The Pillar Podcast

Join Luke Coppin, a contributing writer at The Pillar, and Edgar Beltran, the Rome correspondent, as they dive deep into the implications of Pope Leo XIV's election. They discuss the historical significance of having the first American pope, highlighting shifting church dynamics and the impact on U.S.-Vatican relations. The duo also reflects on Leo XIV's inaugural address, emphasizing themes of peace and the potential for synodality. With a possible new communication style, they speculate on future reforms and challenges ahead for the Church.

The Pillar team will go live on Substack soon after the papal election. Don’t miss it! JD and Ed talk about the Mass for the Election of a Pontiff, which took place right before the conclave. They talk about the shifting papacy and what they think could characterize the next conclave.Then, they both give their head check, heart check and gut check on who will emerge as pope.This episode is sponsored by the MBA program at the University of Mary.Gain the confidence of an executive, the insight of a specialist, and the integrity to be a champion for the common good.Pillar paid subscribers receive an exclusive $10,000 scholarship.Apply today at pillar.umary.edu This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comEd is joined by The Pillar’s Rome Correspondent Edgar Beltrán to give the lay of the land, with 24 hours until the start of the conclave.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHavi…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD is joined by The Pillar’s Senior Correspondent Luke Coppen to talk about Luke’s experience covering the past two conclaves as a journalist, and the fluctuating situation before the conclave begins on Wednesday.Then, they share their personal cardinal picks.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right co…

Ed fills JD in on the leading candidates ahead of next week’s conclave— including Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Then, they discuss questions surrounding the candidacy of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost.This episode is sponsored by the Friends of Fr. Eric Seitz, a private association of the Christian faithful dedicated to establishing and maintaining friendship with the Vice Chancellor, Secretary to the Bishop and Master of Ceremonies, and CUA Canon Law Student for the Diocese of Fargo, ND. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

JD and Ed are joined by Rome Correspondent Edgar Beltrán to share what they have heard cardinals are looking for in the next pope.Then, they reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis.This episode is sponsored by the family of Dominic, a toddler with a rare genetic disease called pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN).Please pray for Dominic, through the intercession of Venerable Rose Hawthorne.And support the Loving Loic Foundation today, by visiting lovingloic.org-Image credit: Vatican Media. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comJD and Ed talk about backlash against the decision to hold the first general congregation of the College of Cardinals so soon after the death of Pope Francis. They also talk about Francis’ last will and testament. Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged i…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comPope Francis has died at the age of 88. JD and Ed react to the news and give some initial reflections on the pope’s legacy.Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Lis…

JD and Ed will record several bonus episodes of The Pillar Podcast as they travel to Rome to cover the funeral of Pope Francis and a conclave. These bonus episodes are available only to our paid subscribers. If you are a paying subscriber and you want to access these bonus episodes, here is what you need to do. For Apple Podcasts— or any podcast app that is not Spotify* Open a browser on your phone. * Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen* Make sure you are signed into your Substack account by looking at the top right corner of the browser. If you see “Subscribe” or “Sign in”, you need to sign into your Substack account. If you see three lines, you are most likely signed in and ready to go. * Tap the orange “Set up” button next to The Pillar Podcast. * You will see a list of available podcast apps. Tap the app you prefer. * The app you chose should open. You should see a prompt asking if you would like to follow or add a show by URL. Tap or click “follow” or similar affirmative prompt. * You will now have two feeds for The Pillar Podcast. But, one feed will include “(private feed for email associated with your Substack account)”. You can unfollow the other feed. The private feed will include all regular episodes and full paid episodes. For Spotify* Open Spotify and search for The Pillar Podcast. * Tap The Pillar Podcast to open the feed. * Find an episode with a padlock on it, and tap the padlock.* A pop up will ask you if you’d like to “hear more from this creator.” Tap the green “Let’s Go” button. * Follow the prompts to sign into your Substack account. Substack will email you a security code, which you will need to enter. * You may be prompted to sign into your Spotify account again.* You should see a screen on Spotify that says “Your audio is now available on Spotify.” You now have access to any paid podcast content from The Pillar. If you are still unable to access these bonus episodes, please leave a comment below or send our producer an email at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.comSenior or freshman? Then, JD and Ed swap conspiracy theories-Are you a paying subscriber?* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar PodcastHaving issues? Check out this general step-by-step guide from Substack, or email…