Inside The Vatican: Recent Episodes
America Media
Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell. They'll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. Colleen and Gerard will give you the inside scoop on what people inside the Vatican are thinking, saying—and planning.
While much of the world’s attention has focused in recent years on global superpowers Russia and China, the vast and sparsely-populated nation sandwiched between them, Mongolia, has often gone overlooked. Once the seat of the mightiest land empire in history, Mongolia has a rich history and strong cultural identity rooted in Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. The Catholic Church in Mongolia, however, is young: Aside from a few missionary visitors in the Middle Ages, the church has only had a presence in Mongolia for about 30 years. Pope Francis will visit Mongolia’s 1,400 Catholics from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, speaking to civil and religious leaders, including missionaries and participants at an ecumenical and interreligious gathering, and will dedicate a new House of Mercy, one of the charitable organizations that are often Mongolians’ first encounter with the Catholic Church. In this deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle speaks with historian Dr. Timothy May, current missionary Br. Andrew Tran and former missionary Fr. Peter Turrone about the history and current situation of Catholicism in Mongolia, and what Pope Francis hopes to achieve in his visit.
Read more: Explainer: Mongolia only has 1,400 Catholics. Pope Francis is going there anyway.
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World Youth Day wrapped up Sunday, Aug. 6, having gathered 1.5 million young people from around the world. On this special summer episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America editors Ricardo da Silva, S.J. and Gerard O’Connell, who reported on the ground from Lisbon, recap the event with host Colleen Dulle. Links from the show: Spanish teen says she regained her sight at World Youth Day Mass Pope Francis fields questions on abuse, his health on return flight to Rome Pope Francis at World Youth Day: ‘Live each day with hearts free of fear.’ Behind the scenes of a Way of the Cross like no other at World Youth Day Podcast: ‘Todos! Todos! Todos!’ A rejuvenated Pope Francis tells young people the church is for everyone Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media.
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America editor Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell report from Lisbon on the opening of World Youth Day in this special episode of Inside the Vatican. An energized Pope Francis arrived yesterday, Aug. 2, giving a speech to Portuguese civic leaders in which he urged them to invest in young people and work for peace, especially in Ukraine. He also celebrated vespers and met with a group of survivors of clerical sexual abuse. The pope is scheduled to participate in several more World Youth Day events and travel to Fatima, where he is again expected to pray for peace in Ukraine. Links from the show: Ricardo da Silva, S.J.: How reporting from World Youth Day is reinvigorating my faith James Martin, S.J.: ‘Does God exist?’ and other FAQs about faith and religion (World Youth Day address) Ricardo da Silva, S.J.: Ahead of World Youth Day, the head of the Jesuits had a candid Q&A with six young pilgrims Gerard O’Connell: In Portugal, Pope Francis challenges Europe to invest in young people, not weapons Catholic News Service: As sex abuse crisis hits Portugal, Pope Francis says listen to the ‘anguished cry of the victims’ Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis to university students in Portugal: Your degree is a mandate to work for a better society. Follow Gerry on Twitter: @gerryorome Follow Ricardo on Twitter: @ricdssj Please support the production of "Inside the Vatican" by subscribing to America Magazine.
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Two U.S. dioceses recently had visits from Vatican investigators, and one led to the resignation of a bishop. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry unpack what these official reviews mean, then look to some of the younger bishops Pope Francis has been appointing to ensure his legacy. After that, Gerry and Colleen give a preview of what’s happening in the Vatican this summer. Please fill out our listener survey! Other links from the show Days after Wagner coup attempt, Pope Francis sends cardinal for peace talks Deep Dive: Inside the top secret process of appointing a Catholic bishop Two U.S. bishops were recently subject to Vatican visitations. What do these interventions mean? Pope Francis is appointing more young bishops. Will they secure his legacy? Ignatian Wisdom Fellowship from Loyola University Chicago Sacred Heart Major Seminary’s online course "An Introduction to Spirituality” Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Colleen and Gerry unpack the Synod on Synodality's working document and the clues it provides about the synod’s first global meeting in October. They explain the unique approach of “conversation in the Spirit” and explore the document’s key questions on communion, participation, and mission. Find the full show page and links for further reading here. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have an exciting new podcast from America Media to share with you. It’s called “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast.” On each episode listeners will first hear an inspiring homily, especially delivered for the podcast, and then take a privileged peek into the heart and mind of the preacher in a conversation with the host, Jesuit priest and America’s associate editor, Ricardo da Silva, S.J. Whether you’re a preacher looking for inspiration or a Catholic in the pews, who believes like Pope Francis, that Catholic homilies could use some work, I hope you’ll check out the Preach podcast! To give you a taste of the show, we’re sharing this week’s episode of Preach, featuring America’s editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J. Listen to more episodes of Preach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) announced today that the well-known religious artist Fr. Marko Rupnik has been dismissed from the Jesuit order after he was credibly accused of sexually, psychologically and spiritually abusing adult women between 1985 and 2018.
Read more: Jesuits expel prominent artist Marko Rupnik after allegations of abuse against adult women Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis has been in the hospital since Wednesday, June 7, recovering from an operation on an abdominal hernia. In this episode, Colleen and Gerry give an update on the pope’s recovery and analyze how the Vatican has been communicating about the pope’s condition.
Find the full show page and links for further reading here.
Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis is back in the hospital for surgery on a hernia that likely formed on the scar from his 2021 colon operation. Also in this episode: A nude man protests in St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi visits Ukraine to begin Pope Francis’ peace mission, and Benedict XVI’s secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, is given a deadline to move out of the Vatican. Find the full show page and links for further reading here. Please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media.
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Last week, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 22, several members of the America Media team had an exclusive two-hour sit-down interview with Pope Francis; it was published Monday the 28th. The interview was wide-ranging and included questions on political polarization, lack of trust in the U.S. bishops conference, the war in Ukraine, transparency on sexual abuse cases, women’s ordination, encouragement to Black Catholics, and discussion of the Vatican-China deal. Since its release, international media coverage has focused on the pope’s decision to single out two Russian minority groups as being “perhaps the cruelest” in the war against Ukraine. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle analyze the pope’s comments on Ukraine, as well as those on political polarization, the U.S. bishops, and women’s ordination. In the first part of the show, Gerry gives an inside look into what it was like to interview the pope, and Colleen shares some exciting news. Links from the show: Exclusive: Pope Francis discusses Ukraine, U.S. bishops and more Russia protests Pope Francis’ comments on Ukraine made in America magazine interview Gerard O’Connell: Ukraine, abortion, racism, women’s ordination: Highlights from America’s interview with Pope Francis Kerry Weber: Behind the scenes: What it’s like to interview Pope Francis The Gloria Purvis Podcast: Gloria Purvis and Father Matt Malone on what their interview with Pope Francis means for the U.S. church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Exclusive: Pope Francis denounces polarization, talks women’s ordination, the U.S. bishops and more in a new interview with America Media! It’s an exciting time for America Media! We've transformed the organization under the leadership of Matt Malone, S.J. into a modern media entity that leads the conversation on faith and culture. There is no doubt that this transformation will continue at America under the leadership of Traug Keller, president and Father Sam Sawyer, SJ, 15th editor in chief. We're especially grateful to our digital subscribers, who can access all of our award-winning content. But subscriptions alone do not cover the cost to produce our magazine, videos and podcasts, so we are really dependent on fundraising to bridge that gap. With Giving Tuesday upon us, we hope you will consider a tax-deductible gift of any size to support America Media. Visit our website and click the “Donate Now” button to join our media ministry, which enables us to continue producing Inside the Vatican. We truly could not continue to bring you these episodes without your support, so thank you, so much, for your consideration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For Thanksgiving week, “Inside the Vatican” is bringing you a brief update on a few of the top Vatican stories from the last week. Up first, the way Catholics calculate when to celebrate Easter could be changing. This past Saturday, Nov. 19, Pope Francis met with Mar Awa III, Catholicos-Patriarch of the Assyrian Church of the East, which is an Eastern Christian church based in Iraq. In the meeting, the pope took the opportunity to express his support for the idea that Eastern and Western churches should celebrate Easter on the same date—usually they’re about a week apart, with the Eastern Palm Sunday falling on the Western Easter. Echoing Vatican II, Pope Francis said that he is willing to accept any proposal for a common date of Easter provided that the other churches that are not in communion with Rome agree. Next, Pope Francis assigned a lay man and father of two as secretary of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life last week. Gleison De Paula Souza is the first layperson to serve as second-in-command in this dicastery; three of the four top positions in that office are now held by lay people. Finally, on Nov. 22, Pope Francis overhauled the leadership of Caritas Internationalis, which is the church’s charity arm; it includes 162 charitable groups including Catholic Charities USA and Catholic Relief Services. The pope removed Caritas’ entire executive team after a review of the organization revealed management weaknesses that had damaged staff morale. Some current and former employees report bullying and favoritism within the organization’s Rome headquarters. A statement from the Vatican made clear that there was no financial mismanagement or sexual misconduct. Links from the show: Pope Francis says Catholics are ready for a common Easter date with the Assyrian Church Pope Francis appoints a father of two to No. 2 spot at Vatican family office Pope Francis fires top leadership of Caritas Internationalis after review found poor staff morale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis met with America editor-at-large James Martin, S.J. in the Vatican’s apostolic palace on Nov. 11 for 45 minutes. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Father Martin joins hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell to discuss their exchange, which focused mostly on ministry to LGBT Catholics. Gerry explains the significance of the meeting’s duration—about twice as long as most heads of state have with the pope—and its location. “It’s a message to be received in the apostolic palace,” Gerry says on the podcast. “It means that the pope wants this known publicly.” Father Martin also discusses the pope’s endorsement of his latest book, Learning to Pray. In the second half of the show, Gerry and Colleen dig into Pope Francis’ message for this year’s World Day of the Poor, and how the pope hopes that his initiatives for the day will trickle down to dioceses around the world. Finally, the hosts give an update on the case of French Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, who despite publicly confessing to abusing a 14-year-old girl remains a cardinal with full privileges, including the ability to vote in a conclave. The Vatican now says it will investigate the cardinal after French prosecutors have finished their own investigation. Despite the confession, the cardinal has neither been removed nor suspended from ministry, although he admitted in his letter of confession that he would go on retreat to pray and meditate on his actions. “I have been here long enough in the Vatican to see we get statements [that] say something to satisfy the public demand, but they don’t give the whole story,” Gerry tells Colleen. “So, I would not exclude that other things are happening behind the scenes [at the Vatican].”
Links from the show: Pope Francis received Father James Martin in private audience for the second time Pope Francis praises Father James Martin during audience with Vatican communicators (on Outreach, a publication of America Media) Pope Francis on World Day of the Poor: Do not listen to ‘prophets of doom’ but instead ‘light candles of hope.’ Cardinal Ricard confessed to abusing a 14-year-old. What we know and what the Vatican will do next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At a meeting of the French bishops’ conference, a letter from Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard was read aloud, in which the cardinal admitted that he had “conducted himself in a reprehensible fashion” with a 14 year old girl, adding, “My behavior necessarily caused in this person grave and lasting consequences.” On “Inside the Vatican” this week, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell explain what is known about the case. Cardinal Ricard was up to now a member of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican office tasked with investigating abuse cases, though it isn’t clear whether Cardinal Ricard himself ever investigated a case. The French church is currently reeling from a series of major abuse revelations. First, a report released last fall looked into sexual abuse of minors in Catholic institutions and estimated that up to 330,000 minors had been abused since 1950. More recently, there’s been the case of Bishop Michel Santier, who retired as bishop of Creteil in 2020 citing health reasons. It was recently revealed that he was actually removed by the Vatican for “using his influence over two young adult men for sexual purposes” and abusing the sacrament of confession by holding “striptease confessions.” Colleen and Gerry discuss the lack of transparency in all these cases. In the second half of the show, Gerry and Colleen discuss Pope Francis’ trip to Bahrain over the weekend, where he attended an interreligious gathering, the “Bahrain Forum for Dialogue: East and West for Human Coexistence.” The hosts view the trip in the context of Pope Francis’ relationship with the Sunni Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, who also attended the meeting and with whom the pope wrote a milestone 2019 document on human fraternity. Links from the show: French cardinal admits to abusing teen girl 35 years ago Pope Francis in Bahrain: What to know and expect Pope Francis slams ‘childlike’ whims of powerful that start wars as Putin’s invasion of Ukraine rages on In Bahrain, Pope Francis calls for full religious freedom and an end to the death penalty Pope: ‘Every time a woman comes in to do a job in the Vatican, things get better’ Pope Francis: 'Three world wars in one century: be pacifists!' (Full press conference text) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The first global report for the Synod on Synodality came out last week, and it’s the Vatican’s first official word on what they’ve been hearing in listening sessions since August 2021.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” producer Ricardo da Silva, S.J., joins host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell for a roundtable discussion on what stood out in the synod document. Ricardo was struck by how the report presented feedback in the respondents’ words, including quotes from more than 70 countries, and how it raised issues that had previously been taboo. Gerry, on the other hand, thinks little was surprising in the report, and emphasizes how the document was to be read “with the eyes of the disciple.” Colleen describes how the report pulled no punches when discussing sexism in the church.
In the second part of the show, the hosts have a lively discussion on their differing views of the document, hashing out questions of what magisterial standing the document has, if any. Ricardo, a Jesuit priest, reflects on the significant questions that the synodal process raises for priests, after the document strongly criticized clericalism and pointed out low synod participation rates by priests. The three hosts together discuss the report’s section on liturgical reform—something that touches the life of every Catholic.
Links from the show: Read the global synod report (Document for the Continental Phase) Making the church more inclusive while staying true to teaching: Vatican releases synod’s synthesis document Deep dive: The ‘Synod on Synodality’ — What’s done and what comes next? I helped write the first global synod document. Here’s what we heard from Catholics around the world. Pope Francis will be the first pope to visit Bahrain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell dig into three eye-catching Vatican stories this week: First up, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin spoke at a dinner for EWTN’s Europe-based staff, stressing the importance of Catholic media being in communion with the pope rather than “fan[ning] the flames of polarization.” He prayed that a “spirit of communion” with the pope would be “the distinctive sign of your work.” But EWTN’s Spanish-language press agency ACI Prensa ran a headline that, Gerry says, surprised many in the Vatican: “Cardinal Pietro Parolin defines EWTN as ‘a work of God at the service of truth.’” The Vatican released the full text of Cardinal Parolin’s speech two days later, which showed that the quote from the headline had been taken out of context. “They [the Vatican] didn’t comment on the headline or anything, but you didn't have to be a genius to understand that this was a direct response,” Gerry says on this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican.” Up next, Colleen and Gerry turn to the story of the Jesuit historian Peter Gumpel, who spent his long career shepherding saints’ causes through the Vatican’s canonization process. A few days after his death on Oct. 12, America ran a story by someone who had known Father Gumpel, who wrote: “Peter’s last name, Gumpel, was a pseudonym. He told me the family name he was born with—the family he was born into—was Hohenzollern, the royal dynasty of kings and princes, electors and emperors (1871-1918) who ruled all or parts of Germany and Romania beginning in the 11th century, a royal family that continues to this day.” Gerry also knew Father Gumpel well, and weighs in with his take on the Jesuit’s secret identity. Finally, the hosts turn to the long-enduring mystery of the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi, a 15-year-old girl who lived in the Vatican. The still-unsolved case has caught new attention thanks to a Netflix true-crime documentary series. Colleen gives an update on the series’ new revelations, and Gerry weighs in on what it’s been like watching the case unfold in Rome over several decades. Links from the show: Vatican cardinal tells EWTN: Catholic media must be in communion with pope Full text of Cardinal Parolin’s speech The final secret of the Vatican’s Jesuit saint maker A deep dive into the secret archives of Pope Pius XII ‘Vatican Girl’: Netflix’s true-crime documentary on the Holy See’s 40-year-old missing person mystery The Vatican and China renew agreement on appointing bishops for third time Making the church more inclusive while staying true to teaching: Vatican releases synod’s synthesis document I helped write the first global synod document. Here’s what we heard from Catholics around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Sunday, Pope Francis announced that the Synod on Synodality will be extended. Instead of one final meeting in the Vatican in October 2023, there will now be two Vatican meetings: One in Oct. 2023 and another in Oct. 2024.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle explain the pope’s reasoning behind this decision, and whether the extension of the synodal process makes this synod, as some have said in recent days, a type of “Vatican III.”
[Missed our deep dive episode on the Synod on Synodality? Listen here!]
The hosts also discuss what message Pope Francis is sending by extending the synod: Is it a sign he does not intend to resign, an effort to ensure synodality continues with future popes, or simply a declaration that becoming a “listening church” is one of his top priorities?
In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry discuss the pope’s new book, I Ask You in the Name of God. Ten Prayers for a Future of Hope. Colleen explains the papal speech on economics that the book is based on, and Gerry gives his takeaways from the volume. The hosts revisit the question of where books like these fall in the hierarchy of papal teachings.
After this show was recorded, America published a report by Kenneth Woodward on the secret identity of a Jesuit who shepherded more than 150 canonization causes through the church’s saint-making process. Read “The final secret of the Vatican’s Jesuit saint maker” here.
Links from the show: Deep dive: The ‘Synod on Synodality’ — What’s done and what comes next? Pope Francis’ 9 commandments for a just economy WATCH: The Pope, the Environmental Crisis, and Frontline Leaders | The Letter: Laudato Si Film on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cathy Harmon-Christian’s SUV has been getting a lot of attention lately. Last year, after a nun and priest friend asked her to work full-time holding listening sessions for the global Synod on Synodality with people on the margins, or outside, of Catholic parish life—who the church might have a hard time reaching—she printed a massive decal of Pope Francis extending his hand in blessing. At the bottom, was a message, which included her email address: “Pope Francis wants to hear from you!” “It was bigger than my window, unfortunately,” Ms. Harmon-Christian said, “so I did have to do some maneuvering.” The sign covers the back window of her Subaru and extends onto the door below. And it worked: Ms. Harmon-Christian received emails from people who saw her driving around Atlanta. She was stopped at the gas station and even had a listening session with her mechanic, who had left the Catholic Church to become Evangelical. Ms. Harmon-Christian’s listening work was not limited to those she encountered on the road. She has held listening sessions on Zoom, in cafés, outdoors with people experiencing homelessness, and even received a long letter from a prison inmate in Texas. Although she has not received confirmation that the results of her listening sessions were accepted by either her diocese or the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops—her 600-page report far exceeds each diocese’s 10-page limit—she has received messages of support from Vatican officials, who have encouraged her to continue her work. So, why is the Vatican gathering all of this feedback from people like Ms. Harmon-Christian and others around the world? For a new deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell interviewed three officials in the Vatican’s synod office, along with Catholics like Ms. Harmon-Christian, who are holding listening sessions around the world. Colleen also spoke with someone who is more critical of the synod. All this to help explain the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality—what its puzzling name means and what it’s meant to accomplish. Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Exclusive: Cardinal Grech on drafting the first global synod synthesis—and what’s in store for phase 2 Gerard O’Connell | Cardinal Grech: The synod ‘needs time’ on the question of married priests Colleen Dulle | Explainer: So, what exactly is a synod? Colleen Dulle and Doug Girardot | We contacted every diocese in the U.S. about their synod plans. Here’s what we found. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis dedicated his entire Angelus address this past Sunday, Oct. 2, to denouncing the war in Ukraine. Recent weeks have seen the Ukrainians pushing back Russian forces on the ground, while Russian president Vladimir Putin has escalated his threats, claiming that four Ukrainian regions now belong to Russia, and that Russia will take any attempt to reclaim them as a threat to its territorial integrity. Putin said that in the face of such a so-called invasion, Russia would respond by all means necessary–including using nuclear weapons.
The Vatican has responded to the war so far by advocating peace and focusing on sending humanitarian aid. But the pope’s response has been criticized on the world stage for being too soft on Russia; for example, after he said that NATO had been “barking at Russia’s gate” before the invasion, or when he prayed for a Russian civilian killed by Ukrainian forces, who had in turn been used for Russian propaganda.
This week on Inside the Vatican, host Colleen Dulle interviews Joe Donnelly, the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See—President Biden’s representative to the Vatican. We talk about the anguish the pope is clearly feeling over Ukraine, and how Ambassador Donnelly navigates working with the Vatican, even when its approach and goals differ from those of the United States.
Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell | Interview: U.S.-Vatican Ambassador Joe Donnelly on Ukraine, China and his meeting with Pope Francis
Colleen Dulle | Review: When popes play peacemaker (Review of God’s Diplomats)
Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis makes dramatic appeal to Putin: Stop the war in Ukraine
Victor Gaetan | What critics of Pope Francis’ NATO comments don’t understand about Vatican diplomacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With reports from at least 112 of the 114 bishops’ conferences around the world, the Synod on Synodality has entered its next phase as 35 laypeople, priests and bishops meet in Frascati, Italy, to discern the outcome of the worldwide listening process that started last October.
On “Inside the Vatican” this week, veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell reveals some of the highlights of his interview with Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops. (The interview was conducted for an upcoming deep dive episode on the synod which will be released on your “Inside the Vatican” podcast feed next month.)
“The Pope is very keen that the synods and the synod process is not hijacked by pressure groups,” Gerry said. “In fact,” Gerry tells host and producer Colleen Dulle, “the cardinal said to me… I said, ‘Are you afraid of pressure groups: people with an agenda who want to get it through these?’ And he said, ‘I’m not afraid of these, but I hope if it’s going to be hijacked, it’s going to be hijacked by the Holy Spirit.’”
This week, Pope Francis also announced the first in what is expected to be a series of major personnel changes in high-ranking positions at the Vatican. Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, a 56-year-old Portuguese prelate, is the first head of a newly created Vatican department known as the Dicastery for Education and Culture, combining what were previously two separate departments.
Cardinal Tolentino is a lauded poet, author and theologian in his native Portugal. He has received numerous literary prizes and academic accolades and rose to prominence in the Vatican when the pope invited him to preach the Lenten retreat for Vatican staff in 2018. “Pope Francis is clearly a big fan of this cardinal,” Colleen tells Gerry. Though, she adds, “I think that he is more popular in other parts of the world than in the United States.”
“It's a perfect fit in many ways,” says Gerry of Pope Francis’ appointment of Cardinal Tolentino to the new culture and education department. “He is a polyglot and he really has an open vision, and he is completely on the page of Pope Francis.… a church that is open, that is inclusive, that is not condemnatory, that's trying to encourage, not to discourage, that's trying to open doors, not to close doors.”
Links from the show: Pope Francis names Portuguese cardinal new head of Vatican office for Culture and Education Italy could elect its first woman prime minister—and its most right-wing government since becoming a republic Videos from inside the Frascati Synod meeting Exclusive: Cardinal Grech on drafting the first global synod synthesis—and what’s in store for phase 2 Cardinal Grech: The synod ‘needs time’ on the question of married priests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis was in Khazakstan last week for a major Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions—although his visit was overshadowed in the press by criticism from a Khazak bishop, Athanasius Schneider, who said the meeting was “dangerous” and could come off as the pope supporting “a supermarket of religions,” “undermin[ing] the uniqueness and absoluteness of Jesus Christ as savior.” Meanwhile, the Khazak government rolled out the red carpet for the pope, who was the first to attend the international congress, although John Paul II and Benedict XVI had been invited in past years. The nation’s foreign minister also signed an agreement with his Vatican counterpart to make it easier for Catholic missionaries to enter the country. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle give an update on what happened at the meeting, and why Bishop Schneider disapproved of it. In the second part of the show, the hosts turn to Ukraine, where Pope Francis’ almoner, or almsgiver, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, came under fire while delivering aid in a war zone near Zaporizhzhia. He emerged unscathed and was able to bring food, other aid, and rosaries blessed by the pope to the soldiers and civilians there. Colleen and Gerry discuss the aid the Vatican has provided to Ukraine and examine how Pope Francis parsed the morality of delivering arms to Ukraine when speaking with a German journalist over the weekend. How do his comments advocating self-defense square with his past denunciations of the arms trade?
Links from the show: Pope Francis in Kazakhstan: ‘How many deaths will it take’ for peace to prevail in Ukraine? ‘There is only one true religion’: Kazakh bishop says his criticisms of Pope Francis’ interfaith outreach are a sign of collegiality Pope Francis, asked about Ukraine, says nations can buy weapons for self-defense under right moral conditions Review: When popes play peacemaker Gunmen fire upon Cardinal Krajewski in Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Queen Elizabeth II died last week, Sept. 8, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96 and was England’s longest-reigning monarch. And while most people, when asked to describe the relationship between the papacy and the British monarchy, would likely think of the Henry VIII affair, in reality the relationship between the two heads-of-state-slash-heads-of-churches is quite cordial.
On “Inside the Vatican” this week, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss Queen Elizabeth II’s relationship with the five popes she met as queen, her role as a religious leader, and what we can expect in terms of Vatican relations from the reign of King Charles III.
Up next, Pope Francis traveled to Kazakhstan this week for an international congress of the leaders of world and traditional religions—that is, the world’s major religions and some that have a more regionally-specific history, like Indigenous religions. The pope is expected to use his speech at the congress and his meetings with other religious leaders to make the case for peace, a poignant message in a nation that borders Russia.
Colleen and Gerry discuss the political buzz around the visit, as well as the history of the nation’s tiny Catholic minority. Gerry gives his impressions of the country from 2001, when he covered Pope John Paul II’s visit there just ten days after the September 11 attacks on the United States, and explains how Pope Francis’ message of interreligious cooperation has extended even farther than past popes’.
Finally, Gerry and Colleen look at the pope’s health: After canceling his scheduled visits to Lebanon and South Sudan, and not traveling to Ukraine as he had hoped to do, why has the pope decided to make this trip?
Links from the show: Queen Elizabeth turned privilege into a life of Christian service What Catholics need to know about Kazakhstan before Pope Francis’ visit Pope Francis heads to Kazakh interfaith congress—without hope for a meeting with Patriarch Kirill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis called all the world’s cardinals to the Vatican to discuss the reform of Roman offices, called dicasteries. The meeting follows the release of “Praedicate Evangelium,” a document issued earlier this summer outlining new structures and processes for the Catholic Church’s central offices. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell share what went on in the cardinal’s two-day meeting in Rome, and also look into the recent beatification of Pope John Paul I, who led the church for a mere 33 days before his sudden death. While the cardinals were still in Rome, Gerry took the opportunity to talk with many of them about what unfolded in their closed meeting with the pope and after meeting many of their brother cardinals for the first time. Gerry also shares details of his exclusive interview with Cardinal Robert McElroy, the bishop of San Diego, who is now the newest prelate from the United States, and the key themes he saw emerging from the meeting. Colleen stresses the importance of knowing, as a lay person, what happens at these meetings inside Vatican walls. “I think it's helpful for us to know that these conversations that we've been having and that anybody who's following this synodal process are having, about this tension between synodality and hierarchy,” Colleen tells Gerry. “Those conversations are also being had among the Cardinals in the halls of the Vatican.” In the final half of the show, Gerry sets the scene for the beatification ceremony of Pope John Paul I that took place at a ceremony in St, Peter’s Square this past Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022. Blessed John Paul I was the last Italian pope to be elected over a period of 400 years. Gerry shares a few personal anecdotes about the man who was affectionately known as “the smiling pope,” and what it was like to be there at his installation. This week’s show closes with a discussion about the politics and economics of saint-making. And given the controversies that have arisen since the rapid canonization of Pope John Paul II and the subsequent release of the McCarrick report—which reveals that the polish pope knew about some of the accusations of abuse against Mr. McCarrick—Colleen, again, asks an important question: “Should we really be canonizing these recent popes?”
Read more: Exclusive: Cardinal Robert McElroy’s first interview since receiving the red hat Cardinal McElroy on Curia reform, Vatican finances and the Pope Francis resignation rumors Pope Francis beatifies John Paul I, the ‘smiling pope’ who governed the church for 33 days in 1978
Book recommendation: The September Pope, Stefania Falasca, Our Sunday Visitor, 2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“Inside the Vatican” is back from summer break this week, just as the Vatican wraps up an unusually jam-packed late August. On August 27, Pope Francis created 20 new cardinals, 16 of whom will help choose his successor. On the podcast, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell recap the appointments and what makes the solemn ceremony relatively simple by Vatican standards.
Most of the world’s cardinals came to Rome for the creation of the new cardinals, and stayed for meetings with the pope on Monday and Tuesday to discuss his reform of the Roman Curia that went into effect in June. Although no reporters were allowed inside the meeting, Gerry shares what he learned from several participants about what happened.
In between these two important events, Pope Francis flew by helicopter to the central Italian city of L’Aquila, which has not fully recovered from an earthquake that killed nearly 300 people in 2016. The pope met with the families of those who had died, before visiting the tomb of Celestine V, the first pope to voluntarily resign.
The visit to Celestine’s tomb, combined with the unusual meeting with the cardinals, had led some to assume Pope Francis could resign this week. Gerry explains that, while he doesn’t believe Francis intends to follow in Celestine’s footsteps and resign yet, Francis has become the first pope in more than 700 years to follow Celestine’s lead in opening the Holy Door of the L’Aquila basilica for a special feast of forgiveness known as the “Celestinian pardon.”
Read more: Podcast: Is Pope Francis preparing for the next conclave? Meet the 16 New Cardinal Electors Pope Francis creates 20 new cardinals including Robert McElroy of San Diego Pope Francis prays at tomb of Celestine V, urges mercy and humility Pope Francis tells College of Cardinals to ‘speak freely’ at first meeting since 2014 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis is about to make a historic visit to Canada, where he will apologize for the harm inflicted on Indigenous peoples through the earliest colonial missions and the more recent operation of residential boarding schools.
On this special deep dive episode of Inside the Vatican, we’re looking into the history of residential schools in Canada, the impact they had on survivors, and what Pope Francis’ apology might mean in a long, but important process, of truth-telling and reconciliation.
We’ll hear from Archbishop Richard Smith of Edmonton, the leader of one of the dioceses Pope Francis is set to visit, along with Phil Fontaine, a leading Indigenous voice, residential school survivor, and three term National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.
We’ll also talk with Fr. Ken Thorson, who leads the Lacombe Province of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Canada, the religious order that ran most of the Catholic residential schools, to hear how his community has changed its position over years of listening to Indiginous voices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis, in a wide-ranging interview with Philip Pulella a Reutuers reporter, has announced that he plans to name two women to the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, the group that helps the pope choose bishops. Until now, only men have served on the Vatican committee responsible for selecting bishops. We don’t know who these women are yet, but we do know the kind of work they’ll be doing—it’s part of the top-secret process of appointing bishops that we explained in a deep dive episode last year. We’re re-publishing that episode today, which looks into both how bishops are appointed and how that process continues to change, particularly during Pope Francis’ pontificate. Links from the show: Pope Francis to give women a role in choosing bishops Can the Catholic Church find a better way to choose bishops? Women are rising to new heights at the Vatican. Could they change the church forever? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis was set to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan this week, July 2-9, before his doctors advised against making the trip. But the trip’s postponement doesn’t mean that the Catholic Church’s work for peace in the conflict-torn country is on pause.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle speaks with Sant’Egidio’s Elizabeth Boyle about the lay group’s efforts to foster peace and friendship in South Sudan. Elizabeth explains the most important facts about the conflict, and what Sant’Egidio’s work to foster peace looks like. She also gives an update on what effect the postponement has had in the country.
Also in this episode, Colleen gives a brief update on the Vatican’s two responses to the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court. While the Vatican welcomed the decision, it emphasized the importance of protecting life through caring for those in need, calling for universal healthcare, and fighting gun violence.
This is our last episode before our summer hiatus, but we have one last request before we go: Please help us improve Inside the Vatican by responding to our listener survey! Your feedback will help us return even stronger in September.
Links from the show: On Roe v. Wade: Vatican: After Roe v. Wade, it’s time for widespread pro-life work Vatican editorial: For life, always Pontifical Academy for Life response to U.S. Supreme Court decision On South Sudan: Pope Francis apologizes for canceling trips to Congo and South Sudan Community of Sant’Egidio World Food Programme U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization International Committee of the Red Cross
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The World Meeting of Families is happening in Rome this week, and there has been much family-related news out of the Vatican recently. The Vatican has issued new guidance on marriage preparation, saying couples should go through a yearlong program before getting married in the church, and the Vatican’s office of Laity, Family and Life has seen a few big reforms.
To learn more about these stories, America Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell recently interviewed Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and host Colleen Dulle recap the Vatican’s recent family-related news through the lens of Gerry’s interview with Cardinal Farrell.
Two reforms Cardinal Farrell has made: First, he has increased the share of lay people working in his office. Today, only four of the office’s almost 40 employees are priests, and Cardinal Farrell told Gerry he believes he could be the last cleric to head the office. Second, he established term limits for members of lay movements like Sant’Egidio and the Focolare. (If you don’t know what those are, don’t worry; we explain it all on this week’s show.)
Together the Vatican’s updates to formation for married couples, families and members of lay movements are aimed at realizing Pope Francis’ vision of a dynamic church in which older people teach and share leadership with younger people, and in which no one’s pastoral needs are overlooked.
Lastly, we’d love your feedback on the show! Please take this brief 2022 ITV Listener Survey and let us know what you’d like to hear in future episodes!
Links from the show: Cardinal Farrell: ‘I believe I could be the last cleric in charge of this dicastery’ Citing ‘superficial’ marriage prep, Pope Francis calls for yearlong program for engaged couples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis gave a wide-ranging interview to the editors of the European Jesuit journals—America’s across-the-pond counterparts—that was published this week. In the interview, Pope Francis takes on accusations that he is “pro-Putin” and argues that a failure to accept the Second Vatican Council is at the heart of church polarization today.
On “Inside the Vatican” this week, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell unpack the pope’s interview.
Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Pope Francis told the editors that World War III had been declared. But what does this mean? Colleen and Gerry examine the pope’s rhetorical shift from describing a third world war fought “piecemeal” to a “declared” world war.
In the second half of the show, Gerry and Colleen look at the pope’s comments on “restorationism,” which Gerry defines as “going back to the past. You don’t want the new things; you want things as they were before.” Pope Francis commented to the European editors that there are many such people in the United States, who want to return to a pre-Vatican II era without having ever accepted the council’s reforms. “Restorationism,” the pope said, “has come to gag the Council.”
Lastly, the hosts discuss the postponement of Pope Francis’ scheduled trip to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, and what effects the postponement has for people in those countries who were expecting the pope.
Lastly, we’d love your feedback on the show! Please take this brief 2022 ITV Listener Survey and let us know what you’d like to hear in future episodes!
Links from the show:
Pope Francis: ‘World War III has been declared.’ Pope Francis says traditionalist Catholics are ‘gagging’ the reforms of Vatican II Interview: Pope Francis in Conversation with the Editors of European Jesuit Journals Pope Francis postpones July trip to Africa due to knee troubles Pope Francis apologizes for canceling trips to Congo and South Sudan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis’ increasing mobility woes were already leading some to speculate that another papal resignation might soon be on the horizon. [Listen and subscribe to Inside the Vatican on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.] “But then Francis pulls a kind of a rabbit out of the hat,” America Vatican correspondent and “Inside the Vatican” host Gerard O’Connell tells co-host Colleen Dulle in this episode of “Inside the Vatican.” On June 4, the Vatican announced that in the two days between the making of new cardinals in August and the unprecedented meeting of the world’s cardinals, Pope Francis would leave Rome for the central Italian city of L’Aquila, where he would, among other things, visit the tomb of Celestine V, who was the first pope to resign. This announcement might have gone unnoticed had it not been that Celestine V was the first pope to resign, and that Benedict XVI had made a pilgrimage to the same pope’s tomb four years before announcing his resignation from the chair of Peter. It was this, Gerry says, “that provided ammunition for the guns of speculation.” And while neither Gerry nor Colleen believes a papal resignation is imminent, on this episode of “Inside the Vatican” they consider the reasons to heed, or not, the rumors that Pope Francis will soon follow in the footsteps of Benedict XVI and Celestine V. Lastly, we’d love your feedback on the show! Please take this brief 2022 ITV Listener Survey and let us know what you’d like to hear in future episodes!
Links from the show: Will Pope Francis resign? Here are some reasons to believe it—and some to be skeptical What happens if a pope resigns? A Historic Departure: Reflections on Benedict XVI’s surprise decision to resign Should there be a pope emeritus? What Pope Benedict’s retirement says about future former popes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Sunday, May 29, Pope Francis announced he would create 21 new cardinals this year, including American Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego and several other surprise choices. 16 of the new cardinals are under 80 and will be able to vote in a conclave, meaning Pope Francis has now appointed just under two-thirds of the current cardinal-electors. As of December, that number will rise to 69 percent.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connel discuss some of Pope Francis’ most interesting picks for the college of cardinals. He has traditionally passed over so-called “cardinalatial sees,” big cities where the bishop has often been named a cardinal, in favor of bishops from underrepresented communities.
This idea of Francis choosing the person over the place was evident in the case of the sole American bishop who was named a cardinal-designate this weekend: Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego. Bishop McElroy, one of the leading intellectuals in the U.S. hierarchy, has been named while the bishops of two larger cities, Archbishop Gomez in Los Angeles and Archbishop Cordileone in San Francisco, were not. Gerry and Colleen discuss the message this appointment sends to the U.S. church, while dispelling speculation that Bishop McElroy was appointed in direct response to Archbishop Cordileone’s decision to bar U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from receiving communion.
Then, Colleen and Gerry turn their focus to the global stage. Pope Francis named the first cardinal from the Dalit, or “untouchable,” caste in India. The hosts examine what effect this will have on India’s leadership, which sees Christianity as a threat to the caste system. Gerry also tells the story behind Cardinal-designate Peter Ebere Okpaleke, a Nigerian prelate who was once rejected by the priests of a diocese for belonging to a different ethnic group.
Links from the show: Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego Bishop McElroy: Pope Francis and Vatican II give us a road map for the synodal process Voting Catholic: How to vote Catholic with Bishop Robert McElroy Bishop McElroy: When bishops increase barriers to Communion, we are not being the pastors Pope Francis called us to be. The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave That Changed History by Gerard O’Connell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco announced Friday, May 20, that he would bar Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, from receiving holy communion in his diocese, which is also Ms. Pelosi’s home diocese. His decision comes after a lengthy and polarized debate over the past two years among U.S. bishops over whether to mandate a blanket ban on pro-choice politicians receiving communion. Ultimately, and after direct intervention from the Vatican, the U.S. bishops decided not to pursue a joint pastoral teaching on the matter. The decision to deny communion would remain with each individual bishop. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, host Colleen Dulle asks Gerald O’Connell, America Vatican correspondent, how Archbishop Cordileone’s statement has been received at the Vatican and whether the Vatican will intervene.. After the break, we look into a change Pope Francis made to canon law which would open leadership positions in priestly religious orders to members who are lay brothers, not priests. We’ll talk about what effects this could have going forward.
[Listen and subscribe to Inside the Vatican on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.]
Links from the show:
Gloria Purvis Podcast: Archbishop Cordileone explains why he will bar Nancy Pelosi from Communion
Behind the Story Video: Archbishop Cordileone declares Nancy Pelosi cannot receive Communion
Archbishop bars Nancy Pelosi from Communion in her home diocese, citing ‘aggressive’ defense of abortion rights
Nancy Pelosi responds to being barred from Communion: I respect pro-life views but not ‘foisting them onto others’
Deep Dive: What you need to know about the Communion Wars in the U.S. Church
Pope Francis: ‘I have never denied Communion to anyone.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On May 11, Cardinal Joseph Zen, the 90-year old pro-democracy prelate of Hong Kong, along with three other advocates for democracy in China, were arrested and questioned on accusations that they were “colluding with foreign forces.” Cardinal Zen was released less than a day later. Following his arrest, the Vatican issued a statement in which it said it is “following the development of the situation very closely.” On “Inside the Vatican” this week, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle explore why this revered, outspoken defender of human rights and democracy in Hong Kong appears to pose such a grave threat to the Chinese government. The hosts also examine what Cardinal Zen’s arrest could mean for the Catholic church in China. After that, Colleen and Gerry profile two saints who, like Cardinal Zen, spoke out in favor of justice and peace, and who paid with their lives.
Links from the show: Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90, arrested in Hong Kong Cardinal Zen’s arrest sends shockwaves throughout Catholic world Titus Brandsma was killed in a Nazi death camp. This Sunday, Pope Francis will make him a saint. 10 new saints exemplify ways of overcoming selfishness, Pope Francis says. Who was Charles de Foucauld? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis gave a brief and unexpected interview to James Martin, S.J., for Father Martin’s new L.G.B.T.-focused publication, Outreach, a subsidiary of America Media. In the brief interview, the pope reminds L.G.B.T. Catholics that “God is Father and he does not disown any of his children” and gives advice to those who feel rejected by the church. Father Martin joins host Colleen Dulle on this bonus episode of “Inside the Vatican” to unpack the “mini-interview”, how he was able to interview the pope, and what message the interview sends about Pope Francis’ approach to L.G.B.T. issues. “I think that as [Pope Francis] talks about God's style—closeness, compassion and tenderness—it’s his style too,” Father Martin said. “He wants to reach [L.G.B.T. people]. He wants to talk to them. And I think, again, this is one of the little steps he takes to reach this community step by step.”
Links from the show: Outreach: In brief letter, Pope Francis speaks to LGBTQ Catholics Outreach.faith Video: How Pope Francis is changing the Vatican's tone on LGBT people Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Despite his hopes to declare victory over Ukraine May 9, Russian president Vladimir Putin instead used his speech that day to rehash his complaint that the West and NATO had forced him to send troops into Ukraine. More surprising was that Pope Francis echoed Putin’s sentiments in an interview that earned him condemnation by the Wall Street Journal editorial board.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle unpack the pope’s comments. They also discuss the religious implications of the Russia-Ukraine war and how it threatens work towards Christian unity.
After that, the two discuss why the Vatican postponed Pope Francis’ scheduled trip to Lebanon before giving an update on Cardinal Becciu’s testimony at what’s been called the Vatican’s “trial of the century.”
In a highly unusual move, Cardinal Becciu revealed confidential information about how much the Vatican was willing to spend to ransom a kidnapped nun. Gerry explains how this revelation could put the safety of church workers around the world at risk.
Links from the show:
Pope Francis: ‘I am ready to go to Moscow’ to end the war in Ukraine
What critics of Pope Francis’ NATO comments don’t understand about Vatican diplomacy
Pope Francis approved spending 1 million euros to free nun kidnapped by Al-Qaeda-linked militants
Podcast: The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a new interview with the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, Pope Francis revealed some of the details of his communications with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban. He also reflected on why he chose to appeal publicly to the Russian ambassador to the Holy See to end the war, rather than communicate privately with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle dig into the pope’s interview—and why he says he is pessimistic about the possibility of peace.
“There are none so deaf as those who do not want to hear,” Gerry says on this week’s show. “And it seems at this moment that the Kremlin does not want to listen to peace talk. They want victory; they want taking of territory…even if…as the Pope said, you put a flag on rubble and call it victory.”
Also on the show, Colleen gives an update on Pope Francis’ request that the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors produce an annual report on, in Francis’ words, “what the church is doing to protect minors and what needs to change.”
Links from the show:
Pope Francis: ‘I am ready to go to Moscow’ to end the war in Ukraine
There are plenty of good reasons for Pope Francis not to go to Ukraine. Futility is not one of them.
Pope Francis asks the church to produce annual audit on sexual abuse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis will not visit Kyiv as hoped and has suspended his meeting with Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, planned for July in Jerusalem. In an interview with La Nación, an Argentine daily newspaper, published on April 21, the pope said he had made the decision to suspend his meeting with Kirill because the Holy See’s diplomatic arm advised him that “a reunion between the two at this time could give rise to much confusion.” This week on “Inside The Vatican,” co-producer Ricardo da Silva, S.J., interviews Anne Leahy, who once served as the Canadian ambassador to Russia and later to the Holy See, to understand Pope Francis and the Vatican in its relations with Russia. As a career diplomat, Ms. Leahy has unique insight into the diplomatic dilemmas facing the pope at this time, in his desire to negotiate peace between two nations at war and end the wanton bloodshed in Ukraine, and in his decision not to name and shame the aggressor of this war. “What is happening on the ground right now is a very delicate exercise that the Holy See finds itself in,” Ms. Leahy says. “Do you really think that naming President Putin is going to shame him at this point?” The former ambassador also shares personal experiences of her time in Russia and the Vatican, which have points “quite in common between administrations.” “It’s a lot better now under Pope Francis, in terms of transparency and in terms of access to information, in a way,” she says. At the top of the show, Ricardo joins regular “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle to discuss the major news coming out of the Vatican this past week. They share their takeaways from the pope’s interview and the ongoing troubles with his knee injury, which has once again forced him to stop his regular liturgies and work schedule at the Vatican.
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Links from the show:
Pope Francis suspends planned meeting with Russia’s Patriarch Kirill and explains why he hasn’t visited Kyiv There are plenty of good reasons for Pope Francis not to go to Ukraine. Futility is not one of them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Catholics worldwide celebrated Holy Week as the latest Russian offensive began in Ukraine. In this episode of Inside the Vatican, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell examine how the war was addressed in the Vatican’s Holy Week services.
Gerry and Colleen explain the controversy that led to one of the Stations of the Cross reflections, which was co-written by a Russian and Ukrainian woman, being changed before the service. They also review how the pope’s physical health looked, after the pope did not celebrate the Easter Vigil as was scheduled.
In the second half of the show, Colleen and Gerry turn to Vatican diplomacy, giving an overview of what diplomatic and religious relationships the Vatican has to keep in mind as it weighs its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the possibility of a papal visit to Kyiv.
“If Russia isn't listening,” Colleen asks, “Does the Pope delivering this peace message matter?”
Links from the show:
A Ukrainian and a Russian were invited to lead the Vatican’s Via Crucis. Ukraine wants Pope Francis to reconsider.
Pope Francis calls for an Easter truce in Ukraine, leading to ‘peace through a true negotiation’
In Easter Message, Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine and world: ‘Peace is a duty; peace is everyone’s responsibility!’
Interview: Former U.S.-Vatican ambassador says Pope Francis going to Ukraine is ‘advisable, for sure.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square on April 10 for the Vatican’s first public Palm Sunday Mass in two years, and Pope Francis began the busiest liturgical week of the year while still dealing with acute knee pain. Afterwards, he called for an Easter truce in Ukraine.
On “Inside the Vatican,” Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ message of peace and how he is likely to expand it later this week.
The two also look at what mobility challenges Pope Francis may face during his eight Holy Week ceremonies.
Note: After this episode was recorded April 11, news broke that Pope Francis will be washing the feet of inmates at a prison in Civitavecchia, Italy, on Holy Thursday. Two high-profile Ukrainians have also called on Pope Francis to remove a Russian family from co-presenting one of the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum with a Ukrainian family. More on those stories below.
Read more: Pope Francis calls for an Easter truce in Ukraine, leading to ‘peace through a true negotiation’ Read: Pope Francis’ homily for Palm Sunday 2022. ‘God can forgive every sin.’ Joe Donnelly, a ‘proud’ Catholic, presents credentials to Pope Francis as U.S. ambassador to Holy See A Ukrainian and a Russian were invited to lead the Vatican’s Via Crucis. Ukraine wants Pope Francis to reconsider. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, Pope Francis apologized to representatives of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit people for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada’s residential schools that suppressed Indigenous culture and were often the site of abuse. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss what the apology meant to Indigenous leaders.
Pope Francis also told the Indigenous delegations that he hopes to visit Canada this summer, in addition to his already-announced trips to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan in July, and possible trips to Ukraine and Lebanon before that. But this past weekend, the pope struggled to move around during his trip to Malta April 2-3.
On the podcast, Gerry recounts the difficulty Pope Francis has had with his knee in Malta and the questions it raises about the impending Holy Week ceremonies and future papal trips. “Obviously they will have to tailor-make the events for him just as they did for the last years of John Paul II,” Gerry said. “They devised ways of reducing the stress and making mobility more easy.”
Colleen and Gerry also discuss Pope Francis’ revelation that he closely follows the news Elisabetta Piqué—Gerry’s wife and an Argentine war correspondent—has been reporting from Ukraine, calling her a few times a week for updates. “We never said anything publicly. It was he who spilled the beans!” Gerry says. “I think it really shows the pope doesn't just work by ordinary, official channels to get his information. He doesn’t depend on the Curia or on ambassadors or governments or nuncios. He also goes out to ordinary people whose judgment he trusts and whom he knows are in touch with the reality.”
Links from the show:
Pope Francis visits Malta this weekend. Here’s what to expect. Arriving in Malta, Pope Francis warns of a new Cold War and urges attention to refugees Read Pope Francis’ address to Maltese authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps Pope Francis last spoke to Putin before New Year’s, is willing to visit Kyiv but that is ‘up in the air’ Pope Francis is wise to not call out Putin directly. Here’s why. Pope Francis to visit Lebanon in June during economic crisis, country’s president says Pope Francis: The blood of innocent victims massacred in Bucha ‘cries out to heaven’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Pope Francis is meeting with leaders of the First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people who have traveled to Rome from Canada. They want to tell the pope about their experiences at the state-funded, church-run residential schools that took indigenous children from their communities in an effort to assimilate them to the dominant Canadian culture. Last year, the country and the church were shocked by the discovery of hundreds of human remains that were found buried on the sites of former residential schools. It’s the hope of Indigenous leaders that Pope Francis will travel to Canada this year to apologize for the church’s role in the schools and for the abuse that was perpetrated there. But this work is part of a larger process of finding truth and reconciliation between indigenous people and the church in Canada, that will take much more than a papal apology. So this week, we’re bringing you an interview with six people from the truth and reconciliation committee that was established within the Archdiocese of Regina in Saskatchewan to uncover the truth of what happened at residential schools in their area and foster a relationship of healing and dialogue, led by Indigenous people. Our guests include two residential school survivors, May Desnomin and Susan Beaudin, along with Bishop Donald Bolen, Joanna Laundry, Deacon Eric Gurash, and Lisa Polk. This week on Inside the Vatican, they tell their stories—and explain their hopes for what healing can look like when the church and indigenous people can face the truth together. After that, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell gives an update from Rome, where the meetings between the pope and the Canadian delegations are already in full swing. Links from the show: The Indigenous people of Canada want an apology from Pope Francis The Canadian church’s leadership is changing. What could it mean for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples? Inside Day 1 of the historic encounter between Pope Francis and Canada’s Indigenous communities What does Our Lady of Fátima have to do with Russia and Ukraine? Pope Francis: Consecrating Russia and Ukraine to Mary is ‘not a magic formula but a spiritual act.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Saturday, March 19, unexpectedly and with no fanfare, the Vatican published the new 54-page constitution for the Roman Curia, called “Praedicate Evangelium” or “Preach the Gospel.” Among other changes, it made evangelization the Vatican’s top office, opened leadership of top Vatican offices to any baptized Catholic, and made the protection of minors a permanent part of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.
In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle break down the document’s changes in the context of Pope Francis’ vision of evangelization, and what effects they are likely to have.
Colleen and Gerry also discuss Pope Francis’ second phone call with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Links from the show: With Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman Curia, nine years of work is coming to fruition Pope Francis is drawing on Vatican II to radically change how the Catholic Church is governed Pope Francis just opened the door for lay people to head Vatican departments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Russian airstrikes on Ukraine continue and its ground efforts meet fierce resistance from the Ukrainian army, the Vatican is stepping up its efforts for peace.
On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ latest moves, including Vatican secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s call with the Russian foreign minister, Cardinals Michael Czerny and Konrad Krajewski’s mission to Ukrainian refugees, the pope’s call to “Stop this massacre,” and the chance of a papal visit to Kyiv.
Amid all these efforts, Colleen asks Gerry: Is the diplomatic solution the Vatican is advocating really possible?
In the second part of the show, Gerry tells the story of Sr. Lucia Caram, the heroic nun who drove 4,000 miles to Ukraine and back to rescue six Ukrainian refugees.
Find the latest updates on the Vatican’s anti-war efforts at https://www.americamagazine.org/topic/ukraine.
Links from the show:
Cardinal Krajewski in Ukraine: ‘Faith can move mountains, not to mention a stupid war.’ Meet Sister Lucía Caram, the nun who drove 4,000 miles in a weekend to save Ukrainian refugees Inside Cardinal Czerny’s visit to Ukraine Cardinal Parolin calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine: ‘Peace is not a utopia.’ Pope Francis on Ukraine: ‘Stop this massacre’ Ukraine mayor invites Pope Francis to visit Kyiv, asking ‘the world’s spiritual leaders to take a stand’ Read: Pope Francis prays for Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Benedict XVI resigned as pope, he broke with 600 years of tradition and reshaped the papacy—possibly forever. As people live longer, it is likely future popes will be more willing to follow Benedict XVI’s example instead of remaining and dying in office.
But Benedict’s self-professed intention to be “hidden from the world” has hardly gone according to plan. A collection of controversies including Benedict’s 2019 letter attempting to explain the sexual abuse crisis in the church, the sudden removal of his name from a book that Cardinal Robert Sarah claimed to have co-written with him, and his recent, problematic contribution to church abuse investigators in Germany, have raised questions about future emeritus popes and who controls the messages issued in their names.
Outside the Vatican, a small but vocal movement—including the former deputy prime minister of Italy, Matteo Salvini—continues to claim Benedict is still “my pope” and, in so doing, set him up, against his will, as a parallel authority to Pope Francis.
It is likely Benedict resigned, in part, to avoid being subjected to the sort of manipulation and power-grabbing that Pope John Paul II faced in his final years as leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. But in the nine years since his resignation, Benedict’s legacy and the questions raised about his aptitude to govern are no less contested.
On this deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle talks with Gerard O’Connell, America’s veteran Vatican correspondent; Christopher Lamb, author of “The Outsider: Pope Francis and the Battle to Reform the Church”; and Christopher Bellitto, a church historian at Kean University, in Union, N.J., to peel back the layers of papal politics, precedents and history. Together, they examine the title of pope emeritus—and what might need to change in the future to protect popes who retire from the opportunism and scandal we have witnessed in the nine years since the retirement of Benedict XVI.
Links from the show:
Austen Ivereigh: Pope Benedict’s letter on sex abuse is not an attack on Francis (or Vatican II)
Editorial: Discerning when and how a pope emeritus should speak
The Gloria Purvis Podcast: Do Pope Francis and Pope Benedict disagree about Vatican II and the traditional Latin Mass?
David Gibson: Pope Benedict likely won’t be punished for his handling of sex abuse. But his record can point the way forward.
More from our guests:
The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave That Changed History by Gerard O’Connell
The Outsider: Pope Francis and His Battle to Reform the Catholic Church by Christopher Lamb
Website: Christopher M. Bellitto, Ph.D. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As a Russian military convoy, 40 miles long, makes its way to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, Pope Francis is fighting for peace in Rome. The pope warned against going down the road of conflict, appealed for negotiated settlements, and called for believers worldwide to fast and pray for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday. And it’s not only the pope’s words that speak here, but his actions.
Pope Francis, without notifying the press, made a personal visit to Alexander Avdeev, the ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Vatican, who is also the personal representative of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Holy See. He expressed his deep concerns about the war, especially for the elderly, the sick, and the hundreds of thousands of people who will be displaced. Pope Francis then asked the Russian ambassador for a cessation of fighting to allow for negotiations.
On this “Inside the Vatican” episode, Ricardo da Silva, S.J., standing in for Colleen Dulle, and veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell discuss the actions Pope Francis has taken in the days since Russian military forces invaded Ukraine. The Vatican believes it can be a mediator for peace in this war, but it also has to negotiate through the oft-treacherous and sensitive terrain of interchurch politics as Putin moves to manipulate the split between Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox believers in Russia and Ukraine.
Links from the show: Pope Francis on the war in Ukraine: ‘Let the guns be silenced.’ Pope Francis calls Ukrainian archbishop: ‘I will do everything I can’ to help. Pope Francis speaks with Ukrainian President Zelensky: I pray ‘for peace and a ceasefire.’ Pope Francis visits Russian embassy as invasion of Ukraine continues Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Russian troops entered two breakaway regions of Eastern Ukraine on Monday, Feb. 21 and launched a full-scale invasion on Thursday, Feb. 24. The day before Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia took the decision to initiate war in Ukraine. Pope Francis called for all people to pray and fast for peace in Ukraine on Ash Wednesday, March 2. It was the second time the pope has called for a day of prayer for peace.
On this “Inside the Vatican” episode, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell examine the religious aspects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Colleen asks Gerry, why has Pope Francis refrained from calling out Russia by name?
In the second half of the show, Gerry and Colleen discuss the recent exemption Pope Francis granted to a group of traditionalist priests, giving them permission to continue celebrating the pre-Vatican II Mass.
Finally, Pope Francis spoke at a conference on the priesthood held in the Vatican last week. Gerry recaps the key takeaways from the pope’s speech.
UPDATE 2/25/2022: Pope Francis personally visited Russia's embassy to the Holy See in a highly unusual diplomatic move. Read Gerry's report: Pope Francis visits Russian embassy as invasion of Ukraine continues
Read more: Pope Francis declares Ash Wednesday a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Ukraine Praying for peace in Ukraine—even when it feels useless Pope Francis approves use of Latin Mass for group of traditionalist priests Pope Francis: Priests need to have these 4 traits in the world today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis has restructured the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Vatican’s central doctrine office, which also investigates sexual abuse cases that are reported to Rome. With the pope’s Feb. 14 declaration, which goes into effect immediately, the discipline part of the Congregation will become its own section, with its own secretary, separate from the doctrine section. And the doctrine section will have an updated purview that’s geared more towards evangelization, in line with the pope’s ongoing reforms of the Roman Curia.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle explain the changes to the C.D.F. and how they fit into Pope Francis’ larger goal of evangelization.
“[The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith] has two tasks, one to deal with the discipline, with the abuse question, which is torpedoing the real possibility of evangelization. The second is to develop new thinking in the theological field, to enable it to address the challenges that are coming from the world of science, the development of peoples, the cultures, and that are challenges to the church,” Gerry explains.
Colleen and Gerry also examine the urgency of the changes, particularly as the C.D.F. faces a backlog of 4,500 sexual abuse cases with only 18 staff members to investigate them.
Links from the show: Pope Francis issues major overhaul of the C.D.F. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Two weeks after the release of a report that accused Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI of mishandling sexual abuse cases when he was the archbishop of Munich and Freising, the former pope responded in a brief letter published Feb. 8 by the Vatican. "I have had great responsibilities in the Catholic Church,” Benedict XVI writes. “All the greater is my pain for the abuses and the errors that occurred in those different places during the time of my mandate.” On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle analyze the emeritus pope’s letter and the accompanying, more technical, explanatory note drafted by his lawyer friends. The letter confirms, on the record, that Benedict did not write his 82-page testimony to the German investigators and that the factual error about him attending a 1980 meeting where an abuse case was discussed was not intentional. Although Benedict expresses regret that abuse happened on his watch, he does not take responsibility for any specific cases and his lawyers maintain his innocence. On the podcast, Colleen and Gerry discuss how the letter has been received and how the events of recent weeks will affect his legacy.
Links from the show: Pope Benedict asks for forgiveness in a ‘confession’ responding to Munich sex abuse report Read: Pope Benedict XVI’s penitential letter on Munich sexual abuse report Pope Francis: I’m no saint. I couldn’t be pope without my friends. Pope Francis, Joe Biden and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar all issue statements promoting human fraternity Cardinal Marx: Having married priests ‘would be better for everyone’ Top European cardinal: Church teaching on gay people ‘no longer correct’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has responded to accusations that he mishandled four cases of clerical sexual abuse when he was archbishop of Munich and Freising. His response came 20 days after a German law firm released its investigation into how abuse cases in the diocese were handled over a 74-year period. Benedict’s response today is brief, 1.5 pages, most of it dedicated to asking for forgiveness.
While Benedict apologizes for abuse that happened on his watch, he does not take personal responsibility for any specific cases. He thanks those who have supported him, including Pope Francis, and discloses that his 82-page testimony to the investigators was prepared with the help of four lawyer friends.
The letter is also accompanied by a statement from his legal advisors. In the three-page statement, the lawyers take responsibility for a factual error in the testimony, in which they wrote that Benedict did not attend a 1980 meeting where an abuse case was discussed. They also take responsibility for one of the most criticized arguments in Benedict’s testimony—that a priest who exposed himself to minors was not committing abuse because he did not physically touch them.
For more on this story, visit americamagazine.org.
Links from the show: Pope Benedict asks for forgiveness in a ‘confession’ responding to Munich sex abuse report Read: Pope Benedict XVI’s penitential letter on Munich sexual abuse report
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An investigation, last month, into sexual abuse in the German archdiocese of Munich and Freising found that when Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI served as its archbishop he had mishandled cases of sexual abuse committed by members of his clergy. His successors in Munich, Cardinal Friedrich Wetter and Cardinal Reinhard Marx, have also been accused of mishandling cases of sexual abuse.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell continue their analysis into the allegations made in the report and Cardinal Marx’s subsequent response. They also discuss Gerry’s interview with Hans Zollner, S.J., a leading abuse prevention expert based at the Vatican.
Gerry reveals the pope emeritus’ contribution to the report was assembled by at least two German lawyers who were given a document that proved Benedict attended a 1980 meeting where one of the four abuse cases was discussed. Despite having the evidence, the lawyers wrote that Benedict was not present at the meeting, and Benedict signed their report. In a statement, Benedict attributed the mistake to an editing error.
Colleen and Gerry also recap Pope Francis’ recent address where he counseled parents of L.G.B.T. children to never condemn their child, and the broader context within which this advice was given.
Links from the show: Inside the Vatican: The German Synodal Way, Explained Inside the Vatican: What you need to know about Pope Benedict’s record on sexual abuse Father Hans Zollner on the German sex abuse report, Pope Benedict and the future of the church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
An investigation into sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising released Jan. 21 found that Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the current archbishop, had mishandled cases of clergy sexually abusing minors during each man’s time as archbishop of Munich. On Jan. 24, Pope Emeritus Benedict issued a statement correcting a key part of his 82-page contribution to the investigators, raising questions about how the aging former pontiff’s contribution was assembled. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell explain what we know so far about the four cases Pope Emeritus Benedict was implicated in. Gerry and Colleen also discuss some of the issues with Benedict’s contribution to the investigation, including the factual error, and how the contribution might have been handled differently. Links from the show: Pope Francis vows justice for sex abuse victims after German audit faults Pope Benedict Pope Benedict corrects statement to German abuse report, was present at meeting where abusive priest was discussed Pope Benedict’s correction to the Munich abuse report sparks a debate among German Catholics Vatican editorial on abuse report: Don’t use Pope Benedict as an ‘easy scapegoat’ ‘Deliver Us’ podcast: What Can We Do to Hold Bishops Accountable? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 1977, driving on a rural, dusty road between Aguilares and El Paisnal, a Jesuit priest named Rutilio Grande S.J. was shot and killed by El Salvador’s government security forces. The assassination helped escalate a bloody period of civil war in which Catholics like Oscar Romero (1985), six Jesuits at the Central American University in San Salvador (1989), and four American churchwomen (1980) were martyred. While Romero became a Catholic household name and celebrated saint, not many know the story of his friend and fellow priest, Rutilio Grande S.J. That’s about to change. On January 22, 2022, Rutilio Grande will be beatified, after his cause for canonization was delayed by what Pope Francis called “misunderstandings and slander.” In this “Inside the Vatican” deep dive, host Colleen Dulle talks with scholars, friends and relatives of Grande to learn what inspired this Jesuit’s ministry among the people which led, ultimately, to his martyrdom. Read more: Father Rutilio Grande: the (future) patron saint of breaking mental health stigma? Padre Tío Tilo: Rutilio Grande’s niece talks about her childhood with her martyred uncle 4 lessons from Rutilio Grande, priest, prophet and martyr Eileen Markey’s book: A Radical Faith: The Assassination of Sr. Maura Sr. Ana Maria Pineda’s book: Rutilio Grande, Memory and Legacy of a Jesuit Martyr Rodolfo Cardenal’s book: The Life, Passion, and Death of the Jesuit Rutilio Grande Radio YSUCA at the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas, UCA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A long-awaited report on how sexual abuse cases were handled in the Archdiocese of Munich and Freising between 1945 and 2019, was released today, and it accuses both Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Cardinal Reinhard Marx, one of Pope Francis’ top advisers, of mishandling abuse cases. The report looks back at abuse cases spanning more than 70 years, which includes Pope Emeritus Benedict’s five-year tenure as archbishop of the diocese. The lawyers accuse Benedict of mishandling four abuse cases, saying that he allowed two priests who were criminally prosecuted for abuse to continue working as priests, and that no action was taken against them under church law. Pope Emeritus Benedict denies all allegations of wrongdoing. His personal secretary responded to questions from journalists today, saying Benedict would “examine the text with the necessary attention.” Cardinal Marx, the current archbishop of Munich and Freising, is also accused of mishandling two cases of sexual abuse. He was not present at the presentation of the document, but said he watched the livestream. In a statement a few hours later, Cardinal Marx asked for forgiveness and said that while the report is important for coming to terms with the past, the priority should be on care for the victims. He said that the diocese would carefully study the report and discern a way forward. A Vatican spokesman told journalists today that the Vatican would study the almost 1,900-page report, which detailed the cases of 497 victims and 235 abusers. The spokesman said “The Holy See believes it has an obligation to give serious attention to the document” and reiterated the Vatican’s sense of shame and remorse for the abuse of minors by clerics and its commitment to ensuring safe environments for young people.
Read more: Vatican to study German abuse report that faults Pope Benedict
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Pope Francis addressed ambassadors from the 183 countries that have diplomatic relations with the Holy See about his top international priorities on Monday and, surprisingly, devoted a portion of his talk to the problems he sees with “cancel culture.” This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell take a look at the pope’s talk and why he thinks cancel culture is a threat to international cooperation. “Under the guise of defending diversity, it ends up canceling all sense of identity,” the pope said, “with the risk of silencing positions that defend a respectful and balanced understanding of various sensibilities.” Gerry also recaps how Pope Francis baptized 16 children in the Sistine Chapel this weekend—which brought back memories of when then-Cardinal Bergoglio baptized Gerry and his wife’s children in Buenos Aires.
Read more: Pope Francis critiques ‘cancel culture’ in address to diplomats from around the world Pope Francis removes from Vatican doctrine office archbishop who is believed to have banned same-sex blessings Pope Francis stopped by his favorite record store to say ‘hello’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis has an “action-packed” agenda this year, but the relentless spread of Covid-19 worldwide could complicate his plans to visit countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. But whether or not the pope is able to travel internationally this year, Gerry says he “is clearly not planning to slow down,” and has much work to do from his desk at the Vatican. Chief among the pope’s tasks this year is the completion of the reform of the Roman Curia which will culminate with the issuing of “Praedicate Evangelium,” a document that will serve as a blueprint for not only a revamp of some of the more dated structures at the Vatican but also intends to usher a change in culture within the Roman Curia. This year is also expected to bring other significant changes at the Vatican including the appointment of several new high-ranking officers, as some cardinals reach the age of retirement and those over 80 become ineligible to vote in the next papal conclave. This year, “Francis will really leave his mark on the church in a big way,” Gerry tells Ricardo. “These will be men chosen by him alone, not inherited from a previous pontificate.”
Links from the show: Pope Francis’ action-packed agenda for 2022 Volunteer, stop judging and get off Twitter: 8 New Year’s Resolutions Inspired by Pope Francis Video: 8 New Year’s Resolution from Pope Francis Podcast: Inside the top secret process of appointing a Catholic bishop The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave That Changed History Pope Francis on New Year’s Day: “To hurt a woman is to insult God.” Pope Francis at Midnight Mass: God comes into the world in littleness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis’ Christmas messages to “the church and the world” (“Urbi et Orbi”) and to the Roman Curia focused this year on the theme of humility. “He is the word of God who became an infant, capable only of crying, and in need of help for everything,” the pope said. “He wished to learn how to speak, like every other child, so that we might learn to listen to God, our Father, to listen to one another and to dialogue as brothers and sisters.” This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle gives a summary of the pope’s Christmas messages. You can find links to read them, along with Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell’s reporting on the pope’s Curia address, below. Pope Francis’ Christmas Urbi et Orbi message Pope Francis’ address to the Roman Curia Pope Francis tells Roman Curia ‘Be humble, not proud’ in another humdinger of a Christmas talk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Saturday, Dec. 18, the Vatican issued some clarifications about its restrictions on the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass. These restrictions had been published in July in Pope Francis’ letter “Traditionis Custodes,” or “Guardians of the Tradition.” Since then, The Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship had received some questions about the restrictions, so they put together the most common ones and provided yes or no answers—a format the Vatican sometimes uses called a “responsum ad dubium” or “response to doubts/questions.”
The new clarifications basically double down on the restrictions that were put in place in July: They make it clear that the Tridentine Latin Mass can still be celebrated in oratories and by priests who are specifically tasked with celebrating Mass in the old rite, but it tightens restrictions on old rite Masses outside of those situations.
On this special update episode, host Colleen Dulle explains the new clarifications around the old Latin Mass.
Links from the show: Vatican clarifies rules for the celebration of the Tridentine Latin Mass Inside the Vatican Deep Dive: Why Pope Francis restricted the Latin Mass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell take a look back at this year in Vatican news.
This year brought three risky papal trips to Iraq, Hungary and Slovakia, and Cyprus and Greece, all undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the meantime, Pope Francis’ health came into question when he underwent surgery on his colon in mid-July. Gerry recaps the pope’s trips and gives an update on his recovery.
Within the Vatican, the pope continued his reforming efforts: This year saw the opening of the first-ever Vatican trial of a cardinal for financial crimes, and Pope Francis opened the global “synod on synodality” in an effort to move the church toward greater collaboration between leadership and lay people.
Looking across the Atlantic, the pope stepped into the U.S. bishops’ debate around communion for pro-choice politicians, telling Gerry aboard the papal plane that he had never denied communion to anyone. Colleen and Gerry recap the story and look at where the Vatican would like to see the U.S. bishops go from here.
Links from the show:
Pope Francis in Iraq: Everything you need to know about the historic trip What to expect from Pope Francis’ trip to Hungary and Slovakia Pope Francis is about to visit Greece and Cyprus — and he’s expected to invite some 50 migrants to come to Rome Pope Francis returns to Vatican 10 days after successful operation In a historic first, a cardinal stood trial at the Vatican over involvement in a real estate scandal Podcast: The Synod on Synodality will be an uphill battle — but it’s worth it Debate over the Eucharist and pro-choice politicians ends in a whimper at bishops’ meeting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis traveled to Cyprus and Greece from December 2-6, casting a spotlight on two nations that receive tens of thousands of migrants and refugees each year. On his flight from Rome to Cyprus, Pope Francis told journalists that he was making the trip to “touch the wounds of humanity.”
America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell was among the reporters traveling with the pope. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” he speaks with host Colleen Dulle about the experience, and how Pope Francis was visibly moved by seeing the barbed-wire-topped wall that has divided the Cypriot capitol of Nicosia into an independent half and a Turkish-controlled half since 1973.
The pope’s goals for this trip included delivering a message of hope to the divided country, encouraging the small Catholic population in the region, bridging divisions with the Greek Orthodox community who make up the majority of these nations’ believers, and speaking out about threats to democracy while visiting democracy’s birthplace.
Gerry also describes visiting a migrant reception center on the Greek island of Lesbos, where Pope Francis delayed his meeting with the president by 30 minutes, instead opting to walk and greet the asylum seekers living in the camp. The Holy See is expected to host 50 refugees from Cyprus after the trip and sponsor their resettlement in Italy.
Links from the show:
In Cyprus, Pope Francis has a message for all of Europe: We need dialogue and open doors—not walls.
Pope Francis: Don’t let ‘small-t traditions’ divide Catholic and Orthodox Christians
Full text of Pope Francis’ speech in Nicosia
Pope Francis in Greece: ‘We are witnessing a retreat from democracy.’
Pope Francis in Lesbos: The root causes of the migration crisis ‘should be attacked,’ not migrants (Full Text)
Pope Francis: ‘I accepted the resignation of the archbishop of Paris not on the altar of truth but on the altar of hypocrisy’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh covered and participated in the Latin American ecclesial assembly in Mexico City last week. It was the first meeting of its kind, bringing together about 1,000 bishops, priests, religious and lay people to discuss the region’s pastoral needs in a synodal way. On “Inside the Vatican,” Austen joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss his experience at the meeting and what lessons the Latin American church can teach the rest of the world about synodality. Colleen and Austen also discuss how this assembly built on the last meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean bishops in Aparecida, Brazil in 2007. “Aparecida calls for missionary pastoral conversion; it calls for the Church to realize that Christianity is no longer spread through law and culture, that we have to go back to, as it were, the early church understanding, which is that we’ve had an experience of encounter with Christ, and therefore, everything we do as a church needs to be about facilitating that encounter,” Austen explained. Pope Francis was a key player in the Aparecida meeting and hoped that this year’s Latin American ecclesial assembly would revive its legacy. Austen describes why the implementation of Aparecida wasn’t as far-reaching as originally hoped and how, despite that, the Latin American church remains a worldwide leader in synodality.
Links from the show: Crux: Pope Francis calls for ‘prayer and dialogue’ as Latin American Ecclesial Assembly opens Vatican News (Spanish): La Iglesia es líder en la sinodalidad con diversos métodos de escucha National Catholic Reporter: First of its kind assembly to address future of Latin American Catholic Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The U.S. bishops approved their long-awaited and much-debated document on the Eucharist at their November meeting last week. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” America’s national correspondent Michael O’Loughlin, who covered the meeting in Baltimore, joins Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle for a conversation about what the bishops decided and what the Vatican hopes they will do next.
Listen and subscribe to “Inside the Vatican” on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The final document, which passed with an overwhelming 222 votes, focused primarily on the theology of the Eucharist and only made oblique reference to pro-choice politicians. But the bishops stepping back from a contentious debate in favor of unifying around the pastoral need they see for better catechesis on the Eucharist was the kind of show of unity the Vatican had hoped to see, Gerry said on the podcast.
In the second half of the show, the panel discusses Vatican officials’ interventions at the bishops’ meeting. Their messages on synodality and sexual abuse, paired with a message Pope Francis shared with the Italian bishops’ meeting this week, paint a picture of a Vatican that is relieved at the resolution to the ‘communion wars’ and hopes to see the bishops unify around other issues.
Links from the show: Debate over the Eucharist and pro-choice politicians ends in a whimper at bishops’ meeting Leaked draft of bishops’ document on Communion lacks explicit reference to pro-choice politicians Inside the Vatican: Eucharistic revival or Communion war? How politics and the pandemic are framing a debate among U.S. bishops Pope Francis shares 8 Beatitudes for Bishops, giving a model for the 21st-century pastor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis lavished praise on several reporters this week, awarding Televisa’s Valentina Alazraki and Reuters’ Phil Pullela papal knighthoods on Saturday, and praising America’s Michael J. O’Loughlin’s research into Catholic responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in a letter published Monday.
But Pope Francis’ relationship with the press wasn’t always so friendly. Before he became pope, “you could count on two hands all the interviews he'd given in his life,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell explains on this week’s “Inside the Vatican.”
On this week’s episode, Gerry and host Colleen Dulle take a look at how the pope’s relationship with the media has changed over time and examine the vision of the media that Pope Francis laid out in his speech to Vatican journalists this weekend.
Links from the show: Pope Francis’ 3 tips for journalists today Read Pope Francis’ speech to journalists Pope Francis thanks America’s Michael J. O’Loughlin for reporting on Catholic responses to H.I.V./AIDS Inside the Vatican: Pope Francis thanks author for book on LGBT Catholics and the AIDS crisis Inside the Vatican: Eucharistic revival or Communion war? How politics and the pandemic are framing a debate among U.S. bishops
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Pope Francis sent a letter to America’s national correspondent, Michael J. O’Loughlin, thanking him for his research on the interactions between the Catholic Church and the gay community—and the stories of many gay Catholics—at the heights of the AIDS epidemic. O'Loughlin recently published his research in a new book called “Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear,” which follows up on America Media's podcast: “Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church.” “Thank you for shining a light on the lives and bearing witness to the many priests, religious sisters and lay people, who opted to accompany, support and help their brothers and sisters who were sick from HIV and AIDS at great risk to their profession and reputation,” the pope wrote to O'Loughin. On this bonus episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Mike joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss the pope’s letter and its significance, along with Mike’s research into the stories behind the Vatican’s response to the AIDS crisis. Links from the show: How the Catholic Worker Movement inspired one couple to open their doors to people with AIDS Order Hidden Mercy: AIDS, Catholics, and the Untold Stories of Compassion in the Face of Fear Listen to Plague: Untold Stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church, or subscribe on your podcast app. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The U.S. bishops’ debate over whether pro-choice policians like President Joseph R. Biden should be allowed to receive communion has been raging for over a year now. After the bishops’ meeting last November, the bishops created a sub-committee aimed at addressing the challenges of working with a Catholic, pro-choice president.
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, president of the U.S. bishops conference, informed the Vatican in March that the working group had decided to draft a document on “Eucharistic coherence,” and Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, responded in a letter telling the bishops that their document should not focus solely on politicians, and advising them to engage in dialogue with one another and with the politicians the bishops would be writing about.
The Vatican’s effort to temper the bishops’ statement appears to have been successful: a leaked draft of the document lacked any explicit reference to pro-choice politicians, focusing instead on the idea of a Eucharistic revivial and a restatement of Eucharistic theology.
On this deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” producer Maggi Van Dorn and host Colleen Dulle dig into the history of the U.S. bishops’ engagement with political issues and give some background on today’s “Communion wars” and the calls for a “Eucharistic revival.” They ask: If no one can win the “communion wars,” does everyone lose?
Links from the show: Leaked draft of bishops’ document on Communion lacks explicit reference to pro-choice politicians Can the U.S. bishops be saved from partisan politics? Explainer: Why the Eucharist is confusing for many Catholics (and survey researchers) No one can win the Communion wars over abortion Pope Francis: ‘I have never denied Communion to anyone.’ Archishop Aquila: For the church to live in eucharistic coherence, we must be willing to challenge Catholics persisting in grave sin. Bishop McElroy: The Eucharist is being weaponized for political ends. This must not happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis met with President Biden, President Moon of Korea and Prime Minister Modi from India last week, and in all of the conversations, one subject came up: Climate change.
Many of the world leaders who were in Rome for the G20 summit of the world’s largest economies have now continued on to Glasgow, Scotland for the UN’s climate summit, COP26, which runs through Nov. 12.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell unpack Pope Francis’ message to the leaders at COP26 and how the pope understands his role in the climate movement.
Then, Colleen and Gerry turn their sights to the U.S. church. Two recent studies paint the image of a church hierarchy that is disconnected from pew-sitters: A 2020 Princeton analysis showed how “Laudato Si” helped convince American Catholics that climate change is an important issue that carries a moral imperative, and 2021 Creighton analysis revealed that “Laudato Si” was largely ignored by American bishops.
Links from the show:
Pope Francis’ COP26 message: ‘There is no time to waste’ on climate change
Pope Francis on BBC Radio: We need ‘a genuine moment of conversion’ on climate change
Meet the Catholic map lady who wants to help Pope Francis fight climate change—if the Vatican will let her.
Podcast: How ‘Laudato Si’’ changed U.S. Catholics’ minds on climate change
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Today, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. met with Pope Francis in a highly anticipated meeting at the Vatican. The two leaders spoke privately for 75 minutes, which is unusually long compared to other meetings between the pope and heads of state. Details of the private meeting were not released, but the Vatican said the two leaders discussed their joint commitment to the protection and care of the planet, healthcare and the fight against Covid, refugees and assistance to migrants, the protection of human rights, the international situation leading up to the G20 summit, and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation. Following the meeting, President Biden said that the pope told him he is a “good Catholic” and encouraged him to continue receiving Communion. Read: Biden says Pope Francis told him to ‘keep receiving Communion’ Pope Francis and Joe Biden enjoy unusually long meeting at the Vatican Which president met the most popes? Who gave the weirdest gift? A brief history of U.S.-Vatican encounters. Watch: What President Biden said to Pope Francis at the Vatican Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis is expected to meet with U.S President Joseph R. Biden, Korean President Moon Jae-in and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week while the leaders are in Rome for the G20 summit. So, what happens when a pope meets a president? On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle explain the formal steps of an “official visit” between a head of state and the pope. Then, Colleen and Gerry dig into the specific issues that President Biden, President Moon and Prime Minister Modi are likely to bring up with Pope Francis. At the end of the episode, Gerry and Colleen discuss why the pope is no longer attending the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, and Colleen gives an update on Pope Francis’ recently-announced trip to Canada.
Links from the show: Joe Biden to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican on Oct. 29 Joe Biden is taking a page from Ronald Reagan’s playbook in his meeting with Pope Francis Pope Francis agrees to Canada trip to help reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This weekend, Pope Francis gave a speech to grassroots activists that some are already calling an important contribution to Catholic Social Teaching. At America, we called it “Pope Francis’ 9 commandments for a just economy.” The pope called on everyone from tech giants to arms manufacturers to stop their destructive and extractive behaviors and instead put their energy toward activities that would build up a better post-Covid society. In the same talk, a video message sent to the “popular movements”–grassroots activist groups around the world–the pope called Black Lives Matter activists “collective Samaritans” and called for a shortened work week. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell contextualize the pope’s comments and explain how his relationship with grassroots activists differs from past popes’. In the second half of the show, Colleen is joined by America O’Hare Fellow Doug Girardot. In the last month, Colleen and Doug contacted every diocese in America to find out what they had planned for the recently launched global “synod on synodality.” The two discuss their findings, their experience reporting the story, and their unexpected appreciation for Eastern Catholic eparchies. Links from the show: Pope Francis’ 9 commandments for a just economy Read Pope Francis’ full address to the popular movements We contacted every diocese in the U.S. about their synod plans. Here’s what we found. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The “synod on synodality,” Pope Francis’ two-year effort to move the church toward a more collaborative and decentralized model, kicked off in Rome on Sunday with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica. In his pre-synod speech on Saturday, Pope Francis laid out his vision for the synod, outlining three challenges and three opportunities that the synod faces.
The challenges, as host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell explain on this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” aren’t limited to those the pope mentioned: In addition to the difficulty of changing the attitudes of Catholics accustomed to what author Austen Ivereigh called a “command and control model,” there are a number of logistical challenges including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, long distances and conflicts that make diocesan gatherings difficult, and the challenge of holding a large number of meetings in only a short time.
Still, the syond’s purpose is not to complete a transformation in the church, but to begin it.
Links from the show: Pope Francis clears the way for the beatification of Pope John Paul I ‘There is no need to create another church, but to create a different church,’ Francis says before synod Pope Francis: Synod calls us to become experts in the art of encounter Pope Francis receives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in private audience Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis welcomed 40 leaders of the world’s major religions to the Vatican this week to call for definitive action on climate change ahead of the United Nations’ COP26 conference in Glasgow. On “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle explain who attended the meeting and what initiatives they called for. The document the religious leaders signed was seen by many as a parallel to Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato Si (“Praised Be”), which gave a major push to world leaders to sign on to the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. With the COP26 conference focused on advancing the goals of the Paris Agreement, Colleen and Gerry ask, can this interreligious document play a similar role to “Laudato Si,” changing the hearts and minds of political leaders from around the world? Links from the show: Pope Francis and 40 faith leaders call for urgent action to combat climate change: ‘Future generations will never forgive us’ Report: 330,000 child victims of sex abuse in France’s Catholic Church Analysis: In Vatican real estate trial, prosecution made mistakes—but not enough for charges to be dropped against Cardinal Becciu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Women are rising to new heights in the Vatican, but there is still a long way to go before women’s voices and leadership are satisfactorily integrated in the Vatican.
In this deep dive episode based on Colleen Dulle’s cover story in America Magazine’s October issue, Colleen and producer Maggi Van Dorn take a look inside the corporate culture of the Vatican to examine how things have been changing for women—and why it’s difficult to have conversations about women’s empowerment there.
You’ll also hear from three prominent women working in or with the Vatican: Cristiane Murray of the Holy See Press Office describes her experience over 26 years working in the Curia’s most female office; celebrity economist Kate Raworth gives voice to a new understanding of women’s contributions that Pope Francis seems to have adopted; and Sr. Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the synod of bishops, explains why she sees synodality as the way toward recognizing men and women’s God-given equality.
Links from the show: Women are rising to new heights at the Vatican. Could they change the church forever? Read America’s women’s month issue Doughnut Economics Action Lab Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, Pope Francis visited Hungary and Slovakia—two countries with about 1,000 years of Christian history. But today, that history is being re-interpreted for political ends, as nationalist or populist leaders like Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban use Christian identity as an argument for keeping new migrants out.
On this bonus episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Slovakian religion historian Agata Sustova Drelova joins host Colleen Dulle for a closer look at Pope Francis’ interpretation of the countries’ religious history, reframing it as a history of openness, stretching all the way back to Sts. Cyril and Methodius, who first evangelized the area in the ninth century.
Agata and Colleen also discuss the pope’s visit to Slovakia’s largest Roma settlement and why Agata believes this papal visit was “a crash course in synodality.”
Links from the show:
Pope Francis wants a better future for Slovakia’s Roma communities. Roma women are making it happen.
Pope Francis to populist leaders: Do not use the cross for political purposes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a Q&A session with Jesuits in Slovakia, Pope Francis revealed that after his colon surgery this summer, some prelates wanted him to die. He also issued a thinly-veiled criticism of EWTN, saying the Catholic network’s attacks on him are “the work of the devil.”
America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell wrote about the pope’s comments and reported that Pope Francis had previously confronted an EWTN reporter about the network’s attacks on him. On this episode, Gerry joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss the pope’s distinction between attacks on him and on his office, and between legitimate criticism and attacks.
Gerry and Colleen also look into Pope Francis’ comments that “some people wanted [him] to die” after his colon surgery and even held meetings to prepare for a conclave.
With the pope facing resistance both in the Vatican and in the media, Gerry said, “I found it sad that the pope has to defend himself. EWTN is based in the United States, can not the [U.S.] Catholic bishops’ conference defend the pope on this?”
Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis responds to attacks from EWTN, other church critics: ‘They are the work of the devil.’
Full transcript of Pope Francis’ Q&A with Slovak Jesuits Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Fresh off the papal plane, Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss Pope Francis’ response to his question about the U.S. bishops’ debate over denying communion to pro-choice politicians. “Every time the bishops have not dealt with a problem as pastors they have taken sides politically,” the pope told Gerry. “What must a pastor do? Be a pastor. Don’t go condemning.” He added that he had never denied anyone communion. In the second half of the show, Gerry and Colleen recap the pope’s packed visit to Hungary and Slovakia this week and give their takeaways. At the end of this episode, Gerry described Slovakian President Zuzana Caputova’s emotional farewell to the pope. After our recording, local news outlets in Slovakia reported that the president’s father had passed away a few hours before the pope’s departure. More on the papal press conference: Pope Francis: ‘I have never denied Communion to anyone.’ by Gerard O’Connell Early Takeaways: Pope Francis on Biden, Bishops, Abortion and Communion by Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless Pope Francis speaks about abortion and Communion: Don’t ‘excommunicate’ pro-choice politicians by Junno Arocho Esteves - Catholic News Service Pope Francis said he doesn’t understand why people refuse to take Covid-19 vaccines by Nicole Winfield - Associated Press Gerry’s coverage of Pope Francis’ trip: Pope Francis in Budapest calls on the Hungarian Catholic Church and its pastors ‘to be builders of bridges and promoters of dialogue’ Pope Francis urged priests to limit homilies to 10 minutes in a speech to religious in Slovakia Pope Francis to populist leaders: Do not use the cross for political purposes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis is visiting Hungary and Slovakia next week, and America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell will be traveling with him.
On this week’s show, Gerry and host Colleen Dulle lay out the basics of the trip and examine some of the political and spiritual issues the pope will be looking to address in these two former Soviet Bloc nations.
After that, the hosts look at the health questions surrounding this trip: Pope Francis is still recovering from colon surgery, and new variants of Covid-19 make large events risky even in highly-vaccinated countries like Hungary. Colleen outlines the Covid restrictions for the papal trip, and Gerry gives the latest on Pope Francis’ recovery and how it could impact this papal trip.
Links from the show: Pope Francis denies reports that he considered resigning due to ill health In first interview since his July operation, Pope Francis says his life was saved (for the second time) by a nurse Where else will Pope Francis travel in 2021? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This summer, Pope Francis made the controversial decision to place significant restrictions on the celebration of the Tridentine Latin Mass. He said that a survey of the world’s bishops showed that John Paul II and Benedict XVI’s generosity in allowing the pre-Vatican II Mass to be celebrated had been “exploited to widen the gaps, reinforce the divergences, and encourage disagreements that injure the church...and expose her to the peril of division.”
In this special deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle unpacks Pope Francis’ decision, the history behind it, and how it has affected devotees of the old Latin Mass. With a church that seems even more divided after this decision, the question remains: Where do we go from here?
This episode features interviews with:
Fr. John Baldovin, SJ, professor of historical and liturgical theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and author of several books on Vatican II
Rita Ferrone, author of several books about liturgical renewal and a contributor to Commonweal magazine and PrayTellBlog
Jonathan Culbreath, a Latin teacher and writer on Catholic Social Teaching who has attended the Latin Mass since the late 1990s
Links from the show:
Rita Ferrone: “A Living Catholic Tradition” | Commonweal Magazine
Jonathan Culbreath: “I love Latin Mass and Pope Francis. Please don’t let a few (very loud) traditionalists ruin it for the rest of us.” | America Magazine
James T. Keane: “Explainer: What is the history of the Latin Mass?” | America Magazine
Gerard O’Connell: “Pope Francis restricts celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass in new decree” | America Magazine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis has issued a motu proprio–an authoritative declaration made on the Pope’s personal initiative–to restrict the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass in the Catholic Church. The decision overrides and reverses a previous decree of Pope Benedict XVI, who allowed priests to celebrate the pre-Vatican II Mass without limitation. Francis has become increasingly concerned that the celebration of the pre-Vatican II Mass, sometimes called the "extraordinary form," has created division in the church and even hostility towards the reforms of the Second Vatican Council. His decree grants bishops the full authority to authorize and regulate the pre-Vatican II Mass in their diocese. “I desire,” Pope Francis wrote, “to press on ever more in the constant search for ecclesial communion.” Follow America's coverage of this developing story at americamagazine.org Pope Francis restricts celebration of the pre-Vatican II Latin Mass in new decree Explainer: What is the history of the Latin Mass?
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Pope Francis is in the hospital recovering from a scheduled intestinal surgery he had on Sunday afternoon, July 4. According to Vatican statements based on the pope’s doctors’ reports, his recovery is going well and he can expect to be in the hospital for about a week. The pope underwent surgery for symptomatic stenotic diverticulitis, which is a colon condition that causes part of the intestine to become too narrow for food waste to pass through, causing abdominal pain. The surgery involves removing the narrow section and reattaching the healthy parts. It’s a fairly common procedure, and medical experts say a man of Pope Francis’ age should be able to make a full recovery within a week.
Links from the show: July 7: Pope Francis suffered severe restriction of the bowel, continues to make ‘satisfactory’ progress after surgery July 6: Pope Francis’ recovery going well, results of post-op tests are good, doctors say July 5: Pope Francis ‘in good general condition’ after surgery, expected to remain in hospital for one week
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No, it’s not a schism. On this special deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle looks at the German synodal way: What is it, why is it happening, and why do some critics think it could lead to a schism in the Catholic Church? This episode features interviews with:
Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen, Germany, a participant in the synodal path and a leader of the path’s subgroup on power in the church
Dr. Juliane Eckstein, a researcher at the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology in Frankfurt, Germany, and a member of the synodal path’s subgroup on women
Fr. Bernd Hagenkord, a Jesuit priest and former editor of Vatican News’ German edition, who is a spiritual director for the synodal path
Dr. Thomas Schueller, director of the Institute of Canon Law at the University of Muenster, Germany, and a critic of the synodal path
Gerard O’Connell, Vatican correspondent for America Magazine
Links from the show: Take the “Inside the Vatican” listener survey! The German Synodal Path, Explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Take Inside the Vatican’s Listener Survey!
On May 21, Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the archbishop of Munich and Freising and a top advisor to Pope Francis, submitted his resignation to the pope, saying he wanted to take “institutional responsibility” for the sexual abuse crisis.
“It is important to me to share the responsibility for the catastrophe of the sexual abuse by Church officials over the past decades,” the cardinal wrote in a letter to the pope. Cardinal Marx has never been accused of sexual abuse or cover-up but expressed that he wanted to take responsibility for helping to mold church structures that failed to prevent sexual abuse.
In a decision that came as a surprise to Cardinal Marx, Pope Francis refused to accept the resignation, using the opportunity to tell the world’s bishops to take action on abuse.
The offer of resignation sent shockwaves through Germany and the Vatican. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss the aftereffects of Cardinal Marx’s offer to resign.
Tune in next week for a special deep dive episode on the German Synodal Way.
Links from the show:
Take Inside the Vatican’s Listener Survey!
Cardinal Marx offers Pope Francis his resignation, citing ‘responsibility for the catastrophe of sexual abuse’
Explainer: Cardinal Marx wasn’t accused of sexual abuse or cover-up. So why has he offered to resign?
Pope Francis rejects Cardinal Marx’s offer of resignation, calls on all bishops to take responsibility for the abuse crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After 17 years of preparation, a new edition of volume VI of the Code of Canon Law—the Vatican’s penal code—has been published, the first new edition since 1983. About two-thirds of the canons, or laws, in the volume have been updated, and a number of new canons have been added, most significantly in the areas of sexual abuse and requiring penalties for violations of the law.
On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell walk through the changes to canon law on sexual abuse, women’s ordination, and financial mismanagement.
“What the law has tried to do and what his new Book VI of the Code of Canon Law is doing with the penalties is to reduce, as far as possible, the loopholes, to ensure justice for those who have been victims, to ensure proper exercise of authority by those who are in authority and hold penalties for failure to exercise authority properly,” Gerry said. “And also to guarantee to the wider public, to the people of God, the people in the church and outside the church, that they will know that such criminal acts are not acceptable and they will be punished.”
After their conversation, Colleen gives updates on the discovery of the remains of more than 200 Indigenous children on the grounds of a former residential school in Canada and the unexpected offer of resignation from Cardinal Reinhard Marx.
Links from the show:
Pope Francis overhauls church’s criminal code to punish the sexual abuse of adults by priests
Pope Francis calls for abandonment of colonial mentality after discovery of buried Indigenous children in Canada
Cardinal Marx offers Pope Francis his resignation, citing ‘responsibility for the catastrophe of sexual abuse’
Explainer: Cardinal Marx wasn’t accused of sexual abuse or cover-up. So why has he offered to resign? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The upcoming “synod on synodality” will look different from past synods, the Vatican announced last month: Instead of an event in Rome in 2022, the synod will be a process beginning on the diocesan level this fall, continuing on a continental level in 2022 and ending in Rome in 2023, discussing “communion, participation, and mission” within the church.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss what we know about the new process: who is involved, what the topics for discussion will be, and whether dioceses from the United States to China can pull off the local listening sessions the Vatican is asking for.
“As a Catholic, you're part of a global church, which has got big problems in some areas, which is going reasonably well in others, but which has a major task,” Gerry says in this episode. “And I think the Pope is [challenging us to consider] mission. What is the mission of the church? What is the purpose?”
Links from the show:
Pope Francis: The People of God must be consulted before the October 2023 synod of bishops
Pope Francis appoints Archbishop Roche as new prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship, successor to Cardinal Sarah
Pope Francis overhauls church’s criminal code to punish the sexual abuse of adults by priests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With summer just around the corner, Inside the Vatican is bringing you a special episode: our Pope Francis summer reading list.
Papal biographer Austen Ivereigh joins Colleen Dulle for a discussion on three books that have shaped Pope Francis (and that he loves to quote): The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni, Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson, and the short story “The Garden of Forking Paths” by Pope Francis’ fellow Argentine, Jorge Luis Borges. Colleen and Austen discuss each work and Pope Francis’ connection to it, and how they’ve influenced the pope’s thinking.
Want to discuss these books with other Inside the Vatican listeners? Join the Catholic Book Club Facebook group, where there will be a special post for discussions of this episode!
Links from the show:
Austen Ivereigh: The Pope & the Plague
Austen Ivereigh: An Interview with Pope Francis
The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni
Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson
“The Garden of Forking Paths” by Jorge Luis Borges
“Calle Desconocida” (“Unknown Street”) by Jorge Luis Borges
Let Us Dream by Pope Francis and Austen Ivereigh
Subscribe to America Media’s Catholic Book Club newsletter and join the Facebook group to discuss a new book every quarter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Sunday, Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire to the violence that has escalated between Israeli and Palestinian forces, killing more than 200 people in Gaza and 10 in Israel, according to the most recent statistics.
The Vatican has long supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but Pope Francis’ goals also include limiting the sale of arms by countries outside the conflict and improving the situation of the Palestinians living in occupied territory.
To that end, on Monday, the pope called Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, conversations which were believed to have included discussions about the crisis in the Holy Land. Pope Francis is also believed to have discussed the conflict with U.S. Climate Envoy John Kerry in their meeting on Saturday.
But what sway does Pope Francis really have in Israel? This week on “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle take a look at Pope Francis’ goals for the region and where they have been stalled in the past.
Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis calls for an end to clashes in Jerusalem
Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis calls for an immediate cease-fire in the Holy Land
Stephanie Saldaña: A Christian in Jerusalem at the Start of Another War
Gerard O’Connell: Head of Chinese Jesuits named new bishop of Hong Kong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been 500 years since St. Ignatius suffered the cannonball injury that would pave the way to his conversion—from an ambitious young soldier rumored to be dating a princess, to leaving it all to found the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.
To commemorate that 500th anniversary, the Jesuits have declared an Ignatian Year, remembering their roots and announcing new initiatives for their future.
So this week, “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle teamed up with Ashley McKinless from America Media’s “Jesuitical” podcast to interview the superior general of the Jesuits, Fr. Arturo Sosa.
Colleen and Ashley asked Fr. Sosa about his plans for the Jesuits, what it’s like to run such a huge and diverse religious order, and, of course, about his relationship with his fellow Jesuit, Pope Francis.
Links from the show:
Learn more about the Ignatian Year
Listen to the “Jesuitical” podcast from America Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Vatican stepped into the U.S. bishops’ ongoing debate over giving Communion to pro-choice Catholic politicians last week, issuing a letter May 7 to every bishop in America urging them to undertake a two-part dialogue process before drafting any national guidelines on the issue.
Up to now, the decision over whether to give a pro-choice politician Communion has been up to the local bishop, with varying results: President Joseph R. Biden’s previous local bishop in Wilmington, Delaware, along with his current bishop in Washington, D.C., have both allowed him to receive Communion, while House Speaker Nancy R. Polosi’s local bishop, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, recently wrote in support of denying pro-choice politicians communion without naming Ms. Polosi.
Last fall, the national bishops’ conference assembled a committee to draft a proposal for a guideline that could be applied nationwide, to be voted on at the bishops’ upcoming meeting next month.
The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith stepped in with a letter signed by its head, Cardinal Luis Ladaria, putting the brakes on the drafting process until the bishops undertake an “extensive and serene” dialogue with one another and the politicians in question. It urges them to reach a “true consensus” on the issue.
Will the bishops listen? This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell unpack the letter, examining how binding the letter and the U.S. bishops’ agreements are, along with what decisions the bishops now face.
Links from the show:
Vatican sends letter to U.S. bishops: Don’t rush the debate on Communion, politicians and abortion
Bishop McElroy: The Eucharist is being weaponized for political ends. This must not happen.
Archbishop Aquila: For the church to live in eucharistic coherence, we must be willing to challenge Catholics persisting in grave sin.
Lay people have been passing on the Catholic faith for 2,000 years. Now Pope Francis has made it an official ministry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, Pope Francis signed two big changes to Vatican law: First, he implemented a sweeping anti-corruption decree that limits the gifts Vatican employees can receive to $50; then, he updated a previous legal reform to remove bishops’ and cardinals’ special rights in Vatican courts.
For most of the church’s history, bishops and cardinals could only be judged by the pope. Pope Francis changed that in 2019 as part of a slate of legal reforms aimed at combatting the sexual abuse crisis. In order to increase accountability and the number of cases that could be heard, the pope created a special court called the “court of cassation” to hear bishops’ and cardinals’ trials. With last week’s change, though, bishops and cardinals can now have their cases heard in the regular, lay-led Vatican tribunal.
Why make the change now? In this week’s episode of Inside the Vatican, host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell take a look at what effect the change could have on the ongoing investigation—and possible trial—of the Vatican’s London finance scandal, in which bishops and cardinals may be among those tried.
Colleen and Gerry also unpack the Vatican’s new anti-corruption law.
Links from the show: Pope Francis issued a sweeping anti-corruption decree. How will it affect Vatican operations? Cardinals and bishops to lose special legal privileges under new papal decree Italian bishop-elect shot in his home in South Sudan US Catholic bishops to vote on pressuring Joe Biden to stop taking Communion over abortion views Bishop McElroy: The Eucharist is being weaponized for political ends. This must not happen. Pope Francis calls for monthlong global prayer marathon for end of pandemic Pope Francis asks for prayers for peace in Myanmar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Almost two months after his first papal trip since spring 2020, Pope Francis has set his sights on a few more international visits before the end of the year: To Hungary and Slovakia, Cyprus and Greece, Lebanon and Glasgow.
On this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and host Colleen Dulle dig into what we know about each trip and what is motivating the pope to go. “There’s a spiritual dimension; there’s also a political. You can’t get away from that,” Gerry says on the show.
Colleen also gives updates on Pope Francis’ name day celebration, the appointment of San Diego bishop Robert McElroy to a Vatican board, and the possible upcoming canonization of Blessed Charles de Foucauld.
Links from the show: Where else will Pope Francis travel in 2021? Pope Francis celebrates his name day at Vatican vaccination clinic for the poor and vulnerable Pope Francis appoints San Diego’s Bishop McElroy to board of Vatican office promoting human development Who was Charles de Foucauld? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Father John Wester received a call just before 8 a.m. Mass, he had no idea it would be the nuncio, the pope’s ambassador, phoning to tell him he would be the next auxiliary bishop of San Francisco. Archbishop Wester’s story is not unusual. Most bishops are appointed without ever knowing they were being considered for the job and are caught by surprise when chosen. The bishop selection process is perhaps the most secretive hiring process in the world, shielded from both the candidate and the priests and people he will serve. Those who are consulted about possible candidates are required to return the list of questions they’ve been sent, because even the questions, which reveal no particulars about a candidate, are protected under the Vatican’s top confidentiality classification: the “pontifical secret.” There is a joke among the hierarchy that “a pontifical secret is a secret you don’t tell the pope,” but the secrecy around this process has been chipped away in recent years. In 1984, Thomas J. Reese, S.J., then the editor of America magazine, obtained the survey that the nuncio sends out to gather information on candidates. He published it, in full, in America. The biggest blow to the secrecy around how bishops are appointed, though, came from the Vatican itself. Last fall, it took the unprecedented step of revealing how former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was removed from the college of cardinals and from the priesthood for abusing minors, managed to rise through the ranks despite rumors circling about his sexual misconduct. The Vatican’s 460-page report detailed who supported Mr. McCarrick’s promotion to archbishop and soon after, cardinal-archbishop, of Washington, D.C., along with who opposed it and who withheld information about his abuse. The McCarrick report was the most significant glance the Vatican had ever given into the process of making a bishop, and already there are calls for similar reports on others involved in abuse or cover-up. America’s Vatican correspondent, Gerard O’Connell, said on this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” that “the McCarrick report put a silver bullet through the pontifical secret.... It has explained largely how the system failed from down low to high up.” In this week’s deep dive episode on how bishops are chosen, Father Reese walks host Colleen Dulle through the official process of choosing a bishop, and Gerry explains where that process went awry in the case of Cardinal McCarrick. Pope Francis has tried to create such a system by having the secret questionnaire that is sent out to bishops rewritten, expanding it from one page to four and including specific questions about abuse and cover up. Working from a copy of the new survey that he obtained, Gerry summarizes some of the questions that the Vatican is now asking about possible bishops. Finally, calls for laypeople to have more of a voice in the selection of bishops have come from inside and outside the church. Pope Francis has asked nuncios to reach out to a wide variety of people, including clergy, religious and laypeople, when gathering feedback. Some lay groups say that consulting with laypeople needs to be a required step in the process. Colleen speaks to Kerry Robinson of Leadership Roundtable, an organization founded in the wake of the 2002 sexual abuse crisis that fosters collaboration between bishops and laypeople in the areas of church management, finances, communications and human resources. Although Leadership Roundtable has not called for any changes to the bishops’ appointment process, Ms. Robinson stresses the importance of diverse voices: “We need to solve for our own myopia,” Ms. Robinson says. “If I were in charge of appointing bishops, I would want desperately for as much informed advice and opinion as possible.”
Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell | Deep Dive: The McCarrick Report and the popes it implicates
Can the Catholic Church find a better way to choose bishops? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ten years ago, it would have been impossible to imagine the pope having the kind of strong relationship with a top Muslim leader that Pope Francis has with the Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb. Back in 2019, the two signed the groundbreaking document on Human Fraternity together in Abu Dhabi, but a new book by the Muslim judge, Mohamed Abdel Salam, who was intimately involved in the process of putting that document together, explains that the road to signing that document was not always easy.
Judge Mohamed Abdel Salam presented his new book about the process, The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path, to Pope Francis last week. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell walks listeners through the story of how the pope and the grand imam rebuilt the once-icy relationship between the Vatican and the top Sunni institute, Al-Azhar University.
Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell: An inside look at how Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar have revolutionized Catholic-Muslim relations
Buy The Pope and the Grand Imam: A Thorny Path: A Testimony to the Birth of the Human Fraternity Document
Holy Father Names New Under-Secretary for CDF
Pope Francis warns World Bank and IMF: Covid-19 is not the only global crisis we’re facing right now
Read: Pope Francis on the risen Jesus’ message of mercy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis celebrated a private Holy Thursday Mass at the apartment of Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the high-ranking prelate whose resignation Pope Francis ordered last September. The dismissal was widely believed to be linked to the Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal.
Most years, Pope Francis has left St. Peter’s Basilica and opted to commemorate the Last Supper in prisons or refugee housing facilities, where he has washed the feet of women, inmates and asylum seekers. Some have read his private Mass at Cardinal Becciu’s home as a sign that the pope has changed his mind about accepting Cardinal Becciu’s resignation and asking him to renounce his rights as a cardinal.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry explains why he does not believe Pope Francis is retracting his decision and explains how he interprets the gesture.
Links from the show:
Pope Francis celebrates Last Supper Mass at the home of Cardinal Becciu whose resignation he accepted last September
Podcast: The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained
Pope Francis at Chrism Mass: Preaching the Gospel will always mean embracing the Cross
Cardinal, at pope’s Good Friday service, decries divisions within church
Pope Francis on Easter: ‘The risen Christ is hope for all who continue to suffer.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why does the Vatican advocate for democracy in Myanmar but not Hong Kong?
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss Gerry’s wide-ranging interview with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. In the interview, Gerry and Archbishop Gallagher discussed the Vatican’s strategies in China and its hopes for the Biden administration.
Gerry took the opportunity to discuss the Vatican’s view on democracy more broadly, asking whether the Vatican, as Europe’s last absolute monarchy, supports democracy around the world and why it has been silent on pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong when it has advocated strongly for democracy in Myanmar.
Gerry and Colleen also discuss revealing comments Archbishop Gallagher made about the Vatican’s often opaque relationship with China.
Links from the show: Pope Francis spoke out against oppression in Myanmar. Why is he silent on China and Hong Kong? Interview: Joe Biden says ‘America is back.’ What does that mean for U.S.-Vatican relations? Pope Francis instructs Vatican to provide vaccines for 1,200 of Rome’s poorest people during Holy Week Pope Francis names Juan Carlos Cruz, prominent abuse survivor and whistleblower, to Vatican panel Podcast: The Vatican-China deal, explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Church historian and Villanova University professor Massimo Faggioli joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss the Vatican’s recent guidelines banning private, individual Masses in St. Peter’s Basilica and restricting celebrations of the Traditional Latin Mass (officially called the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite) to one chapel in the basilica’s crypt.
Dr. Faggioli explains how the change is part of Pope Francis’ ongoing effort to implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and how the Council’s changes to liturgy reflect new understandings of theology and ecclesiology.
The two also discuss liturgical divisions within the church and how those may be affected with these changes to worship in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Links from the show:
Why the Vatican is restricting the Traditional Latin Mass | Behind the Story
Gerard O’Connell: The Vatican restricts Traditional Latin Mass and suppresses private Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith document marked a departure from Pope Francis’ usual pastoral tone on LGBT issues, even though the pope had approved its publication. This weekend, the pope spoke against “theoretical condemnations,” posing “gestures of love” as an alternative. America Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell spoke with several Vatican officials who told them that the pope’s comments were an effort to distance himself from the document. Why use anonymous sources for this claim? This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and host Colleen Dulle discuss the pope’s comments and why Vaticanistas use anonymous sources so often. In the latter half of the show, the hosts discuss Gerry’s recent interview with Vatican foreign minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher, which America will be publishing in three parts this week. (Read part 1 on the Middle East here and part 2 on China here.) Archbishop Gallagher spoke about Pope Francis’ diplomatic goals for his recent Iraq trip and the Vatican’s larger goals for influencing the region.
Links from the show: Vatican sources suspect Pope Francis was distancing himself from CDF statement on same-sex unions in address Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq was a historic breakthrough. But will it lead to greater peace in the Middle East? Pope Francis spoke out against oppression in Myanmar. Why is he silent on China and Hong Kong? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, a statement from the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith made global headlines, saying that the church cannot bless gay unions and reiterating that they are “not ordered to the Creator’s plan.” The document said Pope Francis “assented” to its publication, which disappointed LGBT Catholics who had come to appreciate the pope’s more supportive tone.
But how closely did Pope Francis really examine the document? This week on “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell reveals that the document was drafted by a much smaller group of people than would ordinarily be involved in writing this type of statement and that Pope Francis reviewed it just before his Iraq trip.
While it is unclear how much attention Pope Francis gave the document, Gerry says that it is significant that the document said the pope was “informed” and “assented to its publication,” a more hesitant phrasing than “approved” and “ordered its publication,” the terms the Vatican normally uses.
On this week’s show, Julia Erdlen, a Boston College graduate student in theology who identifies as queer, shares her reaction to the new document on blessing gay unions.
After that, Gerry and host Colleen Dulle discuss a recent guideline banning priests from celebrating Masses alone at the side altars in St. Peter’s Basilica and restricting celebrations of the Tridentine Latin Mass to one chapel in the basilica’s crypt. The two explain how these moves align with Pope Francis’ goal of implementing the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and explain why the pope has ordered an outside review of the Congregation for Divine Worship.
Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Vatican, with Pope Francis’ approval, says priests cannot bless same-sex couples Michael J. O’Loughlin | ‘It just hurts’: Catholics react to Vatican ban on blessings for same-sex couples Gerard O’Connell | The Vatican restricts Traditional Latin Mass and suppresses private Masses at St. Peter’s Basilica Before naming Cardinal Sarah’s replacement, Pope Francis wants an outside review of the congregation for worship
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis visited Iraq March 5-8, and America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell traveled with him. Fresh off the trip, Gerry joins host Colleen Dulle on “Inside the Vatican” to discuss what it was like to travel with the pope on his riskiest trip yet.
Pope Francis was determined to visit Iraq despite the increases in violence and coronavirus cases there because he wanted to encourage Iraqis to believe in their country’s future after decades of conflict. In particular, he hoped to bring hope to Iraq’s Christian minority, which shrunk by 75 percent as Christians fled persecution by Islamic State extremists.
This week on the podcast, we hear from a young Iraqi Christian woman, Rashel, who has had difficulty imagining a future for herself in her country. She went to see Pope Francis this weekend with her family. “He said so many words in each town [where] he went,” Rashel said. “All these words were...about the peace. This is what we need.” As Gerry said on this week’s show, “Peace means a future.”
That peace will require reconciliation between the different communities in Iraq, particularly between the Shia Muslim majority and religious and ethnic minorities, like the Christians. Pope Francis worked in this trip to strengthen Christian-Muslim relations by visiting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, one of the most revered clerics in Shia Islam. Gerry describes how Iraqi Christians and Muslims reacted to the leaders’ meeting positively, believing it would be a step towards peace in the country.
As for Rashel, while she said it was difficult to know exactly what effect the pope’s visit would have long-term, “I feel that something good is going to happen, really. I don’t know when, but I think it’s going to happen. I’m sure from this [visit].”
Links from the show:
Inside the Vatican’s Deep Dive into Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq
Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis makes history by meeting Ayatollah al-Sistani, spiritual leader of Iraqi Shia Muslims
Gerard O’Connell: ‘Peace more powerful than war’: Pope Francis ends his Iraq trip in the land once ruled by ISIS
Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis says Iraq trip brought him ‘back to life’ after a year in Covid prison
Find all of America’s coverage of Pope Francis’ historic visit to Iraq here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis takes off for Baghdad on Friday, March 5. Once he arrives in Iraq, he will zigzag the country at breakneck speed visiting civic and religious leaders and touring places that are still recovering from the destruction wrought by the Islamic State.
Since ISIS’ takeover of the Nineveh Plain, the area where most Iraqi Christians lived, three-quarters of those Christians have left the country. Pope Francis is intent on encouraging them and affirming the choice of those who have remained. Along the way, he wants to continue strengthening relationships with Muslims, visiting for the first time a Shia-majority country.
But why go now, when coronavirus cases and violence are both increasing in Iraq? What has given Pope Francis such a sense of urgency around this trip?
On this special deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle speaks with Dr. Amir Harrak, a professor of Aramaic and Syriac studies at the University of Toronto; Rashel Groo, a university student who lived through the ISIS takeover; Jordan Denari Duffner, a scholar of Muslim-Christian relations at Georgetown University; and Gerard O’Connell, America Media’s Vatican correspondent, to explain what the situation in Iraq is like now and why the pope is insistent on visiting, despite the risks.
Find all of America’s coverage of Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq at americamagazine.org/iraq2021 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On Sunday, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Cardinal Robert Sarah, the Guinean prelate with whom he has publicly clashed on a few occasions. Pope Francis was widely expected to accept Cardinal Sarah’s resignation soon after his 75th birthday in June, but the pope surprised Vatican watchers this week by declining to fill Cardinal Sarah’s now-vacant post as head of the Congregation for Divine Worship.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle gives a brief update on this news, along with the Vatican’s $60.3 million budget shortfall and its newly-announced penalties for employees who decline the Covid-19 vaccine.
Links from the show: Pope Francis accepts the resignation of Cardinal Sarah as prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship Vatican expects multi-million dollar budget deficit for 2021 Vatican tells its employees to get a Covid vaccine, or risk getting fired
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq, scheduled for March 5-8, has been thrown into further question in recent days. Following the discovery of the new UK-based strain of the novel coronavirus, Iraqi authorities closed businesses and places of worship, including those where the pope was expected to hold events during his visit.
A rocket attack near the Erbil airport on Feb. 15 has also heightened security concerns, as the pope was expected to meet leaders from Iraqi Kurdistan at the airport and depart from there for Rome. Despite the concerns, the Vatican insists that the trip is going forward.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell look at the challenges of planning this papal trip. “When I asked some people in the Vatican, ‘Well, how is this going to be possible with the lockdown?’ They said, well, you know, there's always an exception to a rule,” Gerry said.
Gerry and Colleen also give updates on the church’s involvement in protests in Myanmar, Pope Francis’ praise for a new Colombian law granting protections to Venezuelan refugees, and the plans for Ash Wednesday services in the Vatican.
Links from the show:
Iraq announces Covid-19 restrictions ahead of papal trip
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo on Twitter
America Magazine’s documentary on Venezuelan refugees
America Magazine’s Lent 2021 Reflections, podcasts and more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the first time, a woman will have the right to vote in the Synod of Bishops.
Sister Nathalie Becquart, a Xaviere sister, became the first woman to be named undersecretary of the Vatican’s Synod of Bishops, a position previously reserved to bishops. As is customary for the undersecretary, Sister Becquart is expected to be a voting member of the 2022 synod. Until now, women have been barred from voting in synods.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell explain the significance of Sister Becquart’s appointment and what it could mean for future synods. As for whether other women could be able to vote in upcoming synods, Gerry said, “I think we may even see that in the synod on synodality. It is under consideration.”
Colleen and Gerry also discuss Pope Francis’ trip to Iraq, which was confirmed this week, and his address to the world’s ambassadors to the Vatican. The pope described seven global crises that have been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and said the “crisis of politics” underlies them all.
Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell | For the first time, Pope Francis appoints a woman with the right to vote as undersecretary of the synod of bishops Colleen Dulle | Why can’t women vote at the Synod on Young People? Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis offers a roadmap for overcoming the pandemic—and the 7 other crises it exposed Pope Francis: In 2021, vaccines, fraternity and hope are the medicine we need. Full text of Pope Francis’ address to the diplomatic corps
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Pope Francis made clear this week that he was keeping a close eye on the divisions in the U.S. church, which showed up most recently in the controversy over Archbishop Jose H. Gomez’s statement on the inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden. The statement was seen as being inappropriately confrontational by the Vatican, and stateside sparked responses both of support and opposition among other bishops.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, who said on Twitter that the statement had not followed the bishops’ conference’s protocol, met with Pope Francis on Saturday. Though it is unclear what the two men talked about, it is evident that the Vatican went out of its way to publicize the fact that the meeting happened. America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell also reported on Saturday that the pope had been briefed on the back and forth over the statement.
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and host Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ strategy for bringing the bishops together in spite of their differences. “You know its defects better than I do,” the pope said to a group of American journalists this week, but “I look at the U.S. church with hope.”
In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry look at Cardinal Bo’s efforts to advocate nonviolence in Myanmar following that country’s military coup this week. Colleen and Gerry also give an update on the plans for Pope Francis’ scheduled trip to Iraq next month and what his scheduled meeting with Shiite Ayatollah Al-Sistani could mean for intra-Muslim relations.
Links from the show: Inside the Vatican | Inside the U.S. bishops’ clash with the Vatican over Joe Biden’s Inauguration Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis meets with Cardinal Cupich, who criticized fellow U.S. bishops for confrontational approach to Biden Catholic News Service | Pope Francis talks Iraq trip, Catholic journalism and the church in U.S. Gerard O’Connell | The military again seize power in Myanmar despite pleas from Cardinal Bo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, the United States’ second Catholic president was sworn in. The day was tinged with controversy for some U.S. Catholics, though, when the president of the U.S. bishops’ conference, Archbishop José H. Gomez, issued a statement that was seen by the Vatican as being too confrontational towards the new president. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell look at explain the questions that have arisen around the controversial document: Is there a precedent for this type of statement on inauguration day? Did the Vatican really intervene to stop the bishops from publishing the statement, as one outlet reported? And were the proper protocols followed to gather the bishops’ input? Most importantly, what does the contrast between Pope Francis’ letter to President Biden and Archbishop Gomez’s statement reveal about divisions among the U.S. bishops and with the Vatican? Colleen and Gerry also give an update on Pope Francis’ recent sciatica flare-up, which caused him to miss three events this week.
Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis sends greeting to President Biden, contrasting with sharper message from head of U.S. bishops In rare rebuke, Cardinal Cupich criticizes USCCB president’s letter to President Biden How Joe Biden’s Catholic faith will shape his relationship with Pope Francis—and the U.S. bishops Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis will miss three events this week due to painful sciatica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Vatican’s judicial system is entering a busy season: Soon, it will deliver a verdict in the trial of the former head of the Vatican Bank who was accused of embezzlement; it will hear the abuse trial of a former St. Peter’s Basilica altar server; and it’s expected to bring charges against a woman accused of embezzling more than 500,000 Euros from the Vatican while employed under Cardinal Angelo Becciu. This week, the Vatican dropped its effort to extradite the woman from Italy to Vatican City, which has raised questions about whether the extradition could stand: Some argue that her lawyers could have made the case against extradition because the woman was not guaranteed a fair trial in the Vatican. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell unpack this question: What makes the Vatican’s judicial system different from a modern democratic one, like Italy’s, and what are its pros and cons? The hosts also discuss Australia’s recent admission that it overestimated the amount of money transferred from the Vatican to Australia by $1.5 billion. Colleen and Gerry discuss how such a big blunder could have been made and what questions remain about the transfers.
Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Australia admits $1.5 billion error in investigation into suspected Vatican money laundering Can defendants get a fair trial at the Vatican? The Vatican decides it doesn’t want to hear Italy’s answer Inside the Vatican | The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The eyes of the world were on the United States last week, when a group of insurrectionists supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building as Congress was certifying the results of last year’s presidential election. Pope Francis said he was “astounded” and denounced the violence and the movement that caused it. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss Pope Francis’ challenge to the U.S. to overcome its divisions and how the U.S. bishops will need to step up in order to achieve that. “The church can't be missing in action in such a big crisis,” Gerry said. Colleen and Gerry also explain this week’s update to canon law which opens the permanent lay liturgical ministries of lector (reader) and acolyte (server) to women for the first time. For a more in-depth look at the change, check out Colleen’s explainer article here. Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis condemns the violence at the U.S. Capitol Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis calls on Americans to promote reconciliation and protect democracy after the Capitol attack The Editors | Impeach. Convict. Now. Fr. Bryan Massingale | The Racist Attack on Our Nation’s Capitol Fr. Bryan Massingale and Fr. Matt Malone, S.J. | Video: How to make spiritual sense of the attack on the Capitol Archbishop Mark Coleridge | Catholic bishops can’t risk falling back on old tactics of political engagement Colleen Dulle | Explainer: The history of women lectors and altar servers—and what Pope Francis has changed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to Inside the Vatican’s 100th episode! This week, host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell celebrate their 100th episode, reminiscing on their favorite memories of the last two years of “Inside the Vatican.” They also give updates on Vatican City’s soon-to-arrive coronavirus vaccines and Pope Francis’ recent sciatica flare-up. (Don’t worry, he’s OK.) Colleen and Gerry also dive into a recent legally binding order from Pope Francis instructing the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, which was once its most powerful office, to transfer all of its assets to the Vatican’s financial oversight office and removing their office’s investing power. The decision comes as financial misconduct in the Secretariat of State is being investigated. With the investigation ongoing, Colleen asks, is Pope Francis jumping the gun with this punitive measure? Support “Inside the Vatican” by subscribing to America: americamagazine.org/subscribe
Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis cancels his New Year’s plans due to ‘a painful sciatica’ Gerard O’Connell: Pope Francis tests negative for Covid-19 after two close advisors were infected Pope formally strips Vatican secretariat of state of assets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The coronavirus pandemic upended everyone’s plans for 2020—including the Vatican’s. From the first weeks of the pandemic when Pope Francis prayed in the rain in St. Peter’s Square to the London finance scandal to the new standards of transparency ushered in by the McCarrick report, it’s been an unprecedented year in every way. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell recap the biggest Vatican moments of 2020. The hosts focus on three areas of change in the Vatican: transparency, missionary work, and solidarity with the poor. Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell: The Top 7 Pope Francis Stories of 2020 Deep Dive: The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained Deep Dive: How will historians judge Pope Pius XII’s decisions during World War II? Deep Dive: The Rise and Fall of Theodore McCarrick Deep Dive: The Vatican-China deal, explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis held two pared-down and socially-distanced Christmas celebrations this week: First, Mass on Christmas Eve in St. Peter’s basilica, and then his “urbi et orbi” address and blessing “to the church and the world.” In both, we heard a common theme from Pope Francis in 2020: a strong call for greater fraternity among people. In this episode, host Colleen Dulle gives a quick update on what the pope said.
Read Pope Francis’ Christmas Eve homily Read Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just after Vatican City ordered enough doses of the coronavirus vaccine for all of its employees and their families, two cardinals who work close to the pope have tested positive for the virus. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the 57-year-old papal almoner who once climbed down a manhole to restore electricity to a building where homeless people were living, was taken to the hospital with pneumonia symptoms. Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, 78, the president of the Governorate of Vatican City State, also tested positive. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss the cardinals’ condition and the Vatican’s covid prevention measures, along with a new document from the Congregation from the Doctrine of the Faith stating that it is morally permissible for Catholics to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Colleen and Gerry break down the C.D.F.’s argument on why a vaccine derived from cell lines from an aborted fetus is acceptable for Catholics to receive. The hosts also unpack Pope Francis’ address to the Roman curia on crisis and conflict.
Links from the show: Two Vatican cardinals close to Pope Francis test positive for Covid-19 Vatican: Catholics can get Covid-19 vaccines that used abortion cells Pope Francis: Sorting the church into ‘right vs. left, progressive vs. traditionalist’ betrays its true nature Pope Francis’ 2020 address to the Roman Curia
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, the Vatican dropped a surprise announcement that Pope Francis would be visiting Iraq March 5-8, 2021. The announcement was surprising not least of all because of the ongoing pandemic and insurgency in the country. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell talk about how the Vatican is weighing the pastoral needs of Iraq’s embattled Christian community and the health and safety concerns for Pope Francis and for the crowds who want to see him. Up next, Gerry and Colleen give their takes on the Vatican’s futuristic Nativity set and explain why Darth Vader and an astronaut are included among the ceramic figures coming to adore the Christ child. Finally, Pope Francis declared a year of St. Joseph beginning December 8. Why did he choose St. Joseph as a patron for this year? Gerry and Colleen explain the background of the decision and reflect on the pope’s new letter on St. Joseph.
Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis plans to visit Iraq in March after getting a Covid vaccine
Can Pope Francis visit Iraq safely—even with a Covid vaccine?
Colleen Dulle | Why is Darth Vader in the Vatican’s Nativity scene?
Pope Francis proclaims a year dedicated to St. Joseph
St. Joseph is the patron saint we need in this pandemic
Pope Francis | Apostolic Letter Patris Corde
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In October, the Holy See and China renewed their controversial agreement on bishops’ appointments. If both sides are satisfied with how things are going after two years, the arrangement will become permanent. As it stands now, both sides want to see some changes before that can happen. In this special episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America editors Gerard O’Connell and Zac Davis join Colleen Dulle to explain what the Holy See and China each want from the deal. They unpack the story of the historic relationship between China and the Vatican: how the sides are compromising, where they are unwilling to compromise, and what will need to happen before they establish a permanent diplomatic relationship. Links from the show: The Catholic Church in China | A Short Documentary Gerard O’Connell | The China-Vatican agreement has been extended. Now, Rome is looking for more from Beijing. Gerard O’Connell | The Vatican is ready to renew its deal with China. Privately, officials admit they’re walking a tightrope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This weekend’s consistory, where Pope Francis created 13 new cardinals, only 11 of whom were physically present, will go down in history as one of the church’s most unique celebrations. Ordinarily, thousands of guests crowd into St. Peter’s Basilica for the creation of new cardinals, who are fêted before and after the ceremony in countless parties and receptions. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the cardinal-designates’ days before the consistory included no such parties: Instead, they faced 10 days of quarantine in the Vatican’s Santa Marta guesthouse, staying in their individual rooms and having meals delivered to the door. Several expressed in Zoom interviews their surprise at how strict the measures were. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell take a look at this year’s pared-down consistory and how Pope Francis has shifted the geography of the College of Cardinals. The hosts also discuss the Vatican’s similarly scaled-back Christmas plans and spend some time remembering soccer superstar Diego Maradona. Links from the show:
Gerard O’Connell | Analysis: Pope Francis’ newest cardinals will help pick his successor. Who are they?
Pope elevates 13 new cardinals then puts them in their place
Pope Francis prays for late Diego Maradona
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis opens up about his “personal covids”—times of crisis in his life—in a new book called Let Us Dream, written in collaboration with his biographer, Austen Ivereigh. With Mr. Ivereigh’s encouragement, the pope brought his sometimes-lofty ideas for building a new society post-pandemic down to earth. He discloses in a new way how his lung operation as a young man taught him dependence on others and how his so-called “exile” in Cordoba, Argentina after that country’s “Dirty War” unexpectedly prepared him to become pope. In this bonus episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and papal biographer Austen Ivereigh discuss Pope Francis’ view of the George Floyd protests, the #MeToo movement and the work of clerical sexual abuse survivors are an integral part of people reclaiming their dignity.
Mr. Ivereigh and Ms. Dulle discuss the pope’s role as, as Mr. Ivereigh calls him, “the world’s spiritual director,” and how he hopes to apply Jesuit discernment to helping people to recover their collective memory and build a new future together.
Links from the show: Pre-order Let Us Dream Colleen Dulle | Pope Francis talks about Uighurs, George Floyd and Universal Basic Income in new interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Juan Carlos Cruz is an abuse survivor and advocate who has the pope’s hear when it comes to clerical sexual abuse. In 2018, when Pope Francis went to Chile, he was asked about Juan Carlos’ abuser and his bishop’s cover-up. Francis dismissed Juan Carlos out of hand and called his accusations calumny. Soon after, Francis sent investigators to look into abuse in Chile, and they came back with a 2600-page report saying Juan Carlos and his friends had been telling the truth. Pope Francis apologized, and the two have had a good relationship ever since. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Juan Carlos Cruz discuss Juan Carlos’ reactions to the Vatican’s report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and what reforms Juan Carlos believes should come next. Watch a video version of this interview. Links from the show: Jesuitical Podcast | Juan Carlos Cruz: the survivor who changed the pope’s mind on sex abuse Colleen Dulle | Top 5 Takeaways from the McCarrick Report Does the McCarrick report exonerate Pope Francis? Yes and no. Editorial | The McCarrick Report lacked an independent investigator. It shows. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, the Vatican released its report on how former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was able to rise through the ranks of the church hierarchy despite rumors swirling about him abusing priests, seminarians, and minors. Now, survivors and advocates in countries like Poland, Chile and Mexico want detailed Vatican reports on sexual abuse in their countries to be published, too. “Many people are saying, we’ve had the McCarrick report, now let’s have the Maciel report,” explains Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell, referring to the notoriously abusive priest, Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, founder of the Legionaries of Christ. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and host Colleen Dulle look at the ripple effects the McCarrick report has had in the United States and around the world. The two also discuss whether the Vatican can go back to normal after such an unprecedented disclosure of its inner workings. On one hand, Pope Francis has laid the legal framework for investigating anonymous abuse claims and investigating bishops, and he has now set a precedent for disclosing information about how bishops are appointed. On the other hand, he faced internal resistance to publishing the McCarrick report, and many bishops would prefer to continue business as usual. Will the calls for greater transparency and accountability coming from around the world be heeded?
Links from the show: Inside the Vatican | Deep Dive: The Rise and Fall of Theodore McCarrick Gerard O’Connell | Deep Dive: The McCarrick Report and the popes it implicates Colleen Dulle | Top 5 Takeaways from the McCarrick Report The McCarrick Report and Pope John Paul II: Confronting a saint’s tarnished legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Vatican’s long-awaited report on the rise of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was finally published yesterday. The document reveals that complaints about Mr. McCarrick’s abuse of seminarians reached all the way to Pope John Paul II, and that allegations of his abuse of children reached at least to John Paul’s top advisors. In this deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle explain the rise and fall of Theodore McCarrick, once the most prominent prelate in the U.S. Catholic church. The two unpack the accusations made in Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano’s incendiary 2018 letter and how those are addressed in the Vatican’s recent report. Gerry gives an up-close view of how the events of the last two years unfolded, and Colleen raises questions about whether this report will usher in a new era of accountability. You can find a transcript of this conversation at https://www.americamagazine.org/voices/inside-vatican. Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell | Deep Dive: The McCarrick Report and the popes it implicates Colleen Dulle | Top 5 Takeaways from the McCarrick Report The McCarrick Report and Pope John Paul II: Confronting a saint’s tarnished legacy Inside the Vatican | A 3-minute summary of what the McCarrick Report reveals U.S. Catholic leaders react to the McCarrick report Colleen Dulle | Explainer: What the church has done to fight clergy sex abuse since 2018’s ‘summer of shame’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Colleen Dulle gives a brief update on the Vatican’s report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, which was published today. Read America Media's full report: Vatican report tracks McCarrick’s rise despite allegations of abuse and misconduct Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Many in the Vatican have kept a close eye on the U.S. presidential election, held Nov. 3. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss what advantages and disadvantages each candidate offers in the eyes of Holy See officials. The U.S. election comes amid a surge in coronavirus cases in Italy. Over the weekend, Italy saw more than 30,000 new cases per day, up from the previous peak of 5,000 per day in March. Gerry gives an update on restrictions in Italy and the Vatican, and the hosts discuss how the Vatican plans to approach two major upcoming events: the consistory to create new cardinals in late November and the pope’s traditional Christmas Mass. Finally, Colleen and Gerry discuss a memo from the Vatican’s Secretariat of State briefing ambassadors on Pope Francis’ widely-publicized comments on civil unions for same-sex couples. Correction: Describing Pope Francis' civil union comments, Gerry said they came from a 2018 interview. The interview was given in 2019. Read more: Several American seminarians in Rome test positive for COVID-19 Vatican breaks silence, explains Pope Francis’ civil union comments Find America Magazine’s election coverage at americamag.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis made headlines last week when he endorsed civil unions for same-sex couples as part of an interview in a new documentary called “Francesco.” Almost immediately, questions emerged about the comments: Was the pope mistranslated? When did he make these comments? Had he been censored? This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell answer these questions “rapid fire,” as Colleen says, and unpack everything you need to know about the pope’s comments on civil unions for same-sex couples. The hosts also give an update on coronavirus in Italy and the Vatican, and discuss the nomination of the world’s first Black American cardinal and, briefly, the renewal of the Vatican-China deal. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for an explainer video from Colleen and Gerry on Pope Francis' same-sex unions comments! Read more: Colleen Dulle | Explainer: What Pope Francis actually said about civil unions—and why it matters Gerard O’Connell | Analysis: What is going on at the Vatican’s communications department? Where homosexuality is still illegal, Pope Francis has thrown a lifeline to L.G.B.T. Catholics Gerard O’Connell | Pope Francis names 13 new cardinals, including Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington D.C. Gerard O’Connell | The Vatican is ready to renew its deal with China. Privately, officials admit they’re walking a tightrope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're sharing an episode of America's 9-part podcast series "Voting Catholic." In the series finale, Sebastian speaks with Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, a leading voice on Catholic Social Teaching in the American hierarchy. How should Catholics prioritize the issues? And what does it really mean to form your conscience? Bishop McElroy is the author of two books: The Search for an American Public Theology and Morality and American Foreign Policy. US Bishops teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics: "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship" Stay up-to-date with America Media's coverage of the 2020 election: www.americamagazine.org/newsletters You can support this media ministry at www.americamagazine.org/donate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a new documentary that premiered in Rome today, Pope Francis reiterated his support for civil unions for same-sex couples and slammed the Trump administration’s family separation policy. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss the new documentary, “Francesco,” directed by Evgeny Afineevsky. Gerry interviewed the director, who sought to depict Francis’ papacy through the lens of the social issues the pope has focused on. Colleen and Gerry discuss the pope’s comments on the family separation policy coming out just weeks before the U.S. presidential election. “It’s cruelty, and separating kids from parents goes against natural rights,” the pope says in a new interview given for the documentary. “It’s something a Christian cannot do.” They also discuss the history behind Francis’ endorsement of legal protections for same-sex couples, which dates at least to Francis’ days as archbishop of Buenos Aires. Read more: Pope Francis declares support for same-sex civil unions for the first time as pope Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vatican City saw seven new cases of the coronavirus this week, marking a sudden second wave of infections in the world’s smallest nation. Four of those infected were Swiss Guards; the other three were Vatican residents. As Vatican employees attempt to trace and test those who may have been exposed to these individuals, the influx of cases has thrown into question whether it is safe to continue papal audiences, where many people ignore social distance protocols and some, including Pope Francis, do not wear masks. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the Vatican’s existing protocols and why Pope Francis may be hesitant to wear a mask. The hosts also explain Cardinal George Pell’s visit with Pope Francis this week. Is it the final flourish in a “victory lap” around his former rival, Cardinal Angelo Becciu? This week on the show, Colleen and Gerry discuss what they make of the meeting. Links from the show: Four Swiss Guards test positive as Covid-19 penetrates Vatican Gerard O’Connell: Why is Australia’s Cardinal Pell returning to Rome? Pope Francis welcomes Cardinal Pell after sex abuse trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle unpack their takeaways from Pope Francis’ new encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti.” The hosts discuss the pope’s unique interpretation of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Pope Francis devotes an entire chapter of the encyclical to the story, calling on his readers to imagine whether they are most like the Samaritan or the priest and Levite who pass by the wounded man. He examines today’s social issues in light of the parable, saying that it is rare today for someone to give his or her time as the Samaritan did, and that the Samaritan would have been unable to care for the man without the cooperation of institutions like the inn where the man rested and was treated. Colleen recaps the new developments of the document, including the elevation of Francis’ ban on the death penalty to the level of an encyclical and the doubt he casts on whether modern wars are able to meet the requirements of a “just war” as described in just war theory. Gerry situates the encyclical in the rest of Francis’ pontificate, and the two discuss how “Fratelli Tutti” relates to “Laudato Si’.” The hosts also discuss the document’s impact on Catholic-Muslim relations. Pope Francis has tied “Fratelli Tutti” to the document on human fraternity he signed last year with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, and he chose a Muslim judge who worked with both religous leaders to officially present “Fratelli Tutti” at the Vatican. Gerry gives some insights from his interview with the judge. Links from the show: Gerard O’Connell: In new encyclical, Pope Francis envisions ‘renewed hope’ from universal love, open to ‘every man and woman’ ‘Inside the Vatican’ podcast: ‘Fratelli Tutti’ in 5 minutes Colleen Dulle: VIDEO: Five takeaways from ‘Fratelli Tutti’ James Martin, S.J.: Pope Francis closes the door on the death penalty in ‘Fratelli Tutti’ Gerard O’Connell: First Muslim to ever present a papal encyclical praises ‘Fratelli Tutti’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis’ new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, was released today. The encyclical, which is the highest classification of papal document, is Francis’ diagnosis of the social problems plaguing our world—and his proposed cures. In this brief Inside the Vatican update, host Colleen Dulle breaks down the document’s main themes. Visit americamagazine.org for full coverage of Fratelli Tutti. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cardinal Angelo Becciu resigned suddenly from his position as head of the Vatican’s Congregation for the Causes of Saints on Thursday night, Sept. 24. In a one-sentence press release, the Vatican announced that the cardinal also gave up the “rights connected to the Cardinalate,” including his titular church and participation in conclaves. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the accusations of embezzlement and nepotism that Cardinal Becciu said Pope Francis brought against him when asking him to resign. Gerry and Colleen also discuss U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s visit to the Vatican this week. Mr. Pompeo has been critical of the Vatican’s provisional deal with China, which is up for renewal this year. He intends to urge Vatican officials not to renew the deal, arguing that continued dialogue with China despite the nation’s human rights abuses will weaken the Vatican’s moral standing. Links from the show: Powerful Vatican Cardinal Becciu resigns amid financial scandal Cardinal Becciu denies wrongdoing, says Pope Francis asking for his resignation was ‘surreal’ The Vatican is ready to renew its deal with China. Privately, officials admit they’re walking a tightrope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On September 17, two Vatican stories broke that illustrate the difference in style between Pope Francis and the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Pope Francis met a group of parents with L.G.B.T. children, telling them “God loves your children as they are” and “the church loves your children as they are because they are children of God.” The same day, news broke that the Irish priest Tony Flannery, who had been suspended from ministry in 2012 after speaking out in favor of women’s ordination to the priesthood, had been told by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith that he could be restored to ministry if he signed an affirmation of church teaching on four hot-button issues including women’s ordination, homosexuality and gender theory. The Vatican has stated that it has been in dialogue with Father Flannery; however, Father Flannery says he has never been contacted directly by anyone from the C.D.F. As in past cases of the C.D.F. disciplining theologians, all communication has come through the priest’s superiors in what veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell calls an “impersonal” and “dehumanizing” process which seems at odds with Pope Francis’ hallmark strategy of personal accompaniment and dialogue. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle discuss why the C.D.F. appears out of step with the pope. After senior Vatican sources told Gerry that Pope Francis should intervene to change the culture in the C.D.F., the hosts discuss how that might be done. Links from the show: Pope Francis to parents of L.G.B.T. children: ‘God loves your children as they are.’ Suspended Irish priest Tony Flannery calls Vatican inquiry ‘unjust’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This weekend, Pope Francis called on government leaders and those with “public responsibilities” to meet the just demands of protestors. With protests rising around the world, which demonstrators was Francis referring to? Veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell joins host Colleen Dulle to unpack the protests Pope Francis has his eye on, from Greece to Belarus to Hong Kong and the United States. Earlier in the show, Gerry gives an update on the coronavirus in the Vatican. The hosts discuss Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s Covid-19 diagnosis and why Pope Francis is often photographed without a face mask. Links from the show: Cardinal Tagle has tested positive for Covid-19 in Manila, and is in isolation. Pope Francis urges government leaders to listen to protestors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Vatican announced this weekend that Pope Francis will sign his new encyclical in Assisi on Oct. 3, just in time for the feast day on the following day of St. Francis, after whom the Pope took his name. The new document is called “Fratelli Tutti” or “Brothers and sisters, all” in Italian, and if Francis’ previous encyclical, “Laudato Si’,” is any indication, this will be a significant document. “Fratelli Tutti” will likely cover many of the themes that Pope Francis has addressed since the beginning of the pandemic, like solidarity, ecology and the growing wealth gap. Francis is concerned that as wealthy nations gradually control the virus’s spread and reopen, the poor may be left to deal both with continuing infections and the economic fallout of the pandemic. In addition to creating a Vatican coronavirus task force and donating money to pandemic relief efforts, Francis devoted his last five Wednesday general audiences to catechesis on human solidarity in the time of coronavirus. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we devote the whole episode to that “Covid catechesis,” unpacking Francis’ central ideas of community, the universal destination of goods and care for the environment, which are likely to appear in the forthcoming encyclical “Fratelli Tutti.” Read more: Series: Pope Francis’ coronavirus catechesis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just before Covid-19 paused public life in Italy, the entire “secret archives” of Pope Pius XII (1939-58) opened to researchers for the first time. The opening, which had long been asked for by historians and was announced under Pope Benedict XVI, would make available a treasure trove of documents from Pius’ pontificate, spanning the Second World War and into the Cold War. Some documents from the archive had been released from the 1960s to the 1980s to counter the popular narrative that Pius had been complicit or even cooperated with the Nazi regime. While historians agree the new documents will not likely reveal a “smoking gun” that indicts or exonerates Pius, they expect the archives to shed light on the rationale behind Pius’ decision not to publicly condemn Hitler and the Nazis, instead operating through private channels to stop the deportations of Jews from Italy. In this special edition of Inside the Vatican, host Colleen Dulle interviews historians Robert Ventresca and Massimo Faggioli about the opening of the archives, what we know about Pius’ wartime decisions, and what researchers expect to find. The three discuss, too, the impact these findings may have on Jewish-Catholic relations and on Pius’ ongoing canonization cause. Links from the show: Robert Ventresca Massimo Faggioli: La Croix International | Commonweal | Twitter
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Today the Vatican released its long-awaited handbook, or “vademecum,” on how bishops and superiors of religious orders should handle allegations of sexual abuse against minors by clergy. This is the first time that all of the Vatican’s guidelines for handling abuse, from reporting to investigating and taking juridical action have been put together in one step-by-step format. In this special update episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle unpacks what’s new in the handbook and why it took a year and a half for the Vatican to develop this document. Links from the show: Vatican publishes handbook for bishops and religious superiors to guide response to abuse allegations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In April of this year, the Vatican announced the creation of a new commission to study the female diaconate, following up on Pope Francis’ promise to reopen the question at the behest of the Amazonian bishops. Pope Francis had set up a previous commission to study the roles of female deacons in the early church in 2016. Though that commission’s final report had not been published, the pope described its findings as inconclusive and the members as “toads from different wells.” This week, on our last episode of “Inside the Vatican” before our summer hiatus, producer Colleen Dulle speaks with one of that commission’s members, Hofstra University Professor Phyllis Zagano. We discuss the church’s history not only of ordaining women deacons, but also the recent history of the conversation around ordaining them again. When the new commission was named in April, some who favor reinstituting the female diaconate expressed concern that the many of the new commission’s members opposed ordaining women deacons. On this week’s show, Ms. Zagano, who favors ordaining women deacons, gives her take on the new commission: “Looking at the membership, they are, interestingly enough, qualified to answer a single question that I think still needs to be determined on behalf of the Holy Father, which is, what is the ministry of the diaconate today? … And if you describe that, then what about that can a woman not do?” Links from the show: Pope Francis has set up a new commission to study women deacons Women: Icons of Christ by Phyllis Zagano, via Paulist Press Review: Phyllis Zagano makes the case for women deacons Video: Women Deacons: Past, Present, Future with Phyllis Zagano and Bernard Pottier, S.J. Inside the Vatican Listener Survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI left Italy for the first time in seven years last week, traveling to Germany to visit his ill brother, Georg. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry explains the challenges travel poses for the emeritus pope and why Benedict returned to the Vatican after only a few days. Since it is Colleen and Gerry’s last episode together before the summer break, the two also look ahead to the next few months. Gerry explains how the Pope spends his summers, and Colleen and Gerry discuss what’s next for the Vatican’s ongoing coronavirus response and the long-awaited Vatican report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Inside the Vatican will release a few special episodes this summer, beginning with an interview next week with researcher Phyllis Zagano about the two papal commissions to study women deacons. Finally, don’t forget to take our Inside the Vatican listener survey! Links from the show: Benedict XVI makes surprise visit to gravely ill brother in Germany Benedict XVI returns to Vatican after visiting his brother in Germany Podcast: What does the pope do on vacation? Inside the Vatican Listener Survey
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Last week, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò was back in the spotlight after President Donald Trump tweeted promoting an open letter that Viganò had written to him. The letter praised Mr. Trump for “defending the right to life” and expressed Archbishop Viganò’s belief in a number of conspiracy theories, including the idea of a “deep state” group undermining the American government and a parallel group within the Catholic church. Archbishop Viganò has published many such letters since his original 11-page “testimony,” published in 2018, accusing a number of top church officials of knowing about abuse by former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, blaming a “homosexual network” in the Vatican for the abuse crisis, and calling on Pope Francis to resign. The Vatican has been relatively tight-lipped in response to the archbishop: When journalists asked Pope Francis about the “testimony,” the pope refused to comment beyond saying, “Read that statement attentively and make your own judgment,” adding, “I think the statement speaks for itself, and you have a sufficient journalistic ability to make a conclusion.” Many of the archbishop’s claims have since been called into question, and the Vatican is conducting its own investigation into Mr. McCarrick. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle discuss why the Vatican has remained quiet in response to Archbishop Viganò and whether that is likely to change following President Trump’s endorsement. The hosts also discuss Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Poor, along with the new fund he established with the mayor of Rome and the governor of Lazio to aid workers who had not previously been eligible for government assistance. Links from the show: President Trump tweeted about Archbishop Viganò. So, who is he? Archbishop Viganò is aligning with Trump to stay in the spotlight. Pay him no attention. From 2018: Cardinal Marc Ouellet responds to Viganò charges, accuses him of blasphemy
From 2018: It is time for Archbishop Viganò to meet the press
Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of the Poor amid pandemic: We are all responsible Pope Francis sets up new fund for workers left out of coronavirus support
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It’s been five years since the release of “Laudato Si’,” and Pope Francis has called for a year of prayer and study on the encyclical’s themes of integral human ecology—that is, the importance of protecting the environment and the poor, who are most directly affected by climate change and the destruction of nature. But five years out, as the church works with new resolve to implement “Laudato Si’,” it is worth asking: Did the document make a difference the first time around? On this episode of Inside the Vatican, I speak with Sam Winter-Levy and Bryan Schonfeld, two Princeton University doctoral candidates in sociology, who recently released a paper studying the impact of “Laudato Si’.” The two examined data sets from a survey of Americans’ opinions on climate change from before and after the encyclical’s release, and they found that among churchgoing Catholics, there was a significant shift towards belief that climate change is real and caused by humans, and that there is a moral imperative to take action on it. We discuss their findings, and what the results reveal about the role religious leaders like Pope Francis can have in shaping public opinion. Read more: Who can convince Americans to follow the science on coronavirus? Religious leaders. | The Washington Post Full Paper: Factual or Moral Persuasion in the United States? Evidence from the Papal Encyclical on Climate Change
Website: Bryan Schonfeld
Website: Sam Winter-Levy
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Pope Francis spoke out on the police killing of George Floyd last week as protests against racism spread across the globe. This week on Inside the Vatican, veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell describes the protests in Europe and the change of heart some Europeans have had about racism in their countries. Pope Francis made his position on the death of George Floyd clear as he called two American bishops to thank them for speaking out against racism. One, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, had been photographed kneeling with a Black Lives Matter sign; the other was Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. On the show, Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle unpack the pope’s statement that “we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.” The hosts also give an update on the recent arrest of one of the two Italian real estate brokers who profited from the Vatican’s controversial London real estate deal. Gerry explains what role Gianluigi Torzi, the broker who was arrested, played in the deal and what questions remain to be answered in the Vatican’s ongoing investigation. Links from the show: Pope Francis calls U.S. bishops to offer prayers amid George Floyd protests Pope Francis on the death of George Floyd: We cannot tolerate racism and claim to defend life Vatican arrests businessman in shady London real estate deal Podcast: The Vatican’s $200 million London real estate scandal, explained
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Pope Francis took a major step in his ongoing reform of Vatican finance on June 1 by putting in place a centralized system to approve who gets contracts to work with the Vatican. The change amounts to what Crux editor John L. Allen, Jr. called a “direct frontal assault on Vatican nepotism.” This week on the Inside the Vatican podcast, America’s veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and I explain how the former system had led to corruption and how the new system aims to stamp it out. Beginning in July, Vatican offices will have their contracts and budgets approved by a central authority, which will then oversee accepting bids from an approved group of contractors. The contractors will be vetted for ethics violations, tax evasion, and illegal activities before they are approved. Despite limiting Vatican entities to pre-approved contractors, the new system aims to increase competition for Vatican contracts and thus drive down prices—an important priority for the financially struggling institution. After that, Gerry and I discuss Pope Francis’ Pentecost messages, which focused on ensuring justice for those on the margins of society during the Covid-19 pandemic. I connect them with the ongoing protests in the United States sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, and Gerry says it is likely that the pope will comment on the unrest. Links from the show: In major reform, Pope Francis issues new regulations on awarding contracts in the Vatican In his Pentecost homily, Pope Francis asks Christians to reject narcissism and pessimism How can Catholics help lead the fight against racism? To fight racism, Catholics must hunger for justice like we do for the Eucharist
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This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, America’s Rome correspondent, Gerard O’Connell, gives an exclusive look inside the Vatican museums, which will reopen with new social distancing measures in place on Monday, June 1. Then, Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle discuss the death of the former superior general of the Jesuits, Adolfo Nicolás. Father Nicolás led the Jesuits from 2008 to 2016 and was responsible in large part for implementing the justice-oriented vision laid out by the Jesuits’ 34th General Congregation. Colleen and Gerry examine Father Nicolás’ legacy and his friendship with Pope Francis. Up next, the Vatican spoke out against a U.S.-backed proposal for Israel to annex up to 30 percent of the West Bank. On the show, Gerry explains what the Holy See, which recognizes Palestinian statehood and has diplomatic relations with both it and Israel, aims to accomplish with its recent statement. Finally, Colleen and Gerry give a few updates on Pope Francis’ recent message to Chinese Catholics, his announcement of a year of prayer and study of Laudato Si’, and plans for the pope’s Pentecost Mass. Links from the show: Former Jesuit superior general Adolfo Nicolás has died in Tokyo Watch Adolfo Nicolás’ funeral on YouTube Arturo Sosa remembers his predecessor, Adolfo Nicolás Watch: Remembering Fr. Adolfo Nicolás, S.J.: A Conversation with Fr. James Grummer, S.J. The Vatican objects to Israeli plan to annex Palestinian territory Pope Francis announces year of reflection on “Laudato Si’” and prays for Catholics in China Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Italy gradually reopens and public Masses resume there, the Vatican is facing the challenge of a decreased income while working to lead the world’s humanitarian and diplomatic response to the coronavirus pandemic. This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell describes the scene in St. Peter’s Basilica on its first day open to the public since the start of Italy’s lockdown. Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ last livestreamed daily Mass, which was celebrated on the centenary of St. John Paul II’s birth. Gerry explains how a Polish documentary on clerical sexual abuse cast a shadow on the centenary celebration, and what follow-up steps the Vatican may take to investigate. Colleen and Gerry also take a look at the Vatican’s finances in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Like many governments and companies around the world, the Vatican is facing a major loss in income. The Dicastery for Finance has instructed Vatican offices to build austere budgets for next year covering only what is essential—a move that could signify big changes for offices that were only required to prepare budgets for the first time a few years ago. Finally, the Vatican’s coronavirus task force has given its first update on its wide-ranging diplomatic, humanitarian and environmental work. Gerry and Colleen unpack their updates on how global hunger and migration have been impacted by the pandemic. Links from the show: Pope Francis celebrates St. John Paul II centenary: ‘God sent his people a prophet.’ Vatican faces difficult budget choices as coronavirus pandemic crushes revenue Pope Francis highlights ways for Christians to help internally displaced people Vatican task force says millions risk hunger problems during pandemic; calls for ‘creative solidarity’ to solve global problems Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week’s episode of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss the Australian Royal Commission’s findings that Cardinal George Pell knew about priests abusing children in the Ballarat diocese as early as 1973, a year after he began working in that diocese, and that Cardinal Pell was involved in transferring pedophile priests between parishes. The commission’s findings were previously released in a redacted form while Cardinal Pell’s trial and appeal process were underway. The Australian High Court overturned a lower court’s conviction of Cardinal Pell on sexual abuse charges in early April. On the podcast, Colleen and Gerry discuss what, if any, consequences may follow the Royal Commission’s findings. In this episode, the hosts also discuss changes in the Italian church as that country prepares to resume public Masses next week. Colleen details the sanitation requirements for public liturgies, and Gerry explains why Italian churchgoers may not be keen to go back to Mass quickly. Colleen and Gerry also look at Pope Francis’ surprise appointment of a Franciscan as the new archbishop of Genoa. While previous archbishops of Genoa could count on being named cardinals, Gerry believes Pope Francis is unlikely to give the new archbishop a red hat while Italians are over-represented in the College of Cardinals. Links from the show: Inquiry: Pell knew of abuse by Australian pedophile priest Italy will soon allow public Masses—with conditions Pope Francis, in surprise appointment, chooses a Franciscan as archbishop of Genoa, Italy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last week, an Italian newspaper reported that Pope Francis had fired five employees who were under investigation for their involvement in the $200 million purchase of minority stake in a luxury apartment development in London’s upscale Chelsea neighborhood. After the Vatican’s Secretariat of State lost money on the investment, the Vatican’s middleman, Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione, advised the Vatican to buy the remainder of the property, which he owned. The Vatican’s judicial system is now investigating staffers who were involved in the deal for possible financial improprieties. Last year, Vatican police raided several offices in the Secretariat of State and the Vatican’s financial watchdog office and suspended the staff members. America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell reported this week that the situation of the five employees was more complex than the premature, unjust firings the Italian newspaper had made them out to be. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle explain the background of the London deal, what happened to the five employees, and what questions still remain. Links from the show: Has Pope Francis dismissed five Vatican employees linked to a property deal in London? Vatican employees suspended as finance investigation continues Vatican police raid Secretariat of State and finance watchdog offices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell gives an on-the-ground update from “phase two” of Italy’s coronavirus lockdown. Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle also discuss the interreligious day of prayer between Muslims and Christians for an end to coronavirus, along with Pope Francis’ call for nations and corporations to share any eventual Covid-19 vaccine. That call was the latest in a string of requests from the Vatican for greater multilateralism, which former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta recently discussed in an interview with Gerry. Next up, a newly-published interview with Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI grabbed headlines this weekend that focused on the former pope’s comments linking abortion and gay marriage to the “Antichrist.” That interview was part of a new 1,000-page biography of the pope emeritus by Peter Seewald, released in German on Monday and slated to be published in English in November. Colleen and Gerry take a look at the interview beyond the media spin: The two discuss Pope Benedict XVI’s historical connections to some of the topics he addressed, and Gerry highlights what’s new in the excerpts he has seen thus far, including the emeritus pope’s revelation that he has written a “testament” to be published after his death. Links from the show: Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI sees church threatened by pseudo-humanism Pope Francis joins Muslim leaders in calling for world day of prayer to end the coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s no secret that Pope Francis has faced opposition during his pontificate: some of it, the healthy disagreement he’s called for, some more serious—what The Tablet Vatican reporter Christopher Lamb calls well-financed, well-publicized “guerilla attacks” on the pope. Chris outlines more than one hundred instances of such highly-publicized attacks on Francis in his new book The Outsider: Pope Francis and His Battle to Reform the Church. He joins “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle to discuss the criticism the pope has received from across the church-political spectrum, and what distinguishes healthy disagreement from the attacks that Pope Francis called backstabbing. The two also put the attacks on Pope Francis in context: Is it fair to say that attacks on Francis’ papacy are unprecedented when, for example, there were three rival popes during the Western Schism? What role has money played in these attacks, and what is their end goal? Colleen and Chris unpack the connections between the pope’s wealthy critics and the media outlets that have magnified their voices. They discuss, too, the places the pope has fallen short, and why Chris believes that, despite his mistakes, the pope is still “a man of integrity.” Link from the show: The Outsider: Pope Francis and His Battle to Reform the Church Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced that Italy will transition into “phase 2” of its coronavirus lockdown, re-opening the manufacturing and construction industries on May 4, followed by libraries, museums, and some stores May 18. Not included in the re-openings were churches, causing outcry from the Italian bishops, who demanded a plan to resume public Masses. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell explains what negotiations are happening between the bishops and the Italian government. At his daily Mass on Tuesday, April 28, Pope Francis seemed to respond to the situation, praying, “In this time, during which we are beginning to have the possibility to come out of quarantine, let us pray that the Lord will give his people the grace of prudence and obedience to the instructions so the pandemic will not return.” The pope has had his eye on the coronavirus response outside Italy as well, speaking with French president Emmanuel Macron two days before a major meeting of European Union leaders to discuss the E.U.’s response to the pandemic. On the show, Colleen and Gerry discuss Francis’ call with Macron along with his other priorities for the multilateral meeting, and the hosts give an update on what decisions came out of the meeting. Pope Francis has also called the world’s Catholics to pray the rosary in the month of May for an end to the coronavirus pandemic. Gerry and Colleen take a look at the two new prayers the pope penned to accompany the Rosary and discuss Pope Francis’ spiritual leadership throughout the crisis. Links from the show: Italian bishops demand plan for resuming public Masses Pope Francis speaks with French President Macron about coronavirus, international debt relief Read: Pope Francis’ rosary prayers in the midst of coronavirus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In recent weeks, the Vatican has made it clear that it sees the coronavirus pandemic as a pressing call for the transformation of society. This past week, Pope Francis put together a task force with specific mandates for coordinating humanitarian aid, international relations, and the protection of the environment, all at the service of a broader vision of human solidarity in a time of pandemic. That vision was laid out on March 30 in a note entitled “Global Pandemic and Universal Brotherhood,” issued by the Pontifical Academy for Life, which focuses on moral theology and bioethics. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” the president of that academy, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, speaks to producer Colleen Dulle about that document and some of the specifics of the Vatican’s vision for a new human solidarity arising from this pandemic. In the interview, Archbishop Paglia describes the theological and health considerations that have factored into the decisions to cancel public Masses while keeping churches open: “Precisely because of the principle of incarnation, which is at the heart of our faith, we must take seriously the concrete concerns to which our body is subject,” the archbishop said. He also speaks in depth about the need that Vatican leadership has expressed for a globally coordinated health care network which would ensure care for the most vulnerable people. Speaking about how decisions about rationing care when resources are scarce, Archbishop Paglia said, “the choice is not about the dignity of the person or the value of his or her life, which is equal and priceless for all, but on the treatment: priority must be given to those who—when needs are equal— are expected to benefit the most.” Links from the show: Read “Global Pandemic and Universal Brotherhood” Find America Magazine’s full coronavirus coverage here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis has focused his messages to the world this week on the importance of international cooperation and the sharing of resources in order to overcome the coronavirus pandemic and build a more equitable society. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle discuss the vision Pope Francis laid out in his new “plan for rising up again.” Then, the hosts talk about the task force the pope has assembled to actualize this vision. He appointed to its steering committee an Argentinian priest who is an expert in economics and has experience working with the Vatican on environmental issues and with church humanitarian organizations in areas affected by epidemics. Gerry explains Father Augusto Zampini’s connections to the pope and the work he will be doing in this key decision-making role. One aspect of the task force’s work will be finding new ways for the Vatican to raise money to cover its operating expenses and provide aid to other nations. On the show, Gerry breaks down where the Vatican’s money comes from and how those sources are quickly drying up. The hosts also cover a slew of meeting and conference cancellations at the Vatican. Links from the show: On Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Francis urges countries to put aside ‘selfish indifference’ during coronavirus pandemic Pope Francis shares his vision for Covid-19 aftermath Pope Francis taps Argentinian priest to help lead Vatican response to coronavirus crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Molly Burhans, the founder and executive director of GoodLands, has created what may be the world’s largest set of Catholic geographic information. Her nonprofit organization has mapped church-owned properties around the world with a view towards using the church’s resources more responsibly. This work has taken on an increased importance during the coronavirus pandemic: As she explains on “Inside the Vatican,” knowing the location of church hospitals in relation to, for example, low-income communities, potable water, and other health programs can help the church to use its resources more efficiently to extend care to the largest number of people. Molly speaks with producer Colleen Dulle about her recent work consulting with the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Development on its new document about water, sanitation, and hygiene. The two discuss the links between ecology and the coronavirus pandemic, and Molly makes the case for environmental programs as a necessary part of Catholic healthcare. Links from the show: Aqua Fons Vitae Explore GoodLands’ Catholic GeoHub Listen to Molly Burhans on America’s “Jesuitical” podcast Can high-tech maps help the church and save the planet? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In his Easter messages, Pope Francis came out in support of a universal basic wage, relaxing economic sanctions, and forgiving the debts of poor countries. This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell joins producer Colleen Dulle to talk about these policies and to look back at the response to St. John Paul II’s call for debt forgiveness in 2000. Colleen and Gerry also take a look at the new commission to study women deacons, which they reported on in print last week. The new commission features no members of the first commission to study women deacons and instead includes more obscure scholars. On the show, the hosts take a look at how these commission members are chosen. Finally, Pope Francis gave his first interview to the English-language media last week. Gerry and Colleen review their takeaways from the interview. America Media will celebrate its 111th anniversary Friday. Please consider supporting our journalism at the intersection of the church and the world by making a donation here. Links from the show: In Easter message, Pope Francis proposes ‘universal basic wage’ In Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’ address, Pope Francis calls for an end to indifference Pope Francis has set up a new commission to study women deacons Pope Francis on Living with COVID-19 Support America Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Usually, Holy Week doesn’t require any extra work from the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. A separate office organizes the pope’s liturgies, and the guidelines used around the world stay the same from year to year. This year, though, with coronavirus bringing the widespread suspension of public Masses, several needs arose that only the Congregation for Divine Worship could respond to: The congregation worked quickly to establish the new Mass in Time of Pandemic, as well as a special intention for the Good Friday liturgy and guidelines for celebrating the Holy Week liturgies without a congregation physically present. “In this moment of trial, the challenge is to stop the contagion without stopping the prayer,” said Archbishop Arthur Roche, secretary of the congregation. Archbishop Roche joins “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle for a special Holy Week interview on the Vatican’s response to rapidly changing liturgical needs around the world and his advice for celebrating Holy Week at home. “Our Catholics are as creative as our priests are, and they won’t let this time pass without celebrating what is the certainty of their faith,” the archbishop said. “In other words, what the Lord has achieved, what he has given to us through his suffering and death on the cross and his resurrection. They’ll celebrate it, I feel quite sure, with deep joy, knowing that we’re safe with the Lord who is with us in our anxiety and in our suffering, because he knew what that was personally.” Links from the show: Pope Francis approves new ‘Mass in Time of Pandemic’ and Good Friday coronavirus intention On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis counsels world’s priests: ‘Take risks for forgiveness’ Pope Francis oversees an emotional Way of the Cross in empty square Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pope Francis has given his first interview to the English-language media, which he was invited to give as a message to the anglophone world in this time of crisis. Host Colleen Dulle gives an update on what you can find in the interview, and on the new commission to study women deacons that the Vatican announced today. Links from the show: ‘A Time of Great Uncertainty’: An Interview with Pope Francis Pope Francis has set up a new commission to study women deacons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
After almost five years of hearings and trials and appeals, Cardinal George Pell’s conviction of child sexual abuse was overturned April 6 with a unanimous decision from Australia’s highest court. Cardinal Pell has now left prison and will stay at a Carmelite monastery. Now that a final judicial decision has been made in the Australian legal system, the Vatican will need to revisit the canonical investigation it had previously opened into historical complaints against Cardinal Pell, which had been paused until the appeals were complete. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss whether that investigation should continue, after Gerry’s sources in Rome revealed that it may not. Colleen and Gerry also look at a number of financial incentives that came out of the Vatican this week in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Pope Francis has earmarked $750,000 to support the work of church organizations in remote parts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and Amazonia where the church is a vital provider of social services. With approval from the pope, papal almoner Cardinal Konrad Krajewski has also made an unprecedented request of the Roman curia to donate money for coronavirus relief. “The Pope is saying, you know, we all have to put our hands in our pockets and bring out the wallets and put them on the table,” Gerry said. “These people are dying. These people are suffering. These people have got no help.” The hosts also talk briefly about Pope Francis’ similar Palm Sunday message, imploring young people to give their lives in service to others. Links from the show: Australia’s high court overturns guilty verdict against Cardinal George Pell on final appeal Vatican responds with measure to Cardinal Pell’s acquittal and release from prison Pope Francis establishes emergency fund to combat Covid-19 in mission countries Papal almoner issues extraordinary appeal to Vatican churchmen for coronavirus offering A Palm Sunday message from Pope Francis: Do not be afraid; you are not alone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the coronavirus pandemic rages on, the Vatican is looking both to provide for people’s spiritual needs and to ensure justice for those on the margins of society. In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle give an update on two new cases of coronavirus in the Vatican. Then, they turn to the Vatican’s response, beginning with the new prayers Pope Francis authorized this week. The pope approved a special intention to be added to the Good Friday liturgy, a measure that was expected as part of the Vatican’s guidelines for celebrating Holy Week liturgies without the presence of the faithful, and he authorized a new set of prayers for “Mass in the Time of Pandemic.” Both texts pray for the sick, the dead, and mourners, as well as their caretakers and world leaders. Up next, Father Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Jesuits, held a webinar for 1,000 Jesuits and lay people this week urging them to discern how the world’s injustices have come to the fore during this pandemic and how each of them may be called to respond. “Listening to the Spirit, trusting in God and allowing ourselves to be guided by him does not exempt us from the effort to understand in depth the causes of this crisis, its consequences and the ways to make it an occasion to advance towards a more just and humane world,” Father Sosa said. One way the Vatican is working to advance justice is through a new document released this week on the just use of water. Christiana Zenner, a Fordham University theologian and author of the book Just Water: Theology, Ethics, and Fresh Water Crises joins Colleen Dulle to discuss the document’s important points. Links from the show: Pope Francis approves new ‘Mass in Time of Pandemic’ and Good Friday coronavirus intention Father Arturo Sosa: ‘Covid-19 reminds us that we are one humanity.’ Read: Aqua Fons Vitae: Orientations on Water, symbol of the cry of the poor and the cry of the Earth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle cover how Pope Francis and other Vatican leaders are making a concerted effort to draw people’s attention to the major ethical questions arising from the coronavirus pandemic—especially, how to protect poor and vulnerable people amidst economic instability. “The governments that face the crisis” with social distancing and lockdowns “show the priority of their decisions: the people first,” Pope Francis wrote in a recent letter to an Argentinian judge. “This is important because we know that to defend the people supposes an economic setback.” Colleen and Gerry discuss the pope’s letter and his understanding of how governments should balance economic interests and public health interests. The pope also joined United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in calling for a global ceasefire on Sunday, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle urged nations to forgive one another’s debts and to redirect military spending toward health and social services, keeping in mind many people’s economic precarity. Building on these calls, the Pontifical Academy for Life, which focuses on the intersection of biomedical research and moral theology, issued a new note this week stressing the importance of solidarity between people and the sharing of resources between nations during and after the pandemic. On “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry explain the note’s important points and how they fit into the Vatican’s ongoing coronavirus response. Links from the show: Pope Francis warns of ‘a viral genocide’ if governments put the economy before people amid coronavirus pandemic Pope Francis calls for a global cease-fire, attention to overcrowded prisons in response to coronavirus Papal academy says solidarity needed in pandemic
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In the first special coronavirus update episode of “Inside the Vatican,” veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Francis’ unprecedented “urbi et orbi” blessing given Friday, March 27. Colleen spoke with Gerry just after Pope Francis blessed “the city and the world.” Pope Francis spoke about how the world currently feels the way Jesus’ disciples felt when a storm threatened to flood their boat but Jesus stayed asleep. “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other,” the pope said. Earlier in the show, Colleen gives an update on the known coronavirus cases in Vatican City, including one priest who lives in the same Vatican guesthouse as Pope Francis. Follow our new Twitter account: @InsdeVaticanPod Links from the show: Facing the Covid-19 storm, put your faith in the Lord, Pope Francis tells Rome and the world Read: Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address on coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm Watch Pope Francis’ prayer service for the end of coronavirus Italian priest at guesthouse where Pope Francis lives tests positive for coronavirus
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As Italy’s death toll rises and Catholics worldwide find their access to churches and the sacraments limited, the Vatican has taken two initiatives to grant the faithful forgiveness of their sins. One measure from the Apostolic Penitentiary, the Vatican’s “tribunal of mercy,” grants an indulgence specially for those who are suffering from the coronavirus and anyone who cares for them, even simply through prayer. A second decree also allows for priests to absolve sins without hearing one-on-one confessions in certain grave cases. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle unpack these measures along with two worldwide prayer initiatives Pope Francis announced this week. The hosts examine how the pope is using every spiritual and communications tool available to give people around the world a sense of consolation. Colleen also announces that “Inside the Vatican” will provide twice-weekly updates for the duration of the coronavirus crisis. Links from the show: Pope Francis authorizes plenary indulgences and general absolution as coronavirus crisis escalates Pope Francis calls on Christians worldwide to combat coronavirus pandemic with midday prayer on March 25 The North American College in Rome sends seminarians back to the United States
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With more countries shutting down nonessential businesses because of the coronavirus, church leaders have faced tough decisions about whether to keep churches open to the faithful or to close them to mitigate the spread of infections. This week, Pope Francis weighed in after a Vatican cardinal announced that all of Rome’s churches would close. The pope prayed for pastors at his daily Mass the day after the announcement, saying, “Drastic measures are not always good. Therefore, we pray that the Holy Spirit might grant pastoral discernment to pastors so that they might perceive measures that might not leave the holy, faithful people of God alone.” Within a few hours, the decision was overturned, and instead, each pastor would decide whether to open his church. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell, both recording from home due to the pandemic, unpack the ways Pope Francis and other Vatican leaders have been navigating the balance between public health and pastoral closeness. The hosts discuss Pope Francis’ Mass intentions responding to current events like the migrant crisis and Italian prison riots, as well as the pope’s pilgrimage through the empty streets of Rome, where he visited the icon and crucifix at the center of two famous plague-ending miracles. “This was a dramatic expression of faith in the midst of crisis,” Gerry said. Links from the show: Coronavirus: News, Reflections, Analysis. What you need to know. In Italy, church and state join together to fight coronavirus Pope prays for pastors to find ways to minister amid pandemic Vatican says public will not be admitted to papal Holy Week liturgies Pope Francis prays in Rome churches asking God to rid the world of the coronavirus
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Vatican City reported its first case of coronavirus last week after a non-Vatican resident passed through its medical center for a routine medical evaluation. Over the weekend, the Italian government announced a total lockdown and a ban on public gatherings, advising residents not to leave their homes. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, America’s Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell details what it’s like living in Rome under the lockdown and how the Holy See and the pope are handling the crisis. The Vatican has also announced that the 2022 synod of bishops will focus on the theme of “synodality.” Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle explain what synodality is, where the idea came from, and why Pope Francis is choosing to hold what some have jokingly called a “meta-synod.” The hosts also give an update on Cardinal George Pell’s final appeal, which will be brought to Australia’s High Court this week. Links from the show: Watch Pope Francis’ daily Santa Marta Masses The Vatican reports first case of coronavirus Following Italy’s lead, Vatican to begin strong measures to counteract coronavirus Pope Francis will hold Angelus and public audience via video streaming in response to coronavirus concerns Delivering Angelus by video, Pope Francis expresses closeness to all affected by coronavirus Pope Francis chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod
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Pope Francis canceled his public audiences beginning Thursday, February 27 due to what his spokesman called a “slight indisposition.” Amid media reports that Francis had been tested for coronavirus, the pope addressed a smaller-than-normal crowd in St. Peter’s Square and said he had a cold. On this week’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast, Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell describes the fear surrounding coronavirus that has gripped the Eternal City. Then, Gerry and producer Colleen Dulle unpack the pope’s most extensive comments to date on the ongoing reform of the Legionaries of Christ. The hosts also discuss a new task force that will bring together the Vatican’s top experts on sexual abuse prevention to help dioceses and religious orders that are not yet in compliance with Vatican guidelines catch up. Finally, Colleen and Gerry give a few quick updates on the opening of the Vatican’s secret archives on Pope Pius XII, which they covered previously on the show, as well as the death of Nicaraguan priest and poet Ernesto Cardenal. Links from the show: Pope Francis, recovering from his cold, greets pilgrims After slight cold, Pope Francis reportedly tests negative for coronavirus Inside the Vatican, June 27, 2019: What does the pope do on vacation? Pope Francis tells scandal-marred Legion of Christ they still haven’t reformed AP: Vatican task force offers help to church on abuse prevention Vatican wartime archives ready for new batch of scholars Inside the Vatican, March 7, 2019: Vatican opens secret wartime archives Father Ernesto Cardenal, poet and revolutionary, dies in Nicaragua
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This week’s “Inside the Vatican” explores the relationship between faith, global politics, and the Catholic understanding of sainthood. First up, Colleen and Gerry discuss Pope Francis’ recent address to the Mediterranean bishops in the Southern Italian city of Bari. Speaking to a diverse group from North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, the pope addressed the many conflicts in the Mediterranean and North Africa that have displaced millions of refugees, and the global rise of populism that has swelled up in response. Francis stressed that the Gospel calls for peacemaking; on “Inside the Vatican,” the hosts discuss the challenges that brings. Up next, the Vatican has taken a groundbreaking step towards making peace with another global power that is at times hostile to it: China. Holy See and Chinese foreign ministers met for the first time in more than 70 years. Colleen and Gerry explain how this meeting took the Vatican’s relationship with China to a new level and how much more lies beyond the surface of this diplomatic discussion. Colleen and Gerry also give an update on the new credible allegations of abuse against L’Arche founder Jean Vanier. Colleen expresses her disappointment with the revelations about a man who was considered a ‘living saint,’ and Gerry explains how it is a sign of progress that Catholic institutions are taking transparency measures themselves rather than waiting on external investigations. Finally, the hosts turn to a canonization cause that has long been in the works: that of Jesuit Father Rutilio Grande. Pope Francis recognized Father Grande’s death as a martyrdom last week, and Gerry explains how the church’s understanding of sainthood has grown to include those who work for social justice, who in the past may have been dismissed as primarily political actors. Links from the show: Pope Francis urges bishops of the Mediterranean to promote peace and counteract populist hate speech Vatican and Chinese foreign ministers meet for first time in over 50 years Internal report finds that L’Arche founder Jean Vanier engaged in decades of sexual misconduct How can I reconcile the good and evil of Jean Vanier? Pope Francis recognizes the martyrdom of Jesuit Rutilio Grande and two lay companions in El Salvador
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Pope Francis’ highly-anticipated exhortation “Querida Amazonia” or “Beloved Amazon” came out last week, sparking more conversation about what the document did not say, that is, anything on ordaining married men as priests, than what it did say. Pope Francis expressed his discontent with the media’s fixation on married priests to a group of American bishops last week. This week on the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, the hosts take a deep dive into “Querida Amazonia,” beginning with its calls for environmental, cultural and economic justice. We unpack the hostile reception the document has gotten from Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and examine what kind of impact the Catholic Church could have by siding with the poor and marginalized in the region. Then, we turn to the hot-topic questions of married priests and women deacons. We try to contextualize Francis’ decisions on the topics within his broader vision of the church as lay-led, and we discuss frankly the challenges that have appeared on the road to actualizing that vision. Links from the show: Querida Amazonia James Martin, S.J.: Five Takeaways from 'Querida Amazonia' Gerard O’Connell: What’s in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the Amazon synod? Colleen Dulle: Inside ‘Querida Amazonia:’ A Conversation with Cardinal Michael Czerny, S.J. Pope Francis shares with U.S. bishops his frustration with reaction to ‘Querida Amazonia’ Some disappointed, some enraptured by Pope Francis’ ‘Querida Amazonia’
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The Vatican published Pope Francis’ long awaited follow-up document to the Amazon Synod, “Querida Amazonia,” or “Beloved Amazon,” this morning. This document was highly anticipated because it was expected to include Pope Francis’ final decision on whether or not to allow the ordination of mature, Indigenous, married men as priests or of women as deacons in the Amazon region. Although the synod bishops recommended that Pope Francis approve the ordination of married men, the pope avoided the topic in his document, opting instead to encourage more vocations to the priesthood in the region. Some analysts have taken this, combined with Francis’ emphasis on the bishops’ recommendations document, to mean that the question of married priests is still open. On the question of female deacons, Francis says no, but encourages the church to find other, creative ways to increase women’s roles in ministry. In this brief update episode of America’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast, I explain how these decisions, along with Francis’ comments on creating an Amazonian liturgical rite, fit into his pattern of entrusting important decisions to local churches—and what challenges churches face when trying to make these decisions. “Querida Amazonia” is about much more than these two issues. You can find more coverage of the document at americamagazine.org, along with a full analysis next week on “Inside the Vatican.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Colleen Dulle explain why Archbishop Georg Gänswein, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s personal secretary and prefect of Pope Francis’ household, has been missing from public events in recent weeks. The Vatican said it was due to an “ordinary redistribution of his responsibilities,” but the timing seems to suggest it has to do with Archbishop Gänswein facilitating Benedict’s involvement in a recent controversial book on priestly celibacy. The hosts explain what’s known and unknown about Archbishop Gänswein’s situation. The hosts also take a look at the Legionaries of Christ, who elected a new superior general last week. The new leader, the Rev. John Connor, will be tasked with the continuing reform of the order amid new allegations of past sexual abuse by Legionary priests, as well as the lingering financial questions about the order’s offshore holdings. On the show, the hosts explain the basics of the Legionaries’ abuse and financial scandals and the challenges Father Connor will face. Finally, we give brief updates on Pope Francis’ forthcoming document “Querida Amazonia” as well as the Vatican’s report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and the pope’s upcoming trip to Malta. Links from the show: Inside the Vatican: America’s Vatican correspondent explains Benedict’s book controversy Vatican seeks to explain absence of Archbishop Georg Gänswein after book scandal Graduate of Loyola University Chicago elected as Superior-General of the Legionaries of Christ 10 years after Vatican reform, Legionaries of Christ in new abuse crisis Legionaries of Christ report ‘chain of abuse’ as victims went on to abuse others Who knew what about former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick?
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Last week, Pope Francis met with Argentinian President Alberto Fernández, whose country is currently weathering an economic crisis that has led to widespread hunger and a crippling national debt. In their meeting, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with his home country and offered to help however possible. On this week’s “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I explain what form that help might take. This past week also brought “news” on Pope Francis’ forthcoming document on the Amazon: an Italian historian reported that he had obtained advance sections of the document proving that Pope Francis would endorse ordaining mature, married men to the priesthood. Gerry explains on the show why he was skeptical about this report. Finally, the Vatican has sent more than 600,000 masks to Wuhan Province in China to help fight the spread of coronavirus. This aid comes even as the Chinese government continues to crack down on religious communities, even banning Catholic priests from leading graveside prayers in cemeteries. Links from the show: Pope Francis, a son of Argentina, welcomes its new president to the Vatican Inside the Vatican: Who is the papal almoner and what does he do? Vatican delivers 600,000 masks to help combat coronavirus in China
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On a recent episode of “Inside the Vatican,” in the midst of Cardinal Robert Sarah’s book controversy, Gerry and I discussed how Archbishop Georg Ganswein’s role as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s personal secretary—and often, by default, his gatekeeper and spokesman—has been called into question. Since the start of his papacy, Pope Francis has expressed a desire to keep his personal secretaries out of the spotlight. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we look at how Francis has changed the role and discuss Father Gonzalo Aemilius, the pope’s new personal secretary, who is known for his work with street children and drug addicts in his native Uruguay. This week, we also give updates on the pope’s recent meetings with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Iraqi President Barham Salih. Since the Holy See has good relations with the U.S., Iran, and Iraq, could it be stepping in as a mediator? We also explain the election of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as vice dean. The election followed the traditional line, electing the former vice-dean as dean and the former chief of staff as vice-dean. We discuss what it means for both roles to go to Vatican insiders, for better and for worse. Links from the show: Pope Francis names new secretary: a priest who worked with street children and drug addicts Mike Pence and Pope Francis meet in a surprisingly long first visit Pope Francis meets with Iraqi president amid growing tensions after Soleimani assassination Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re is the new Dean of the College of Cardinals “Inside the Vatican” explains the role of dean of the College of Cardinals
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Last week, Pope Francis appointed a woman to a top role in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State for the first time, while also upgrading that role from the department head level to the undersecretary level. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Gerry and I take a look at these two decisions and what they reveal about Francis’ international priorities as well as his desire to include more women at leadership levels in the Vatican. Then, we look forward to the upcoming election of a new dean of the College of Cardinals. When Cardinal Angelo Sodano’s resignation was accepted in December, Pope Francis announced that he hoped to make a few changes to the role, including imposing term limits and making the job a full-time position. Gerry and I examine the reasons behind these changes. We also give updates on several stories including last week’s controversy surrounding “From the Depths of Our Hearts,” Cardinal Robert Sarah’s book on priestly celibacy; U.S. Vice President Mike Pence’s upcoming meeting with Pope Francis; and when to expect Pope Francis’ follow-up document to the Amazon synod. Links from the show: Pope Francis appoints a woman for the first time to senior role in the Vatican’s Secretariat of State Pope Francis: “I will never grow tired of condemning every form of anti-Semitism”
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I dedicate the entire episode to the questions surrounding the new book From the Depths of Our Hearts, written by Cardinal Robert Sarah with a contribution from Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. The book argues against the ordination of married men as priests, a subject that Pope Francis is currently considering as he prepares his final document following up on the Vatican’s Synod on the Amazon. In October, the synod bishops recommended ordaining mature, married permanent deacons as priests to serve in their remote indigenous communities. Gerry and I explain why the book’s subject matter prompted questions. Then, we unpack the debate about the book’s authorship that swept social media on Monday and Tuesday. After the book was announced as being co-authored by Pope Emeritus Benedict and Cardinal Sarah, a source or sources close to Benedict told members of the press that the pope emeritus had not agreed to co-author the book. This led to a back-and-forth between Cardinal Sarah, Archbishop Georg Gänswein—Benedict’s personal secretary—and the book’s publishers over how the pope emeritus should be credited and whether or not his photo should appear on the front of the book. Gerry and I explain what each party has said and how this controversy exposes a lingering theological question—namely, what is the role of the pope emeritus? Links from the show: Benedict XVI and Cardinal Sarah coauthor book on celibacy, opposing the ordination of married men Benedict XVI has asked Cardinal Sarah to have his name removed from the book on priestly celibacy
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Last week, a viral video circulated on social media showing Pope Francis slapping the hand of a woman who yanked his arm as he walked through a crowd in St. Peter’s Square. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Gerry and I explain what happened and discuss the pope’s apology for losing his patience. Then, we turn to the growing tensions between the United States and Iran following the assassination of Iranian General Quasem Suleimani. Without mentioning the two nations directly, Pope Francis called for “all parties to fan the flame of dialogue and self-control.” How much of a difference can the Vatican make in this situation? Gerry takes us back to 2003 and explains what happened when Pope John Paul II asked President George H.W. Bush not to invade Iraq. Finally, “The Two Popes” has made a splash on Netflix and at the Vatican, but what’s fact and what’s fiction in the new movie? Gerry and I break down which parts of the movie are true, and which are simply “inspired by true events.” Links from the show: The papal hand slap divides Catholics and the media Pope Francis begins New Year with apology for hand slap, prayers for peace Pope Francis prays for dialogue as tensions mount between the U.S. and Iran Catholic leaders speak out as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran ‘The Two Popes’: What’s fact and what’s fiction? Jesuitical | What’s it like to play Pope Francis? An interview with Jonathan Pryce on ‘The Two Popes’
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Happy New Year from Inside the Vatican! For our New Year’s Day episode, Gerry and I are taking a look back at some of the biggest Vatican stories of 2019. We start with February’s Vatican summit on the protection of minors, which Gerry and I covered together in Rome. We talk about the steps Pope Francis has taken to follow up on that meeting, including the elimination of the “pontifical secret” in December which paved the way for the long-awaited Vatican handbook that will establish universal norms for handling cases of clerical sexual abuse. Gerry also gives us a timeline on when to expect that document. Next, we take a look at Gerry’s pick for the year’s most important papal trip: Pope Francis’ trip to Abu Dhabi, also in February. On this trip, the pope celebrated the first papal Mass on the Arabian Peninsula and signed a document on human fraternity with Muslim leaders. Gerry walks us through why these gestures were so significant and what lasting effects they have already had. Skipping ahead to the fall, we discuss the Amazon synod, when all of the bishops from the Amazon region along with indigenous people, leaders and experts from around the world came to Rome to lay out how the church would respond to its many challenges in the region. We talk about when the pope is likely to issue a final document from that synod, and when its suggestions would be put into effect. We wrap up this episode with a lightning round of the most important Vatican stories in categories like the most significant papal appointment, the top interreligious dialogue story, and what Vatican story we should keep our eyes on in 2020. (Check out the title of this episode for the answer!) Links from the show: Inside the Vatican: The Vatican sex abuse summit already includes some surprises Inside the Vatican: Unpacking Pope Francis’ historic trip to Abu Dhabi Inside the Vatican: Are the Amazon bishops ready to become new martyrs? The Catholic Church in China | A Short Documentary
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On Saturday, Pope Francis gave his annual Christmas speech to the Roman curia, which in past years has been the time that the pope speaks very clearly about where he thinks the curia needs improvement. In 2014, Pope Francis used his Christmas address to lead the curia through an examination of conscience, pointing out what he called the “curial diseases” of careerism, gossip, rivalries, and so on. In years since, he has spoken on the need for ongoing reforms and updated his collaborators on his restructuring of the Vatican bureaucracy. This year, the pope’s talk focused on the need to fight rigidity and be open to change. He quoted St. John Henry Newman, canonized this year, who famously wrote about the way that doctrine develops and how change is natural and important both in human life and for the church. Francis also warned against rigidity which comes from a fear of change. On this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I talk about why the pope chose this theme for his speech, who he spoke to, and how these Christmas addresses fit into the pope’s larger effort to reform the Roman curia. Links from the show: Pope Francis tells Roman Curia: Do not fear change, it is in the nature of the missionary church Full text of Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel
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Yesterday morning, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had abolished the pontifical secret, a confidentiality measure, in cases of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable person by clergy. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I explain what information will now be available about these cases. Next up, we dive into the Wall Street Journal’s report on the pope’s Peter’s Pence collection. The report alleged that the Vatican had misled donors by telling them that the Peter’s Pence fund was used exclusively for charity, when more than half of the money raised each year goes to plug the Vatican’s deficit. Gerry and I examine the report’s claim and discuss what actions the Vatican is taking to clean up its finances. Finally, Pope Francis celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood on Friday, December 13 and spent that evening shining a light on his spiritual mentor, Jesuit Father Miguel Fiorito. Gerry explains why Father Fiorito was so dear to Francis, and we take a look at how Francis’ spiritual mentor inspired his leadership style. Links from the show: Pope Francis abolishes the pontifical secret for sexual misconduct cases involving clerics Is the Vatican misleading donors? Peter’s Pence, explained.
Pope Francis celebrates 50 years as a priest Pope Francis wants the world to know about his Jesuit spiritual director
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In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I discuss the sudden cancellation of Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s beatification. We talk about why the beatification was postponed indefinitely, and Gerry explains what happened the last time a beatification was unexpectedly postponed. Pope Francis selected Cardinal Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle to head the Vatican’s Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples this weekend. The congregation, which handles evangelization in Africa, Asia and Oceania, is expected to be combined with the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, which has focused primarily on Europe. The merger, part of Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman curia, would make the evangelization office the Vatican’s preeminent office and mark a shift in priority from doctrine and discipline toward evangelization. On the podcast, Gerry and I talk about what Cardinal Tagle will bring to his new position. We end this episode with the heartwarming story of how Pope Francis visited with a young Argentinian boy who was dying of cancer throughout his last years, and how he granted the boy’s dying wish to be buried in the Vatican, near where his friend, the pope, will be buried. Links from the show: Pope Francis appoints Cardinal Tagle to head Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples Updated: Beatification for Archbishop Sheen postponed A boy dying of cancer wanted to be buried near Pope Francis. His wish came true.
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I recap the pope’s visit to Thailand and Japan, which Gerry believes is “one for the history books.” First up, in Thailand, the “land of smiles,” Pope Francis received a warm welcome. Gerry and I talk about the pope’s visits with his cousin and the leader of the nation’s Buddhists. Then, we look at the issues the pope hoped to bring to light: interreligious cooperation, migration, human trafficking, and giving Catholicism “a Thai face.” Then, the pope traveled to Japan, where he spoke about nuclear weapons at the sites of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Gerry walks us through the moving scenes in both places, and we discuss Francis’ deep personal connections to Japan. We’ll also talk about the pope’s intention to add the immorality of nuclear weapons to the Catechism of the Catholic Church. After returning to Rome, Pope Francis met with a group of U.S. bishops from Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and the bishops requested that the Vatican release its report on former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. We update you on when to expect that report. Finally, the pope visited the site of the first recreation of the Nativity scene to encourage Catholics to put up their crèche this Advent. Links from the show: What it means for Pope Francis to visit Thailand, a majority Buddhist country Pope Francis focuses on human trafficking, migration and religious harmony on a busy day in Thailand On last day in Thailand, Pope Francis tells missionaries to ‘give faith a Thai face and flesh’ On arrival in Japan, Francis recalls ‘the unique face’ of the Japanese church Pope Francis at Nagasaki and Hiroshima makes impassioned plea for peace and nuclear disarmament Pope Francis on the Vatican finance scandal and the dual threats of violence and nuclear power Pennsylvania, New Jersey bishops ask Vatican for McCarrick report Pope Francis, at site of first nativity scene, issues letter on the importance of the crèche
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This week the team at Inside the Vatican are sharing a new podcast from America Media. In “Plague,” America’s Michael O'Loughlin investigates stories of AIDS and the Catholic Church. The release of the first episode coincides with World AIDS Day. In this first episode, Mike tells the story of David Pais, whose journey exemplifies the experience of many gay Catholics who were personally affected by the AIDS epidemic in the early days. He describes the role his faith played helping him cope with his own diagnosis—and his struggle as he walked away from the church in anger. You can learn more about "Plague" at americamag.org/plague. You can find Mike on Twitter @mikeoloughlin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O'Connell speaks to Sebastian Gomes, who is filling in for Colleen Dulle. First, they discuss a possible papal trip to South Sudan. Second, they talk about the pope's confirmed trip in a few weeks to Japan and Thailand. Lastly, they talk about the meeting of the U.S. Bishops Conference which takes place this week, and the news that Bishop Jose Gomez will be the new president of the conference. The next episode of Inside the Vatican will be in December, when Gerry has returned from the papal trip. Show notes: Read more about the pope's desire to visit South Sudan here Read more about the pope's trip to Thailand and Japan here Read a profile of Bishop Jose Gomez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I explain the latest developments in the Vatican’s ongoing investigation into possible financial misconduct in the Vatican state department’s $200 million purchase of a building in an upscale London neighborhood. Cardinal Angelo Becciu was implicated in leaked documents about the deal, and this week denied any wrongdoing. Gerry and I cover what questions remain in the investigation. For our second story, the Jesuits celebrated 50 years of their Secretariat of Social Justice and Integral Ecology this week, marking 50 years since the order began implementing the Second Vatican Council’s preferential option for the poor. In the last five decades, 57 Jesuits have been killed while evangelizing on the margins of society. (Just a note: We mistakenly said 59 on the show and regret the error.) This week, Gerry and I examine the theme of martyrdom that has emerged repeatedly in recent weeks and how it relates to Pope Francis’ vision of evangelization. Finally, a group of U.S. bishops headed to Rome this week for their “ad limina” visits to the pope and the Roman curia. We talk about how those meetings have changed under Francis’ pontificate and what subjects the bishops are likely to address. Links from the show: Vatican official denies allegations of financial mismanagement From 2014: Were 'Hidden Funds' Really 'Discovered' in The Vatican?
America Special Topic: The Jesuit Martyrs of El Salvador Pope Francis recalls persecuted Christians during Mass in catacombs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Amazon synod is finally over after approving its final document of suggestions for Pope Francis. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I unpack that document, and we dive into the specifics of its suggestion that the church ordain married men to the priesthood. We also take a look at the synod’s call for additional research into women deacons. While Pope Francis’ commission to study women deacons previously focused on the role female deacons played in the early church, new calls from the synod are taking into account the urgent need for ministers in remote regions of the Amazon rainforest. In addition to the synod’s concrete proposals, we take a look at the larger themes of the document, like the bishops’ commitment to take the side of the poor in the Amazon region. Faced with rapid industrialization by little-regulated corporations and the deaths of indigenous leaders, are the region’s bishops ready to follow in the footsteps of the “new martyrs” of the Amazon? Links from the show: Bishop McElroy on the Amazon’s ecological crisis and what’s next for the women’s diaconate Synod votes to ordain married men, and to protect Amazon’s indigenous peoples and rainforests The cry of the poor is the hope of the church, Pope Francis says, closing Amazon Synod
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I devote the entire episode to the Amazon synod, which just entered its final week. First, we discuss some of the ideas that have been brought up in the synod hall, including the establishment of an Amazonian rite, a permanent human rights observatory in the region and Catholic university education for indigenous people. After taking a look at what has been discussed, we break down what will happen between now and the release of the synod’s final document this weekend. Then, we take you outside the synod hall and into two extra-synodal meetings: one with indigenous leaders speaking about the challenges they face, and another with bishops and synod auditors in a catacomb outside Rome. We unpack the famous 1965 Pact of the Catacombs and this updated version that was signed this weekend amid resistance to the synod, and we look at what these documents teach us about the evolution of the Latin American church since the Second Vatican Council. Links from the show: The Amazon synod is halfway over. Here’s what we know so far. Synod groups propose an Amazonian rite and new ministries for women Amazon Synod is a place of discernment that ‘must leave space for the Spirit’ Thieves steal wood carvings used at synod prayer and throw them in the river Synod members sign new pact in the Catacombs of Domitilla, pledge simplicity
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I update you on the resignation of the head of Vatican security, Commander Domenico Giani, who was nicknamed “the pope’s guardian angel.” Mr. Giani stepped down from his position after he was unable to identify who leaked Vatican security photos of the five employees who were suspended as part of a financial investigation last week. On the podcast, we explain why it was so important to Pope Francis that the source of this leak be identified, and who will replace Mr. Giani. Next up, the Amazon synod is in full swing, and it looks a little different from past synods: Lay auditors are sitting with bishops rather than in separate sections, and many bishops are wearing clerical suits instead of cassocks. Gerry describes the scene in the synod hall, and we talk about how the participants’ familiarity and level of comfort with one another has led to the synod taking on big ideas like women’s ministry, the possibility of ordaining married men and economic challenges early in its first week. Finally, Pope Francis canonized Cardinal John Henry Newman this week. He is England’s first saint born after 1800, and to mark the occasion, Charles, Prince of Wales, penned an op-ed in the Vatican’s newspaper. Gerry and I discuss why Cardinal Newman is such an important figure to Prince Charles and to England in the time of Brexit. Links from the show: Head of Vatican security resigns following news leak connected to internal financial investigation Pope Francis appoints cybersecurity expert to head Vatican Security Services Amazon Synod Weekly Roundup: Calls for ecological protection and new ministries for women Pope Francis canonizes five new saints, including John Henry Newman Cardinal Nichols on why John Henry Newman is ‘a patron saint for everyone’
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Last week, Vatican police raided five of the Vatican’s top offices as part of a financial investigation. On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I break down what we know and what questions remain about this raid—the first of its kind to have been made public by the Vatican. Next up, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Pope Francis delivered a strong message about loyalty to the pope to the 13 new cardinals the pope created this weekend. Gerry gives us some insights about how this message was received. Finally, the Synod on the Amazon is in full swing. Gerry explains the moving prayer service that kicked off the synod, and we unpack the direction Pope Francis has laid out for this meeting. We also talk about why women haven’t been allowed to vote in the synod, and whether that may change. Links from the show: Vatican police raid Secretariat of State and finance watchdog offices Vatican employees suspended as finance investigation continues Pope Francis creates 13 new cardinals, emphasizes the need for ‘compassion’ and ‘loyalty’ Pope Francis opens Amazon synod, says to ‘light the fire of the Gospel’ in the region As Amazon Synod begins, Pope Francis looks to proceed with a ‘pastoral heart’ Catholic sisters and nuns call for voting rights for women at the Amazon synod
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On this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I discuss our colleague James Martin, S.J.’s meeting with Pope Francis. It was the pair’s first extended conversation, though Pope Francis is familiar with Father Martin’s work and read his book on LGBT Catholics, Building a Bridge. Up next, the first new sculpture in 400 years was unveiled in St. Peter’s Square on September 29. Titled “Angels Unawares,” the bronze sculpture shows 140 migrants and refugees from different historical eras. We discuss the sculpture’s provenance and how it fits with Pope Francis’ priorities. Finally, Cardinal William Levada died last week. A former head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith a friend of Pope Benedict, we discuss Cardinal Levada’s legacy and how the college of cardinals looks different today than it did under Pope Benedict’s pontificate. Links from the show: Pope Francis meets with Father James Martin in private audience Pope Francis unveils new sculpture in St. Peter’s Square U.S. Cardinal William Levada, former head of C.D.F., dies in Rome
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I take a look at who has been invited to the synod on the Amazon region. Who decides who goes to a synod, and what kinds of people do they look for? We talk about several of the high-profile guests and the viewpoints they will bring to the synod hall next month. Next up, we examine some of the plans that the German bishops are making for a national “synodal journey,” a meeting of bishops and lay people that will cover challenging topics like power and authority in the church; sexual morality; the priesthood, including mandatory celibacy; and the role of women in the church, including the possibility of expanding their roles in ministry. Finally, Pope Francis addressed the United Nations summit by video this week, saying world leaders have not gone far enough to implement the Paris Agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change. We take a look at the particulars of Pope Francis’ stance on climate change and his encouragement of young climate activists. Links from the show: Vatican releases list of participants for Synod on the Amazon Why can’t women vote at the Synod on Young People? Vatican officials offer guidance for German church ‘synodal journey’ Pope Francis implores global community to do more on climate change
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I discuss new comments by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Arturo Sosa, about Pope Francis’ critics. “The attacks against Pope Francis in the church today,” Father Sosa said, are “a fight between those who want the church dreamed of by the Second Vatican Council and those who do not want this.” Next, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis-St. Paul has become the first bishop to be asked by the Vatican to investigate a fellow bishop according to new Vatican laws on sexual abuse investigations. Gerry and I explain why although at least one investigation has been ordered, the laws have a long way to go before they are fully implemented. Finally, we talk about Pope Francis’ recent dialogues with Eastern Catholic bishops, and what he means when he says that unity does not mean uniformity when it comes to the Eastern churches. We also explain, briefly, the differences between Eastern Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox Church, and unpack the significance of Pope Francis’ gift of relics of St. Peter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Links from the show: Father Sosa: Attacks against Pope Francis are aimed at influencing the next conclave Analysis: Why do some Catholics oppose Pope Francis? Minnesota archbishop opens sexual misconduct investigation into fellow bishop Pope urges Eastern Catholic bishops to promote ecumenism Pope Francis gives Orthodox patriarch relics of St. Peter
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This week’s “Inside the Vatican” is all about Pope Francis’ trip to sub-Saharan Africa. First, Gerry will give us some context on the three nations the pope visited: Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. What sets these nations apart? Then, we’ll talk about what Pope Francis’ goals were for this visit: what issues and people he wanted to highlight, and why. Finally, Gerry and I will unpack the pope’s comments about his critics aboard the papal plane. “I am honored when the Americans attack me,” Pope Francis said on the way to Mozambique. On the return trip, he addressed the possibility of a schism, saying “I am not afraid of schisms. I pray they do not happen.” Fresh off the papal flight, Gerry explains some of the context for these comments, and whether a schism may actually happen. Links from the show: Pope Francis to journalist: ‘I am honored that the Americans attack me.’ Pope Francis celebrates the fruits of peace in Mozambique The anti-poverty project Pope Francis will visit in Madagascar Pope Francis to Mozambicans: ‘You have a right to peace’ Pope Francis calls on Madagascar’s leaders to fight corruption, eliminate poverty and protect the environment Pope Francis tells Madagascar’s bishops: Be sowers of faith, hope and peace in this land of contradictions Pope Francis in Madagascar: We cannot remain indifferent. “Poverty is not inevitable!”: Pope Francis’ message to the young people of Madagascar 400 years after first Jesuits arrived, Pope Francis celebrates Mass in Mauritius Pope Francis praises diversity of Mauritius but encourages greater openness to migrants Pope Francis on plane: ‘I am not afraid of schisms. I pray they do not happen.’
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I update you on who Pope Francis has chosen to make cardinals next month. The surprise announcement came after the pope was stuck in an elevator for 25 minutes! In this episode, we break down who has been chosen for a red hat, and what these selections tell us about the pope’s priorities. Next, we talk about the fires that have raged in the Amazon rainforest and the tension that is growing between the Catholic church in Brazil and the Bolsonaro administration there. What is it about the Synod on the Amazon that makes the government so nervous? Finally, we’ll give you an update on the case of Cardinal George Pell, the Australian Cardinal found guilty of sexually abusing a child last year. His most recent appeal was rejected, but the Vatican’s investigation may continue for years. Links from the show: Pope to create 13 new cardinals in October, including three Jesuits Pope Francis rescued from trapped elevator by Vatican firefighters Pope Francis urges action to save burning Amazon rainforest Latin American bishops sound the alarm: “If the Amazon suffers, the world suffers” Vatican issues statement after Australian court dismisses Cardinal Pell’s appeal
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we’ll talk about the pope’s address to a group of theologians in Naples, which included a call for online learning opportunities for refugees who want to study theology. Then, we’ll update you on Cardinal Pell’s appeal case in Australia, and what awaits him after a decision is made. What effect will the civil court’s decision have on his church investigation? Next, we ask: What does the pope do on vacation? Finally, since it’s our last episode before our summer break, we’ll talk about some of the stories we’ll be keeping our eyes on over the next few months, including a visit by Vladimir Putin to Vatican City. Links from the show: Pope Francis to theologians in Naples: One cannot do theology without freedom Inside the Vatican examines Cardinal Pell’s mixed legacy
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This week on Inside the Vatican, we talk about the U.S. bishops’ new resolutions on sexual abuse. How does the USCCB compare to other bishops conferences around the world? Then, we take a look at a new document prepared for the synod on the Amazon region, that officially introduces the possibility of ordaining married men. What are the implications for the rest of the church? And, what other findings in the document might we have overlooked? Links: Vatican will discuss ordaining married men as priests in Amazon region U.S. bishops adopt new protocols for holding themselves accountable for sex abuse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I unpack a the most comprehensive Vatican document on gender identity yet. The document, which was released by the Congregation for Education, seeks to address what it calls “an educational crisis” surrounding sexuality and gender. Why is it so important? And what have transgender Catholics in the United States said about it? Then, we htalk about what’s on the table at the U.S. bishops’ meeting, happening this week. Does Rome pay attention to these national meetings? And what are they saying about sex abuse? Vatican issues new document criticizing ‘gender theory’ Listen to the L.G.B.T. person: a response to the Vatican’s gender theory document Bishops debate extent of lay involvement in sex abuse response
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Introducing the Jesuitical podcast from America Media. This week, while Colleen and Gerry are out, the Jesuitical hosts interview Hans Zollner, S.J. Father Zollner has dedicated his life to protecting children from the horrific crime of sexual abuse. A psychologist and Jesuit priest, he has guided the church’s efforts to bring healing to survivors and to prevent such abuse from happening again. Father Zollner meets regularly with survivors and as one of the organizers of the Vatican summit on sexual abuse in February helped to lift up their voices. To learn more about Jesuitical, visit www.Jesuiticalshow.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I discuss the first four women to be named to the Vatican’s office for synods. We talk about who these women are, how women’s involvement in Vatican leadership is changing, and what positions may be opened to women next. Then, we unpack the most recent developments in the case of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. After the Archdiocese of New York found credible accusations that McCarrick had abused a minor, heated debate began over who knew what when about McCarrick’s misconduct. Correspondence leaked this week by McCarrick’s former secretary complicate the story, so on this episode, Gerry and I parse what we now know about each of the last three popes’ awareness of McCarrick’s case. Finally, the pope is traveling to Romania this weekend. Gerry tells us briefly what to expect. Links from the show: October 2018: Why can’t women vote at the Synod on Young People?
Reuters: Pope names women to key Vatican department for first time
Former secretary says officials knew McCarrick’s ministry was restricted In Mexican TV interview, Pope Francis denies knowing of McCarrick restrictions Pope Francis is visiting Romania. Here’s what to expect.
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I unpack a recent confrontation between the Italian bishops and the pope, which came after the bishops failed to implement the pope’s 2015 annulment reforms. We talk about what those reforms were, and what this tells us about the way the Vatican is able to enforce change. Then, we talk economics. Whenever Pope Francis discusses the economy, it sets off cries that the pope is a socialist or a communist. So this week, we ask: Is the pope a socialist? What is his vision for the economy? Finally, we dig into the pope’s comments to journalists about fake news, freedom of the press, and why he thinks women make good reporters. Congratulations to Jeff Johnson, the winner of our raffle of Gerry’s book, “The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave that Changed History.” Links from the show: Inside the Vatican: A brief explanation of the Vatican-China deal
Pope Francis recognizes Chinese bishops ordained without papal approval Pope Francis asks Italian bishops finally to implement marriage tribunal reforms Pope Francis invites young people to pledge to build a new economy Pope Francis tells the press: ‘The church is on your side,’ denounces fake news
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I explain why the papal almoner climbed down a manhole this weekend to illegally restore electricity to 450 homeless people squatting in a building in Rome. We also explain who the papal almoner is, and how the job has changed under Pope Francis. Last week, the pope met with the group of women religious who first asked him about ordaining women to the diaconate in 2016. We talk through what he told them, then take a step back to consider how things have changed for women religious at the Vatican in recent years. Finally, the Vatican issued new universal guidelines on how to handle sexual abuse. Included in the new laws are mandatory reporting requirements for all priests and religious, and new provisions for holding bishops accountable for abuse and cover up. Gerry and I talk through some of the key points and what to expect next. Next week, we’ll be raffling off one copy of Gerry’s book, “The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave that Changed History.” You can enter to win by leaving a review of “Inside the Vatican” on iTunes. Then, email us at insidethevatican@americamedia.org and tell us what name you used to leave your review. Links from the show: Pope Francis authorizes the organization of pilgrimages to Medjugorje
Pope Francis’ almsgiver restores power (illegally) to homeless shelter in Italy
Pope Francis tells women religious church cannot alter revelation on women’s diaconate
Cindy Wooden: Holy boldness: Profile of women religious rising at Vatican
Pope Francis issues new rules for accountability and response to allegations of sexual abuse
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I talk about three stories from Pope Francis’ trip to Bulgaria and North Macedonia. We’ll talk about what he did on that trip, as well as two stories he commented on during a press conference aboard the papal plane. The first of those is the death of “living saint” Jean Vanier, who founded L’arche, the communities where people with abilities and disabilities live together. I ask Gerry about the pope’s relationship to Mr. Vanier and more. Next, we talk about why Pope Francis visited North Macedonia and Bulgaria, where there are tiny Roman Catholic minorities. Gerry explains the tensions between the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church, and how far the ecumenical relations have come in the last few decades. And finally, we speak about the breaking news on the question of women deacons. Why hasn’t the Study Commission on the Women's Diaconate reached any conclusions? What, if anything, do they agree on? This episode was brought to you by the documentary “Hesburgh,” available nationwide April 26. Learn more at hesburghfilm.com. Links: Jean Vanier, ‘living saint’ who ministered to people with disabilities, dies at 90An interview with Jean VanierPope Francis meets with Bulgarian Orthodox Patriarch NeofitPope Francis celebrates first Communion with 245 children in BulgariaPope Francis ends visit to Bulgaria, urging its religious leaders to work for peaceIn North Macedonia, Pope Francis encourages peace, prays at Mother Teresa memorialPope Francis makes history in North MacedoniaPope Francis says commission on women deacons did not reach agreement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I update you on the situation in Sri Lanka following a series of explosions in churches and hotels there on Easter Sunday. Then, we’ll talk about the new editorial board of Women Church World. Will the new editor in charge have more freedom? And finally, we’ll talk through some big reforms Pope Francis has planned for the Roman Curia. What is a super dicastery and what does it tell us about the pope's priorities? This episode was brought to you by the documentary “Hesburgh,” available nationwide April 26. Learn more at hesburghfilm.com. Links: Rural Catholic church defies Sri Lanka threats and holds Mass Vatican newspaper appoints new editorial board for women's magazine Big changes to the Vatican’s Roman Curia are coming Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I talk briefly about the horrific fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Then, we’ll update you on Pope Francis kissing the feet of South Sudanese leaders, and the importance of gestures like this one. We’ll also talk about a new letter from Pope Emeritus Benedict that addressed the sexual abuse crisis. We go through some of the questions that journalists are raising about the circumstances under which the letter was written and distributed. Finally, I ask Gerry to share one of my favorite stories from his new book on the conclave that elected Pope Francis. This episode was brought to you by the documentary “Hesburgh,” available nationwide April 26. Learn more at hesburghfilm.com. Links: Father James Martin: Where was God when Notre Dame was in flames? Grieving the fire of Notre Dame during Holy Week Watch: Pope Francis kisses the feet of South Sudan leaders to beg for peace Pope Benedict’s letter on sex abuse is not an attack on Francis (or Vatican II) Exclusive: Inside the election of Pope Francis Gerry's book: Buy from Orbis Books | Buy on Amazon
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and I update you on Cardinal Sarah’s recent comments on migrants, which strike a different tone from what we’ve come to expect from Pope Francis. We also discuss why Pope Francis prefers to have advisors who disagree with him on some issues. Then, Gerry and I will tell you about an international human rights delegation that visited the Vatican asking for support for the decriminalization of homosexuality. It’s not clear if the Holy See will meet the delegation’s request for an official document supporting the decriminalization, but we’ll examine one case in which Pope Francis may have advocated for just that. Plus, we’ll take a look at what it means for the Vatican to begin a dialogue with this delegation. Our final story is about an ecumenical retreat—possibly the first of its kind—being held at the Vatican this week for the opposing political and ecclesial leaders of South Sudan. We’ll talk about what’s happening at the retreat, and what impact Pope Francis and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, hope it will have on peace efforts in South Sudan. We wrap up the show with a discussion of why the Vatican chose to pursue what seems like a diplomatic goal through a religious retreat. Links: Human rights delegation seeks Vatican support for the decriminalization of homosexuality South Sudan’s political and religious leaders to begin a retreat at the Vatican in effort for peace
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and I take a look at the joint appeal Pope Francis signed with King Mohammed VI of Morocco to keep the city of Jerusalem and its holy sites open to people of all faiths. Then, we unpack some of our main takeaways from Pope Francis’ new apostolic exhortation on young people, “Christus Vivit.” We’ll also look at some criticism of the document and discuss the importance of looking at the entirety of documents like this one, rather than skipping over the spiritual insights and focusing solely on controversial issues. Links from the show: Pope Francis and Moroccan king sign appeal urging that Jerusalem remain open to all faiths Pope Francis urges young people not to abandon the church Young Catholics aren’t the church of the future—they’re the church of now. And you can see Gerry get a birthday cake from the pope here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the last episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry O’Connell and I brought you an interview with Lucetta Scaraffia, the editor of Women Church World, a monthly magazine that comes out with the Vatican’s daily newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. On Tuesday, March 26, she and the entire staff of Women Church World resigned in protest of what they saw as attempts by the new editor of the Osservatore Romano to undermine their publication. So this week, Gerry and I take a look at why Ms. Scaraffia resigned, and what she accomplished as editor. Last week, America Magazine also published the exclusive first excerpt from Gerry’s forthcoming book, “The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave That Changed History.” The excerpt we published provides the ballot counts from the first round of voting, and you’ll have to pick up the book to learn what happened at the rest of the conclave. Now, what happens in a conclave is super secret stuff, and Gerry’s book is the first definitive historical record of what happened in the 2013 conclave. So on this week’s episode, Gerry and I talk about his method and what surprised him in his research, and then we examine the way people have reacted to these secrets being published—and what role the Holy Spirit has in all of this. Links for show notes Founder, board of Vatican women’s magazine quit Analysis: Are women’s voices being silenced at the Vatican? Exclusive: Inside the election of Pope Francis The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Account of the Conclave That Changed History (Buy from Amazon | Buy from Orbis Books)
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Gerry’s out this week, so instead of following our usual format, this week we’re breaking out of the weekly news cycle to bring you an interview about a slow change that’s beginning for some really important people in the Vatican: Women. Lucetta Scaraffia is the editor of Women Church World. Women Church World is the monthly magazine that comes as an insert in the Vatican’s newspaper. Gerry and I met Lucetta when I was in Rome for the abuse summit. Since Lucetta doesn’t speak English and I don’t speak Italian, we chatted in French, our only common language. You’ll be hearing a dubbed version of our conversation. As promised, if you want to learn more about voting at the synods and women's involvement, check out the links below, specifically: "Why can't women vote at the Synod on Young People?" Links:
Women Church World (Donne Chiesa Mondo) The (almost) free work of sisters A manifesto for women in the church Why can’t women vote at the Synod on Young People? Pope Francis on Yemen, Venezuela and the abuse of nuns by clergy
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This week, we’ll update you on Cardinal Pell and several other high-profile cases of abuse. We’ll also talk about Pope Francis’ sixth anniversary as pope. Cardinal Pell was sentenced to six years in prison. He’ll be eligible for parole in three years and eight months, and he plans to appeal the ruling altogether in June. We'll look at his legacy as a reformer of Vatican finances as well as his recent conviction. We'll also look at several new cases that might show us how authorities inside and outside of the Church are holding bishops accountable for the sex abuse scandal. Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected Pope on March 13, 2013. In our final story, Gerry and I will look back on the impact Francis has made in his six years as Pope. Links: Cardinal Pell is sentenced to 6 years in prison for child sex abuse Two Baltimore bishops removed from ministry over allegations of sexual harassment The good, the bad and the merciful: Pope Francis after six years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry O’Connell and I update you on what has been happening since the sexual abuse summit. First, we take a look at the handbook that the Vatican is putting together on how to handle cases of sexual abuse, and how to put the proper structures in place in each diocese. Gerry and I also examine why Pope Francis is opting for a slower pace of reform—and whether this route can be more effective in the long run in preventing the abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. Just after the abuse summit, an Australian court’s gag order was lifted, revealing that Cardinal George Pell had been found guilty of sexual abuse. He now waits in prison until his appeal is heard in June. Meanwhile, the Vatican has opened a canonical investigation of Cardinal Pell. I ask Gerry what it means if the Vatican’s trial reaches a different verdict than the civil trial. Finally, Pope Francis has opened the Vatican’s secret archives on Pope Pius XII. Gerry explains what these archives contain and why it took so long for these documents to be made available to researchers. Read more: The Vatican summit on the protection of minors is over. What’s next? Vatican to open canonical investigation into Cardinal Pell, now in Australian prison Pope Francis will open the secret archives on Pope Pius XII
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We talk a lot on this show about the church’s sexual abuse crisis, and while Gerry and I try to break down what’s new, we don’t often get to talk about the problems that are at the root of this scandal—or how hearing these stories over and over affects our own faith. Thankfully, there’s a new podcast from America Media that explores all of these questions. It’s called “Deliver Us.” Its host, Maggi Van Dorn, is a young Catholic reckoning with the abuse crisis. She interviews abuse survivors, experts and regular Catholics about how the church got so broken, and whether it can be fixed. So this week, instead of our usual Vatican news, we’re bringing you a special look behind the church’s sexual abuse crisis with episode one of Deliver Us. We’ll be back with more Vatican news next week. For more information and to subscribe to "Deliver Us" visit: http://deliveruspodcast.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican” Gerry and I are in Rome covering the sexual abuse summit. So this week’s episode might sound a little different—you’ll hear the sounds of Rome, and some of the interviews that Gerry and I have been doing while we’re here. We’ll talk about the surprises that came out of Pope Francis’ opening address to the summit, what happened on Thursday and what we can expect from the rest of the summit. Learn More: Pope Francis presents 21-point “road map” to guide discussion at abuse summit Cardinal Tagle at abuse summit: How do we balance justice and forgiveness? Pope Francis at abuse summit opening: “Listen to the cry of the little ones” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Inside the Vatican, we’ll fill you in on Cardinal Muller’s recent manifesto, along with updates on the McCarrick case, preparations for next week’s summit on sexual abuse, and information on a bombshell book that threatens to overshadow that summit. “In the Closet of the Vatican” is a salacious new 571-page book that’s expected to be released on the first day of the Vatican’s summit on sexual abuse and the protection of minors. It’s by a French journalist, Frederic Martel, who claims that he’s interviewed hundreds of sources in and around the Vatican to reveal which Vatican officials are gay and have active sex lives, and are doing scandalous things like hiring male prostitutes. The release of the book on the first day of the sexual abuse summit threatens to conflate the issue of gay priests with that of the abuse of children. So this week, we’ll look at the ethics of writing a book like this, as well as the intentions behind it. Read more: Deliver Us podcast Explainer: Former Cardinal McCarrick faces laicization. What does that mean? Cardinal Muller warns against being silent about Catholic faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week, Pope Francis visited Abu Dhabi to meet with religious leaders at the Global Inter-Religious Meeting on Human Fraternity, a conference aimed at combating religious extremism. Where the pope chooses to visit will always be significant. But what makes this trip different from, say, his trip to Panama that we talked about in the last episode of “Inside the Vatican,” is that this is the first time a pope has visited the Arabian Peninsula. And by all accounts, it seems to have been a success. Gerry told me this week, “I think it’s difficult to convey the long-term consequences that could emerge from this visit.” On the show, we’ll get into some of the potential consequences of the pope’s work to facilitate interfaith dialogue between Catholics and Muslims, as well as his call for full citizenship protections for the United Arab Emirates’ eight million Christian migrant workers. We’ll also examine whether the pope’s more critical approach to the U.A.E.’s involvement in Yemen’s brutal civil war signifies a shift in his general diplomatic strategy. Links: Preview: Francis makes first-ever papal visit to Arabian Peninsula Before arriving in U.A.E., pope challenges his hosts to help end Yemen crisis Why Pope Francis is traveling to ‘the heartland of the Muslim world’ Pope Francis to world’s religious leaders: We build the future together or there will be no future Pope Francis leads largest ever Christian act of worship in the Arabian Peninsula Pope Francis on Yemen, Venezuela and the abuse of nuns by clergy
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Whenever Pope Francis goes on a trip somewhere around the world, he usually invites journalists to join him on the papal plane, and he’ll spend a few minutes taking questions from them. Pretty much every subject is on the table, and some of the pope’s most famous quotes have come from these impromptu press conferences—like his “Who am I to judge” comment about gay priests. But since he’s speaking off the cuff, it’s often up to journalists on board the plane, like Gerry, to translate his comments, give them context and sort out what they mean. So we’re spending our episode this week unpacking a couple of the pope’s comments from his flight back from Panama: one about married priests and the other about the situation in Venezuela. Links from the show: Pope Francis on Venezuela, Married Priests, and the Sex Abuse Summit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican” we look at why the Vatican seems to be lowering expectations for its upcoming international summit on sexual abuse. Then, we talk about World Youth Day, which is being held in Panama this week. Gerry has covered every World Youth Day since the inaugural one in 1985, and he explains how the young people at this event have had a significant impact on their bishops, and even on popes. We also look at how Pope Francis is empowering young people and local churches by decentralizing the Vatican’s power. Links from the show: Inside the Vatican: Will the Vatican’s summit on sexual abuse make a difference? Vatican lowers expectations ahead of February’s sex abuse summit Pope Francis heads to Panama for World Youth Day
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we explore the topic of women deacons. We feature some clips from America’s exclusive interview with two members of the Vatican’s commission to research women deacons in the early church. Then, Rome correspondent Gerry O’Connell and I unpack what Pope Francis might do next with the commission's research. In the second half of the show, we look at three recent developments in the case of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, whose alleged sexual abuse is being investigated by the Vatican. We update you on the progress of that investigation, and discuss the latest letter from Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò asking Archbishop McCarrick to repent of his crimes. Finally, we re-examine the question of who knew what when about Archbishop McCarrick in light of the news that Cardinal Donald Wuerl reported Archbishop McCarrick’s misconduct with seminarians to the Vatican in 2004. Explore these stories: Full video interview with Phyllis Zagano and Bernard Pottier, S.J. Special Topic: Women deacons Viganò begs McCarrick to repent as abuse verdict nears
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As 2019 begins, all eyes in the Vatican are turned towards the upcoming summit on sexual abuse, and recent weeks have brought a number of stories that reveal how Pope Francis aims to lead the church on this issue. First, the Vatican confirmed this past weekend that it is investigating a third accusation of abuse against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Gerry O’Connell and I look at how—and why—the Vatican is expediting that investigation. Next, we examine the American bishops’ retreat, which they held at the behest of Pope Francis. The pope sent the Vatican’s top preacher, along with a personal letter to guide the retreatants in their reflection. Finally, Gerry and I look at the resignation of the director and deputy director of the Vatican’s press office, and what challenges the interim director will face as he coordinates media coverage of February’s summit on sexual abuse. Read more: Will the Vatican’s summit on sexual abuse make a difference? The Vatican may be deciding fate of former Cardinal McCarrick Pope Francis to U.S. bishops on retreat: Abuse crisis requires conversion and humility Director and deputy director of Vatican press office resign on last day of 2018
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This week before “Inside the Vatican” goes on break, we are giving you a round-up of this year’s top Vatican news—and digging into the questions that remain about these stories going into the new year. We examine whether Pope Francis’ document on holiness “Gaudete et Exsultate” has had an impact beyond its short appearance in the news cycle. We also look at the open questions from this year’s sexual abuse scandals in both the United States in Chile—and ask when those questions might finally be answered. We also cover whether worrying developments in China will affect this year’s major provisional deal between the Vatican and the People’s Republic, and we discuss how the Vatican plans to follow up on the Synod on Young People. Gerry and I also share some the stories we wish had gotten more attention in 2018. “Inside the Vatican” will be on a Christmas break until Jan. 8. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the entire team! Read more: America Special Topics: “Gaudete et Exsultate” America Special Topics: Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church The Extremely High Stakes of the China-Vatican Deal What you need to know about the 2018 Synod on Young People Overlooked stories of 2018: Who is Madeleine Delbrêl—the “French Dorothy Day” Pope Francis made venerable this weekend? Surprise! Pope Francis makes several impromptu visits
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we look at Pope Francis’ recent comments about homosexuality and religious life. His new book on consecrated life, “The Strength of a Vocation,” is based on a long interview and Pope Francis has a number of quotations that have made headlines around the world. “The issue of homosexuality is a very serious issue that we need to adequately discern right from the start with the candidates, if that’s the case,” Pope Francis said. “In consecrated life and in priestly life, there is no room for this type of affection. For this reason, the Church recommends that people with this ingrained tendency not be accepted into the ministry or into consecrated life. Their place is not in ministry or in consecrated life.” He ends the brief section by urging gay consecrated people to live their vows of celibacy. On this week’s episode, we look at these comments in the context of the pope’s other famous comment on gay priests: “Who am I to judge?” We examine what Pope Francis’ pastoral history with gay and lesbian people can tell us about the intentions behind these new comments. Read more: Understanding Pope Francis’ controversial remarks on homosexuality in the priesthood Read full show notes
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This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we take a look at the newly announced committee that will plan the Vatican’s upcoming, high-stakes summit on sexual abuse. One committee member, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of India, told Crux in October that the meeting “will be successful, or it will be a disaster for the Church.” So, can it succeed in creating lasting change? In this week’s episode, we try to answer that question by looking at the plans for the meeting. It will have a structure similar to the last synod, with listening sessions, work in language groups and involvement from lay people and religious. In addition, bishops will listen to speeches by survivors of sexual abuse and participate in a penitential liturgy with them. The goal, committee member Archbishop Charles Scicluna told Gerry, is to get the bishops “on the same page” with Pope Francis about sexual abuse. The real change, we conclude, will depend on how the bishops decide to follow through after the summit ends. Read more: Exclusive: Archbishop Scicluna says February meeting start of ‘global approach’ to fighting sex abuse Pope Francis summons the world’s top bishops for sexual abuse prevention summit
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Full show notes and related articles: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/11/21/has-catholic-infighting-gotten-worse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full show notes and related articles: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/11/14/whats-behind-stalled-us-bishops-vote-sex-abuse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For full show notes and links, visit: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/11/07/nuncio-reported-mccarrick-he-became-dc-archbishop-new-book-confirms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” America’s new Vatican news explainer podcast, producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell unpack the final document from the Synod on Young People. The main takeaway from the synod, Gerry says, is the method of listening, discussing and discerning that Pope Francis established. Now it’s up to dioceses to continue dialoguing with young people on a local level. The hosts also look behind the headlines of Pope Francis’ puzzling comments about abuse accusations being a form of persecution. Was the pope referring to legitimate accusations of sexual abuse, or something else entirely? Read more: Youth synod final document urges ‘accompaniment,’ endorses women in church leadership Pope Francis concludes synod by condemning ‘the continuous accusations to smear the church.’ Read our full coverage of the synod here: What you need to know about the 2018 Synod on Young People
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In the first episode of Inside the Vatican, producer Colleen Dulle and Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell give an update on the Synod on Young People, Archbishop Viganò's third letter and relations between the Holy See and North and South Korea. Read more about the Synod on Young People: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/10/04/what-you-need-know-about-2018-synod-young-people Read more on Archbishop Viganò's letter: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/10/19/third-letter-vigano-repeats-accusations-offers-no-new-evidence-mccarrick-case Read more on Pope Francis' meeting with President Moon: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2018/10/18/pope-francis-expresses-willingness-visit-north-korea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell. They'll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. Colleen and Gerard will give you the inside scoop on what people inside the Vatican are thinking, saying—and planning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices