The Reformanda Initiative

In this episode, we discuss the Jubilee of Youth, a Roman Catholic event held in Rome, Italy, from July 29 to August 3, 2025, which attracted nearly 1 million youth from around the world. Much of what has been shared on social media by the Catholic Church is attractive to young evangelicals who are led to believe they can find the answer to their disillusions with faith and church in the Roman Catholic Church. But what is the real message of the Jubilee of Youth? Join us as we respond to this question.Episode resource:https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2025/08/vf245-jubilee-of-youth/Support the show

In this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert (Certainty 4 Eternity) about the new book he co-edited with Leonardo, The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words. We discuss his chapter contribution, which unpacks the clause of the Nicene Creed “We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church,” noting how Roman Catholics and Evangelicals share these words, but do not share the theological interpretation of them.Support the show

In this episode we (Leonardo and Reid) discuss problematic aspects of the Roman Catholic understanding of the Trinitarian framework, using Leonardo’s chapter in the newly released book “The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words”, of which Leonardo and Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert are editors. This book (and this conversation) coincides  with the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. The book can be purchased here: https://matthiasmedia.com/collections/latest/products/the-nicene-creed and is available on Kindle.Support the show

In this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative fellow Robbie Bellis, who walks us through this delicate and essential question using Galatians 1 as a case study. Can Galatians 1 and Paul's anathemas be applied to the Roman Catholic Church and its gospel?Support the show

In this episode Leonardo De Chirico and Reid Karr discuss the first few weeks of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. What is defining his papacy and where does he seem to be going theologically? More importantly, how can evangelicals be theologically responsible in assessing the pope as he speaks and uses gospel sounding words? Join us to hear how we respond to these questions and others.Support the show

A new pope has emerged, shaking up centuries of tradition. The discussion dives into the implications of electing an American, exploring how this change influences evangelical perspectives and religious dynamics in the U.S. With a focus on Pope Leo XIV's Augustinian identity and administrative skills, the conversation compares him to Francis while considering his appeal to diverse evangelical groups. The complexities of his papacy are unpacked, aiming for a balance between traditional values and modern social issues, urging respectful dialogue among differing faiths.

In this episode, we speak with Matthew Johnston, Fellow at the Reformanda Initiative, to ask the big question: Is Rome a true church? Together, we explore the historic Reformed answer to this question, trace how the Reformers engaged with Rome in their own day, and discuss how things might look different—or surprisingly similar—after the Council of Trent, Vatican I, the Marian dogmas, and Vatican II.What would Calvin say if he walked into Rome today? And how should we, standing on the shoulders of the Reformation, faithfully answer in our time?Support the show

In a thought-provoking discussion, the speakers examine the implications of Pope Francis's passing on the future of the Catholic Church. They explore what qualities the next Pope might embody and reflect on candidates who could uphold or shift his legacy. The need for evangelicals to critically assess Francis's tenure is also highlighted, particularly regarding unity and interfaith dialogue. Additionally, the conversation delves into the lessons evangelicals can learn from diverse leadership, especially in environmental stewardship and justice.

Is Roman Catholicism burdened by mere extra layers, or has it undergone a deeper transformation? The discussion dives into the complexities of doctrinal development versus deformation, sparking important reflections on faith. The Nicene Creed's role as a unifying document across denominations is explored, along with the intricate issues it presents. Personal anecdotes about spring cleaning in Rome balance the heavier theological themes, while critical questions about the integrity of the Gospel and Catholic identity arise throughout the conversation.

Join us in this episode as we discuss the possibility of an upcoming conclave in the Catholic Church with the declining health of Pope Francis. We also discuss the recent Netflix film of the same title and how it bears on reality. We also discuss the recent rise and popularity of Roman Catholic apologists seeking to appeal to confused and disillusioned evangelicals and how evangelicals should think about them.Support the show