On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Kelly Ryan, the president of Jesuit Refugee Service USA, about her 30 years of experience working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in light of a second Trump administration. A two-time U.S. presidential political appointee, Kelly has also worked extensively with faith-based organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See.

Zac, Ashley and Kelly discuss:

- The origins of Jesuit Refugee Service, from its founding in 1980 by Pedro Arrupe, S.J., to assist refugees, especially those fleeing the Vietnam War

- Challenges at the U.S. southern border, including the dangerous journeys many migrants make and the difficulties in processing their asylum claims

- Concern about potential changes to refugee admissions and deportation policies under the incoming Trump administration

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Pope Francis’ autobiography Hope, which features critical reflections about his rowdy youth and staunch defenses of his most controversial moves; plus they chat about the 2025 College Football National Championship between the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University, including some words on Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s current coach, a Catholic convert—and a former Buckeye.

Links for further reading:

Opening doors at Advent and all year long: How J.R.S. responds to the plight of refugees

Pope Francis acknowledges mistakes and defends most controversial decisions in new autobiography

Notre Dame story

Father Pedro Arrupe: a controversial Jesuit’s bumpy path to sainthood

A Jesuit border priest on Trump and the plight of migrants

109th World Day of Refugees and Migrants Message from Pope Francis

Jesuit Refugee Service

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