishop—holiness, theological smarts or administrative skill? - How the role of bishops is being discussed and discerned at the synod Zac and Ashley also share the tragic news that after a yearlong battle with cancer, friend and three-time guest Greg Hillis has passed away. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Links from the show: Pope Francis defends giving women and lay men voting rights at synod Read Tom Reese’s column 17 Schoolgirls Die In Rwanda Attack Nukes, contemplation and vocation: An introduction to Thomas Merton for young Catholics, interview with Greg Hillis Living like monks in quarantine, interview with Greg Hillis Greg Hillis & Family Cancer Journey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the final session of the Synod on Synodality, a diverse group of women working in ministry at the margins of the church had the opportunity of a lifetime: a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. They brought their stories of serving Indigenous communities, working to protect the planet and bringing the Gospel to the peripheries. Among this global delegation was Rosella Kinoshameg, who is from the Odawa/Ojibway people and lives in the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve in Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Zac and Ashley talk with Rosella about: - Her experience in Canada’s residential schools, state- and church-sponsored institutions that sought to strip Indigenous children of the language, traditions and heritage - Her work in the “Diocesan Order of Service,” a unique ministry that empowers mostly Indigenous women to serve their own communities through communion services, praying at funerals and wakes and ministering to the sick and dying - What she makes of the conversation about women’s ministry at the synod In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley recap the latest news from Rome, including Pope Francis’ announcement that he will create 21 new cardinals; the pope’s letter to Catholics in the Middle East on the anniversary of Oct. 7; and what the synod delegates are discussing in the Paul VI Hall this week. Links from the show: Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Timothy Radcliffe, O.P. Pope Francis to Catholics in the Middle East: Thank you for being able to pray and love despite everything Jesuitical’s synod coverage is sponsored in part by the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zac, Ashley and Sebastian are back in Rome to cover the second and final session of the Synod on Synodality, and who better to talk to about what to expect this month than Gerard O’Connell? America’s Vatican correspondent and co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, Gerry has covered every synod since 1985. Last year, the Jesuitical team spoke to Gerry about his career and why he considers this synod to be the most significant event in the life of the church since Vatican II. (Listen here!) This year, Zac, Ashley and Sebastian bring their burning questions (and maybe a little synod skepticism) to Gerry for answers and analysis. They ask: - Was it a mistake to relegate some of the “hot button” issues from last year’s synod to outside study groups? - If most of the “hot button” issues are off the table, what are synod delegates going to discuss this year? - What does it mean for the synod to “work”? The team also gives a rundown of what’s happened at the synod so far: a two-day retreat for delegates, an unusual penitential service and the opening Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis. Our Synod content is brought to you in part by the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. Links from the show: From 2023: Everything you need to know about the Synod on Synodality Women deacons, LGBT issues not on the agenda for October’s synod meeting Vatican releases working document to guide October synod meeting Father Radcliffe tells synod members: Don’t be driven by fear of the church changing—or staying the same Interview: Timothy Radcliffe on how he prepares to give homilies—and preach to synod delegates Synod opens with unusual penitential service: 7 cardinals ask for forgiveness for church’s sins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this first episode from the second phase of the synod on synodality in Rome, Zac and Ashley introduce the highly anticipated gathering at the Vatican and introduce two of the youngest synod delegates who reflect on their life-changing experience. Our Synod content this year is brought to you in part by the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University. Learn more at: https://www.scu.edu/jst/becoming/ Follow America's coverage of the synod, including daily synod diaries delivered right to your inbox by becoming a subscriber. Visit: americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac share a “conversation in the Spirit” with Linda Staudt, a lay delegate from Canada who was selected to participate in the 2023 and 2024 Synod of Bishops for her extensive work in Catholic education and her involvement at the local, provincial, and national levels of the Canadian church. With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Linda has become a tireless evangelist for synodal listening at the grassroots level. They discuss: - Linda’s experience of being selected as one of seven lay delegates to the Synod on Synodality from North America, and her initial reaction to being chosen. - The synodal process of listening, reflection, and discernment, and how it differs from traditional parliamentary-style meetings for its ability to reach and include the voices of those on the margins of the church. - Linda’s advice for parishioners and clergy who are frustrated by a lack of synodal engagement in their diocese or parish. Ashley, Zac, and the “Jesuitical” team join America’s “Inside the Vatican” team on their way to Rome to cover the 2024 Synod on Synodality. Great news: you can follow along from home! Visit AmericaMagazine.org/subscribe and you’ll get access to daily synod diaries along with our full coverage. If you have questions about the synod or topics about the Vatican you’d like us to cover during the synod, let us know! Send an email to [email protected] Links from the show: Five things to watch for in the upcoming October synod I listened to Synod delegates opposed to LGBTQ issues. Here are my responses. Women deacons, LGBT issues not on the agenda for October’s synod meeting Vatican II—and its media coverage—has a lesson for today’s synod: Don’t expect immediate results Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on a live recording of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Bishop Kevin Sweeney, the eighth bishop of the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. (and a “Jesuitical” superfan!), about his spiritual journey as a young priest on Sept. 11, 2001, and his transition to becoming a bishop during the Covid-19 pandemic. Bishop Sweeney cites his knowledge gained in hard times as the catalyst for his pastoral approach to fostering community in an evolving church. They discuss: - Bishop Sweeney’s own vocational journey, from considering professional baseball to embracing the priesthood and, later, the episcopacy. - How modern vocations of both men and women emphasize the radical Gospel call to co-responsibility among the laity in the life of the church. - Tangible ways that the church can help navigate the upcoming U.S. presidential election with a spirit of unity and respect. In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Pope Francis’ recent advice to Catholics voting in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where he called both major candidates “against life” and framed the election as a vote for the “lesser evil”; and curious stories about incorruptibility—the divine intervention that allows the bodies of certain saints to completely or partially avoid decomposition after death as a sign of their holiness. Links from the show: I was a young New York priest on 9/11. The lessons of that day stay with me as a bishop. Beyond The Beacon Podcast Pope Francis: Trump and Harris are ‘both against life’ but Catholics must vote and choose ‘lesser evil’ Nun’s incorruptible remains highlight rich heritage of Black Catholics in U.S., say experts Carmelites find St. Teresa of Ávila’s body still incorrupt over 400 years after her death Become a Jesuitical Patron and get access to the recording of an exclusive synod Zoom event with James Martin, S.J., held on Thursday, Sept. 19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with gold medal-winning Olympic rower Nick Mead, who shares insights about being an Olympic athlete and praying with his team in Paris. Nick had the honor of being one of the two flag bearers at the 2024 closing ceremony (along with Catholic Olympic champion Katie Ledecky), and this fall, he’s preparing for his next win: a marriage in the Catholic Church. They discuss: How it felt to experience the excitement, camaraderie and faith sharing at the highest stage of athletic accomplishment The training and sacrifices involved in being an Olympic athlete, including the intense conditioning schedule, the toll on relationships and the pressure to perform. Nick’s religious background and experience with pre-marital counseling in the Catholic Church In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Pope Francis’ recent trip to Asia and Oceania, including his stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Singapore; and a new short documentary produced by their colleague and producer Sebastian Gomes on the state of the question of women deacons in the Catholic Church, which is now published on YouTube. Watch here! What’s on tap? Gatorade Links from the show: Women Deacons and the Catholic Church | An Explainer Pope Francis visits ‘the periphery of the peripheries’ in Vanimo, Papua New Guinea Pope Francis celebrates Mass for nearly half the population of Timor Leste Pope Francis in Singapore: visiting a small but influential Catholic Church What does Pope Francis’ ‘no’ mean for the Catholic debate over women deacons? Beyond The Beacon Podcast Become a Jesuitical Patron and get access to an exclusive synod Zoom event with James Martin, S.J., on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6-7 p.m. ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first episode of season eight of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley critique a general perception that younger priests are more conservative and rigid in their pastoral ministry. Joining them to discuss the countercultural decision to join the diocesan priesthood is the Rev. Wade Bass, a young priest who serves as pastoral administrator at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Allen, Tex., a suburb of Dallas. They discuss: - Father Wade’s call to the priesthood, experience in seminary and love of the liturgy - The daily life and duties of young diocesan priests today, the joy and positive energy among younger priests, and the risks of loneliness and burnout - The extent to which the ministry of these priests is—or is not—impacted by theological and ideological debates within the church In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to Asia; a lawsuit from the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., over a new procedural change by the United States government regarding the processing of green cards for foreign-born priests; and the tragic execution by Hamas of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, whose mother, Rachel, appeared on Jesuitical in November 2023. Links from the show: Pope Francis begins the longest trip of his papacy yet despite age and mobility issues Mother of a Gaza hostage on keeping faith after Oct. 7: ‘It doesn’t make sense. And I still believe.’ Diocese sues immigration agencies over rule change that could force thousands of foreign-born priests to leave U.S. Catholics are more liberal. Young priests are more conservative. Can the synod help us overcome our divisions? Why Pope Francis is worried about seminaries and young priests with ‘authoritarian attitudes’ Join Jesuitical for a live recording on Wednesday, Sept. 11 in Madison, New Jersey! Become a Jesuitical Patron and get access to an exclusive synod Zoom event with James Martin, S.J., on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6-7 p.m. ET. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[CLICK HERE to complete the 2024 Jesuitical listener survey] This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley struggle to resist the temptation to “type” each other as they learn about the Enneagram from Liz Orr, a college chaplain who created the popular “Rude Ass Enneagram” Instagram account and authored the new book, “The Unfiltered Enneagram: A Witty and Wise Guide to Self-Compassion.” They discuss: Various personality types and how they relate to each other (including Zac and Ashley) How we create defensive structures to protect our egos and what to do about it What the Catholic Church as a community and institution can learn from the Enneagram about humble self-assessment In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the developing news around Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganó, former nuncio to the United States, who has been formally charged with schism by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. They also preview the upcoming Jubilee year of hope and chart the pilgrimages and charitable works that will grant you an indulgence! What’s on tap? Spicy Margarita Links: Archbishop Viganó charged with schism by the Vatican, will face trial Archbishop Viganò says he will not participate in Vatican schism trial Rude Ass Enneagram Instagram account The Unfiltered Enneagram: A Witty and Wise Guide to Self-Compassion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[CLICK HERE to complete the 2024 Jesuitical listener survey] This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by journalist Rachel Swarns to discuss her latest book, The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church. Rachel shares her wisdom about this important issue for U.S. Catholics and her experience as a Black Catholic, opening up a wide-ranging conversation about the work being done to repair such a grave injustice and promote racial justice in the church. They discuss: The history of Catholic slaveholding and the Jesuits’ involvement in the slave trade The sale of enslaved people by the Jesuits in 1838, its impact on families and the reunion of the descendants The efforts of Georgetown University and the church to repair this injustice In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover Pope Francis’ recent meeting with comedians from around the world (and America’s editor at large, James Martin, S.J.). They then discuss the pope’s trip to the G7 in Italy and the concerns he raised in his speech about artificial intelligence. Lastly, they talk about recent polling from the Vinia Research Group that found that Catholics’ belief in the real presence in the Eucharist is higher than a 2019 report from the Pew Research Group would suggest. What’s on tap? Prosecco Links from the show: Pope Francis jokes with Colbert, Fallon, Conan, Whoopi, Chris Rock, Gaffigan and others at the Vatican Pope Francis has private meeting with Joe Biden at G7 summit New Study Suggests More Than Two-Thirds of Catholics Believe the Eucharist is Truly Jesus Do most Catholics think the Eucharist is ‘just a symbol’? It’s complicated. The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Catholic Church by Rachel L. Swarns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices