Inside The Vatican

When Elise Allen, senior correspondent for Crux, sat down with Pope Leo XIV for his first full-length interview since his election, she heard echoes of Pope Francis’ inclusive vision—“todos, todos, todos”—but also a key difference. As she told Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell, hosts of “Inside the Vatican,” that when it comes to affirming church teaching, Leo is “much more willing to say that upfront and to just be super clear about that, drawing the line from the beginning.” In the interview, Elise explained how Leo’s pastoral experiences have formed him into a leader whose ministry embodies synodality in action. He empowered lay leaders, particularly women, as a parish priest in Peru. As prior general of the Augustinians, he confronted corruption within his religious order. Returning as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, he handled clergy sex abuse cases and investigated the controversial lay society Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. This collaborative approach has deep roots in the Latin American church, she said, where “the Augustinians were doing it for decades” and “the rest of the church is catching up.” She noted that “synodality is really at the core of what he wants to do,” and while Francis set the vision, Leo is “a very practical person.” She expects, in his pontificate, “more commissions, more teams—that sort of blended leadership, blended collaboration as things go forward.” Her book, León XIV, ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI, is out now in Spanish from Penguin Peru, with an English edition expected in early 2026. Links from the show: In new biography, Pope Leo weighs in on Trump, LGBTQ Catholics and the Latin Mass How Pope Leo plans to govern the church: From Rome to China to Gaza Pope Leo meets with board of global organization of clergy sexual abuse victims to talk zero-tolerance Pope Leo declares seven new saints, including first from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo is drawing criticism from some U.S. Catholics over his consistent pro-life ethic, particularly after responding to questions about Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to honor Senator Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award, despite Durbin’s support for abortion rights. While he said he was not familiar with all the details, Pope Leo expressed confidence in Cardinal Cupich’s judgment and emphasized that being truly “pro-life” means opposing not only abortion but also the death penalty and the “inhumane treatment of immigrants.” Senior Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell notes on “Inside the Vatican” that the pope’s “honeymoon period” appears to have ended as he speaks his mind on church teaching. Also on the show: Pope Leo calls the Israel–Hamas ceasefire "a spark of hope," Cardinal Cupich's new Vatican appointment, upcoming synod gatherings and speculation about the pope using Duolingo to learn German at 3 a.m. Links from the show: Pope Leo pleads for a just peace as cease-fire in Gaza holds Pope Leo tells border bishop: The American church needs ‘to be united’ on migration Pope Leo is finding his voice on migrationPope Leo ice blessing sets off social media meltdown Credits: Producer: Ricardo da Silva, SJ Audio engineering and video editing: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV has released his first major teaching document, “Dilexi Te” (”I Have Loved You”). The apostolic exhortation, addressed “to all Christians on love for the poor,” was begun by Pope Francis and completed by Pope Leo. It emphasizes that the poor reveal a fundamental way of encountering Christ. Gerard O’Connell, senior Vatican correspondent, and Ricardo da Silva, S.J., associate editor, join Colleen Dulle, host and Vatican correspondent, for a roundtable discussion on the document’s themes, its continuity with Pope Francis and the challenges and encouragement that it offers Christians. Credits Producers: Colleen Dulle and Ricardo da Silva, S.J. Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Audio and video engineering: Kevin Christopher Robles Production assistance: Will Gualtiere Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by ⁠subscribing to America Magazine⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Swiss Guard is the oldest army in the world. Steeped in tradition, bearing the weight of history, the Pontifical Swiss Guard—like the whole of the Catholic Church—is in a constant balancing act between safeguarding heritage and responding to modern-day needs. In this deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” the team reports from the Swiss Guard’s barracks on how the historic corps is navigating the tension between past, present and future. Interviews include: David Alvarez, military historian and author of The Pope's Soldiers: A Military History of the Modern Vatican Corporal Nicola Crivelli, vice-instructor of the Swiss Guard Corporal Eliah Cinotti, spokesman of the Swiss Guard Halbardier Sven Rechsteiner, a new guard Rev. Kolumban Reichlin, O.S.B., chaplain of the Swiss Guard Links from the show: The Swiss Guards have a new uniform. Don’t worry, the iconic one remains Female Swiss Guards? New expansions open the door for change at the Vatican Credits: Producers: Maggi Van Dorn, Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Colleen Dulle Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Audio engineer: Frank Tuson Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo made a surprise appointment to fill the position he left behind as Prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, the office that vets and recommends candidates to lead dioceses around the world. The man he chose, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, age 67, is an Italian bishop and member of the Carmelite Order. He was not, per Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell, among the names circulated before the appointment was made. In this short episode of “Inside the Vatican”—abbreviated because of a forthcoming deep dive episode—Colleen and Gerry discuss Archbishop Iannone’s background and what he may bring to this influential Vatican role. Links from the show: Pope Leo makes a surprise pick for his first major Vatican appointment Deep Dive: Inside the top secret process of appointing a Catholic bishop King Charles III to make delayed state visit to Vatican 6 months after death of Pope Francis NYC choir performs at the Vatican for Pope Leo—in his own words Credits: Producer: Ricardo da Silva, SJ Audio engineering and video editing: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As protests for Gaza shut down ports, schools and transit services in Italy this week, Pope Leo spoke again about the Holy Land, on Sunday greeting representatives from various Catholic groups that are “engaged in works of solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip.” This week on Inside the Vatican, co-hosts and Vatican correspondents Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Leo’s comments on Gaza both on Sunday and in his first major interview with Crux’s Elise Allen. They analyze Leo’s hesitance to name the conflict a genocide and discuss a Vatican News editorial that laid out the Holy See’s position on peace in the region. In the second part of the show, the hosts give an update on the Vatican’s “trial of the century,” a sprawling financial trial that opened dramatically this week in the Vatican’s appeals court. Links from the show: How Pope Leo plans to govern the church: From Rome to China to Gaza Why you should pay attention to the Vatican News editorial on Palestine Defense in Vatican ‘trial of the century’ asks prosecutor to recuse himself for questionable conduct Pope Leo asks Catholics to pray the rosary for peace every day in October Credits: Production, engineering and video editing: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrea Bocelli and Pharrell Williams hosted an unprecedented pop concert in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday night, Sept. 13, the eve of Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” America Vatican correspondents Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss the concert, the Pope Leo’s birthday, and excerpts from his first major papal interview. The hosts discuss Pope Leo’s comments on his American and Peruvian identity, synodality, polarization and the role of the Holy See as both a mediator and a voice for peace. Links from the show: Leo turns 70: What it means to have a (relatively) young pope How do popes celebrate their birthdays? Pizza, parties and puppies Pope Leo receives credentials of U.S. ambassador to the Holy See Pope Leo calls out billionaires and income inequality in first interview From Chicago to Chiclayo to Rome: The Global Social Vision of Pope Leo XIV The unlikely hip-hop duo performing at a historic Vatican concert Pope Leo expresses his ‘profound closeness’ to the people of Gaza as Israeli ground invasion begins Credits: Production, engineering and video editing: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” America Vatican correspondents Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss the canonization of Sts. Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Gerry shares the sense of renewal he sees in the church given the popularity of these saints among young Catholics, and Colleen asks about some of the political and financial considerations in the saint-making process. In the second half of the show, Colleen and Gerry discuss the “official-unofficial” nature of the LGBT Jubilee, which brought LGBT Catholics from around the world to Rome for a pilgrimage through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. Links from the show Pope Leo XIV declares Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati saints in a celebration of youthful devotion On the ground for the canonization of Saints Acutis and Frassati: Crowds, communion and Cheez-Its Deep Dive: How are saints made in the Catholic Church? Inside the long, complicated and expensive process LGBTQ Catholics process through Holy Door at St. Peter’s Credits Production and engineering: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the eighth season of Inside the Vatican! This week, America’s Senior Vatican Correspondent Gerard O’Connell and Vatican Correspondent Colleen Dulle unpack two significant meetings Pope Leo XIV held this week: One with their colleague the Rev. James Martin, S.J., and the other with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Gerry and Colleen reveal the significance of seemingly small details like the inclusion of Father Martin’s meeting on the Vatican’s daily bulletin and the disagreement between the Holy See and Israel over whether or not the pope invited the president. In the second half of the show, Colleen and Gerry trade places, as Gerry interviews Colleen about her recently-released book, Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter (Image, 2025). The two reflect on their very different experiences of the Catholic church and Colleen reflects on what has kept her in the church while covering distressing stories. Links from the show: Pope Leo and Israel’s president discuss ‘tragic situation in Gaza’ in private audience Israeli president Herzog to visit Pope Leo at Vatican Pope Leo meets with Father James Martin, seen as a sign of support for ministry with L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics Father James Martin: Pope Leo’s message for LGBTQ Catholics Excerpt: A Vatican reporter on keeping the faith amid the Catholic Church’s scandals Struck Down, Not Destroyed: Keeping the Faith as a Vatican Reporter by Colleen Dulle Credits: Production and engineering: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support our podcast—become a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Father Robert Prevost, O.S.A., has long been recognized as a bridge builder—a pastor who listens deeply, builds consensus, and seeks unity without imposing authority. In the third and final episode of our first-ever “Inside the Vatican” Deep Dive series on Pope Leo XIV, we follow his extraordinary journey—from his early years as pastor and formator in northern Peru to the chair of St. Peter. Pope Leo’s ministry in Peru was marked by his dedication to empowering lay leaders and nurturing vibrant communities amid challenging circumstances. After returning to the United States, he served briefly as provincial of the Augustinians in the Midwest before being elected prior general, leading the order worldwide from Rome for over a decade. During this time, his bridge-building leadership caught the attention of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who would later become Pope Francis. In 2014, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, where he served for eight years. Before ultimately calling him back to Rome in 2023 to lead the Dicastery for Bishops, Francis made him a cardinal and then elevated him to cardinal-bishop—the highest rank in the College of Cardinals—paving the way for his election as Pope Leo XIV. Many pin their hopes on him to renew a polarized church. Studying Robert Francis Prevost—as a priest and canon lawyer, Augustinian prior general, bishop, cardinal, and Vatican prefect—reveals who he has become, what his priorities might be, and how he may choose to lead the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful today. In this episode, you’ll hear from: Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A. – Augustinian priest who worked with Pope Leo XIV in Peru and later served on his order’s leadership council when Prevost was Prior General. Christopher White – Author of Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy (Loyola Press, 2025) and former Vatican correspondent for National Catholic Reporter. Emilce Cuda – Argentine theologian and Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. Julia Oseka – Student at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and one of the youngest voting members of the Synod on Synodality. Socorro Cassaro Novoa – Lay leader from Monserrate community in Trujillo, Peru, where Pope Leo XIV helped establish the parish and served as first administrator. Nila Ruiz Gonzales – Lay leader from Santa María community in Trujillo, Peru, where Pope Leo XIV directed the Augustinian formation house and served as pastor. Read: "⁠Who is Pope Leo? 5 surprising things I learned while reporting on Robert Prevost,⁠" by Colleen Dulle: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2025/07/10/who-pope-leo-robert-prevost-251107 Help shape the future of the show—take our end-of-season listener survey. If you want to hear more deep dives like this, please support this podcast by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices