“What weight do we give to the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Apostles?” In the second episode of our Merely Catholic podcast series Dr Gavin Ashenden talks to Cardinal George Pell about dangers inherent in conforming to contemporary fads and ideologies. Bishops presiding over the German Synodal Path would be embarking on an “absolutely disastrous” experiment if they succumbed to the temptation to water down the faith and accept secular mores in its place, says the distinguished Australian cardinal. Such bishops are “facing in the wrong direction”, Cardinal Pell asserts, and he predicts the intervention of the Pope.

“When they came to Jesus, they saw he was already dead, and so instead of breaking his legs one of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance; and immediately there came out blood and water.” With these words, St John, a witness to the crucifixion, describes the effusion from the side of Jesus Christ on the first Good Friday. In this inaugural episode of Merely Catholic our presenter Dr Gavin Ashenden speaks to the Reverend Professor Patrick Pullicino, a former consultant neurologist and now a Catholic priest, about a fascinating theory which might explain medically what happened that day. Produced and edited by Nick Hilton for Podot.

For the best spirited thinking on religious affairs today, join Gavin Ashenden and his guest on the Catholic Herald's podcast Merely Catholic. Every week we will reflect on what's happening in the Christian world and shed some light on the most important cultural, spiritual and moral issues of the day. Hit that subscribe button wherever you listen to your podcasts!