The Pillar Podcast Ep. 235: Maybe it isn’t all signaling?
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Oct 31, 2025 JD and Ed delve into Pope Leo XIV's unique challenges, discussing how his past influences his role as a global leader. They weigh the pros and cons of fame versus anonymity, considering the overwhelming nature of papal responsibilities. The conversation also covers the practical limits of curial roles and financial strains on the Holy See. Cultural differences in American and Spanish parishes are examined, revealing how consumerism shapes Catholic participation. The hosts navigate these themes with wit and insight, exploring the complexities of modern church life.
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Wealth Versus Visibility Tradeoff
- JD and Ed explore how sudden wealth or fame forces choices between anonymity and public influence.
- Both prefer using resources to do good while managing exposure differently.
From Obscurity To Global Figure
- JD maps Pope Leo XIV's rapid career shift from relative obscurity to global figure.
- He stresses how dramatic changes in public profile affect a person's experience of the office.
Fame Restructures Daily Life
- JD argues screening calls and constant requests remake daily life for a new pope.
- He suggests that the personal burden of fame can explain papal behavior and pacing.
