Catholic Answers Live

Dr. Carlo Broussard, a philosopher and Catholic apologist, dives deep into belief sans evidence as discussed in John 20:28. He clarifies that faith is based on credible apostolic testimony rather than lacking evidence. Carlo unpacks the idea that salvation is a divine gift, not a reward for good works. He thoughtfully explores whether attending a Freemason memorial is appropriate for Catholics. Additionally, he explains the Church’s stance on the Eucharist and why it refrains from declaring anyone in hell.

This Catholic Answers Live episode explores the biblical and theological meaning of the name of Jesus, explaining why the Church celebrates a feast in His honor and how Scripture uses His name to express authority, presence, and saving power. The discussion clarifies why Jesus is called both Jesus and Emmanuel, what it means to gather, pray, and believe “in His name,” and why invoking the name of Jesus is not a magical formula. Listeners also learn why baptisms performed only “in the name of Jesus” are invalid and what the mysterious name written on the foreheads in the Book of Revelation signifies. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – Why do we have a feast for the Name of Jesus? 13:06 – Why is his name Jesus if the angel said to name him Emmanuel? 18:00 – What does it mean when Jesus talks about receiving someone “in my name”? 21:55 – What does it mean when Jesus says “when two or three are gathered in my name…”? 29:15 – Believing in the “name” of Jesus 35:15 – If you ask anything in my name, I will do it. 47:30 – Improper use of Jesus’ name 50:01 – Why is the baptism in the name of Jesus invalid? 52:50 – What is the name written on the forehead about in the book of Revelation?

In this Catholic Answers Live episode, Trent Horn addresses how to find meaning in suffering, confronts the problem of apathy at the heart of many pro-life objections, and shares insights into personal devotion to the saints. He also offers practical guidance on when and how to respond to anti-Catholic claims, how to answer objections to the Trinity and the Creeds, and how to balance online apologetics with a healthy spiritual life rooted in prayer and Scripture. The episode concludes with a clear explanation of the Church’s teaching on cremation. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:10 – Making suffering meaningful 16:41 – The biggest hurdle trying to convince people of the pro-life argument, that is that human life is innately valuable, is apathy. I find that people either A) don’t care that the child in the womb is a life, and/or B) people don’t think there’s adequate authority to tell others “how they should live their life”. What is the best argument against apathy? Or this false view of infringing on someone’s individual liberty? 24:30 – Are there any saints you have a strong devotion to? 29:24 – If you notice others around you, be it coworkers, friends, acquaintances, etc., talking about their anti-Catholic beliefs, what is your obligation to say something in defense of the Catholic Church? Is it necessarily a sin of omission to not confront the person saying such things? Can you share some tips for what to say if you decide to confront the person? 34:32 – I have a friend who is a Protestant who told me that the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed recited by Catholics is in “error” because scripture claims that only Jesus Christ is the Creator, not God the Father. His comment is “Show me the Father who died on the cross for my sins if I’m wrong” which in my view he seems to be denying the Trinity but he claims he isn’t – says that Catholics are incorrect and that scripture backs up his claims. Can you help me respond to him? 43:35 – Hi Trent! Sometimes I feel that I get too deep in the online apologetic world and am wanting to disconnect a little bit. What prudential or practical advice would you give for disconnecting from the online world and building a better habit for spiritual practices like prayer and reading scripture? I often struggle to take the time to pray or read the Gospel, but will spend a lot of time online engaging in apologetic content. Thank you for all you do and I hope this has been a restful week for you and your family! 48:11 – Can you clarify the Church position on cremation for us?

Join Jimmy Akin, a Senior apologist and host known for exploring supernatural phenomena, as he dives into the world of Marian apparitions. He discusses the intriguing details of Kibeho’s tragic warnings, the mixed signals from Akita, and the breathtaking Miracle of the Sun at Fatima. Akin casts light on the highly documented apparition at Zeitoun, which he argues may hold the strongest evidence. Each story reveals a tapestry of faith, skepticism, and the mysterious entwined with thorough analysis and insight.

Jimmy Akin, a senior apologist and investigative podcaster, dives deep into the fascinating world of Marian apparitions. He explains how the Church classifies these supernatural events, clarifying that Catholics aren't required to believe in every approved apparition. Akin evaluates notable cases like Father Michel Rodrigue and discusses the credibility challenges surrounding his dramatic claims. He also recounts the history of La Salette and Medjugorje, analyzing their backgrounds, approvals, and the impact of ongoing Vatican investigations.

The hosts reflect on a year marked by cultural shifts, starting with the decline of movie theater attendance amidst the streaming surge. They dive into the groundbreaking impact of weight-loss drugs and the broader implications for society. The discussion shifts to the global crisis of trust in institutions, touching upon rising populism. Migration is examined through a Catholic lens, balancing rights and responsibilities. Finally, AI is highlighted as a defining story of the year, exploring its effects on jobs and spirituality.

Dive into a year-end Flannel Panel where the hosts tackle whether Catholics won the internet by 2025. They discuss Carlo Acutis as the Patron of the Internet and analyze Matt Fradd's move to The Daily Wire. There's a lively debate on adapting Catholic voices for secular media and concerns around anti-Semitism in collaborations. The show highlights growth signs for Catholicism, recent conversions, and the strengths of immigrant devotion contrasted with catechesis gaps. A spirited discussion concludes on the internet's power to correct misconceptions.

Cy Kellett, Edgar Lujano, and Todd Aglialoro examine the defining Church and cultural developments of 2025, beginning with the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, following the death of Pope Francis. They also discuss why the Church’s vast charitable work is so often overlooked, the surprising rise of Christianity among young people, and debates surrounding a potential Person of the Year. The episode closes with a sobering look at growing threats to religious freedom in the West and the rapid expansion of euthanasia and assisted suicide as one of the most urgent moral crises facing society. Questions Covered: 03:30 – The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, following the death of Pope Francis 29:30 – The Church’s charitable work remains massively underreported 36:00 – The rise of Christianity among the young 45:15 – Person of the Year Discussion 49:13 – Threats to religious freedom in Western countries 51:34 – The rapid spread of euthanasia and assisted suicide, perhaps the most urgent moral crisis Catholics are not talking about enough.

Cy Kellett, Edgar Lujano, and Todd Aglialoro review and analyze some of the most important Catholic and Church-related developments of 2025, including Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with King Charles III, the Archdiocese of New York’s major settlement fund for clergy abuse claims, and the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality with its focus on inclusion. They also examine the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon, explaining what these events reveal about the direction of the Church and its engagement with the world. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 4:43 – Pope Leo XIV meets King Charles III 19:05 – The Archdiocese of New York announces a $300 million fund to settle clergy abuse claims 29:41 – The Synod on Synodality concludes, emphasizing inclusion 40:48 – Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural trip to Turkey and Lebanon

This is an encore episode, originally aired on October 1, 2025.  “Can the Hierarchy Change Itself?” This episode delves into the complexities of Church authority and reform, addressing questions such as whether the Church still uses canon priests and how to trust the hierarchy. We also explore intriguing topics like Pope Leo’s blessing of ice and the implications of a heretical pope according to Bellarmine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – Does that Church still set up canon priests to assist and convey messages for bishops? 06:57 – Does the Church hierarchy have the authority to change the Church hierarchy? 15:05 – I’m returning to the Church but I’m having a hard time trusting the hierarchy. 24:09 – Why should we conform to a magisterium who has abandoned Christ? 37:55 – Are you familiar with Pope Leo blessing the block of ice and the whole significance behind that? 48:30 – When Robert Bellarmine said that there can be a heretical pope, what did he mean by that?