The Catholic Herald Podcast: Merely Catholic with Gavin Ashenden

Edward Pentin, an esteemed English Catholic journalist and veteran Rome correspondent, delves into the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV. He analyzes the historical significance of the papal conclave and the character of the new pope, emphasizing his potential impact on church unity. The discussion also navigates the complexities of ideological balance in Catholic leadership and examines current challenges, including synodality. Pentin shares insights on the new pope's hopes for stability while reflecting on past lessons in leadership.

The award winning former Catholic Herald editor William Cash joins Dr Gavin Ashenden from Rome to discuss the forthcoming conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis in this 100th Merely Catholic podcast. They discuss how Francis came to be elected, reflect on the invisible machinations already under way to choose the next pope, and they consider several of those members of the College of Cardinals who are drawing attention from the world’s media because they are “papabile”, or worthy to hold the papal office. Our sponsor: https://thomasmorecollege.edu/

Journalist and author Simon Caldwell returns to Merely Catholic to discuss his new thriller, Lady Mabel’s Gold, with Dr Gavin Ashenden in this 99th episode. A standalone sequel to The Beast of Bethulia Park, the author’s 2022 debut, Lady Mabel’s Gold has been praised by former Catholic Herald editor William Cash as a “truly original novel with excellent writing, clever plot twists and a cast of memorable characters which put Caldwell at the front rank of Catholic novelists today”. Dr Ashenden talks to Caldwell about his characters, themes and inspirations and both read from the book for the first time publicly. https://www.gracewing.co.uk/page416.html

Tim Dieppe, the head of public policy at Christian Concern, joins Dr Gavin Ashenden for this 97th episode of Merely Catholic, the podcast series for the Catholic Herald, to discuss his new book, The Challenge of Islam. This book discusses the increasing influence of Islam in the UK and how non-Muslims might respond. Chapters include: “Is Islam a Religion of Peace?”, “Is Islam Antisemitic?”, “What's wrong with Multiculturalism?”, and “What’s wrong with Islamic Finance?” The book concludes with some policy proposals that would make a difference. In their conversation, Mr Dieppe and Dr Ashenden also confront the theological question of whether Allah is the same as the God of the Bible.

Conservative Party peer Lord (Nigel) Biggar CBE, the Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and an Anglican priest, joins Dr Gavin Ashenden for this 96th episode of Merely Catholic, the podcast series for the Catholic Herald. Lord Biggar, an Oxford-educated historian and author of the 2023 book Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning, reflects on the plan by the Church of England to pay £100 million in reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade following criticism in a new report for Policy Exchange that such policies are based on a defective process which “embedded activism rather than balance”. He gives Dr Ashenden a more nuanced account of the British Empire and its expansion and of the conduct of several of the important figures involved in its creation.

Rod Dreher’s close friendship with U.S. Vice President JD Vance is the subject of this 96th episode of Merely Catholic, the podcast series for the Catholic Herald. He and Dr Gavin Ashenden discuss Mr Vance’s shocking accusation in a landmark speech at the Munich that the greatest threat to European security is not posed by Russia or China but by the European elites, and the extent to which Europe is “changing sides” with its ideological opponents of the Cold War. An American author who now lives in Budapest, Hungary, Mr Dreher is perhaps best known for The Benedict Option, his 2017 book about how Christians might prepare themselves for a new dark age. It was one of three New York Times best-sellers, with Live Not By Lies and The Little Way of Ruthie Leming. His latest book, Living in Wonder: Finding Mystery and Meaning in a Secular Age, was published last year. Our sponsor: thomasmorecollege.edu

The rapid promotion by Pope Francis of Cardinal Robert McElroy as the new Archbishop of Washington DC has astonished many within the Catholic Church. Mark Lambert, the author of a popular blog called De Omnibus Dubitandum Est and a regular on the Catholic Unscripted YouTube channel, joins Dr Gavin Ashenden for this 95th episode of Merely Catholic to analyse what might lie behind the motivations of the Holy See in choosing Cardinal McElroy to lead such an important see, placing the appointment in the context of the crises currently afflicting the Catholic Church and western civilisation more generally.

Dr. Calum Miller, a pro-life advocate and researcher at the University of Oxford, shares his transformative journey from a liberal Christian background to a staunch pro-life stance. He discusses the ethical complexities of abortion, foetal sentience, and the societal ramifications of euthanasia. Miller emphasizes the importance of compassion and genuine debate surrounding these issues, while challenging societal labels and norms. His insights reflect a deep concern for vulnerable individuals and a commitment to navigating the intricate moral landscape of modern medicine.

Join Canon George Conger, an Episcopalian clergyman and journalist with a keen eye on Anglican affairs, as he evaluates Justin Welby’s tumultuous time as Archbishop of Canterbury. The conversation delves into the crisis of leadership within the Episcopal Church, tackling issues of accountability and declining moral authority. Conger critiques bureaucratic challenges and the disconnect from community needs, while shedding light on the Save the Parish movement. Explore the evolving criteria for church leadership and what it means for the future of Anglicanism.

Karen Anstiss, a former police officer and service manager at Caritas Bakhita House, sheds light on the harrowing realities of sex trafficking. She discusses how vulnerable individuals can fall prey to exploitation, often manipulated into captivity. Anstiss emphasizes the Catholic Church's vital role in supporting survivors, offering insights into the emotional journey from law enforcement to advocacy. She highlights the resilience of women in recovery and calls for community vigilance to combat modern slavery, urging listeners to recognize and respond to signs of exploitation.