

Can a Pope shape his legacy?
Apr 30, 2025
Guest
Aaron Burnett
Guest
Hannah Lucinda Smith
Guest
Shanti Harmain
Guest
Charles Hecker

Guest
Nina dos Santos
Join Nina Dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent, and Charles Hecker, political risk analyst and author, along with Shanti Harmain, an Indonesian film producer; Hannah Lucinda-Smith, Monocle's Istanbul correspondent; and Aaron Burnett, a Senior Fellow in Berlin. They discuss whether a Pope can truly shape his legacy amidst the upcoming conclave, explore the tumultuous first 100 days of Trump’s second presidency, and delve into geopolitical nuances affecting Syria and Canada’s climate policies. It’s a riveting conversation on legacy, change, and cultural evolution!
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Episode notes
Trump’s Unwavering Mandate
- Donald Trump's second term progresses with a bold, controversial agenda and diminishing protests.
- His administration's crackdown on immigration and economic policies are likely to intensify further.
Chaos and Weak Opposition in US
- American politics is engulfed in chaos with weakened traditional checks on presidential power.
- Opposition lacks coherent strategy, leaving protests largely ineffective against Trump's agenda.
Papal Conclave’s Renewal Role
- Papal conclaves focus on renewing the Church’s identity, not mere succession.
- Pope Francis broadened the College of Cardinals globally, making the next election unpredictable.