The Patrick Madrid Show

Patrick talks about prayer and about God answering prayer and his Providence.  He also shares the wonderful miracles associated with Lourdes.  Patrick counsels a caller who wants to be more comfortable with the Novus Ordo mass.  Patrick explains the Jewish faith, how they have different beliefs regarding the Messiah within the faith itself.   Kathy-Why do we pray if God already knows everything and has it planned? (0:57) Patrick talks about the numerous miracles at Lourdes (7:26) Jonathan-How can I be more comfortable with the Novus Ordo mass? (15:05) Jonathan-What’s the difference between falling asleep in hopes of resurrection, purgatory and going to heaven? (22:19) Brian-Why are Jewish still waiting and how will they know if he comes? (27:21) Mary Ann (email): Why didn’t the ones who were in paradise go to purgatory (32:09) A.J.-(email) How do you know if you’re detached from sin in regards to plenary indulgence? (34:00) Mark-Where does our faith come from (42:30) Jessica (email)-Question about getting marriage convalidated as I enter OCIA? (46:58) Agnes-Is it okay to cut or break a rosary held by a deceased person before burial? (48:09) Angelica - How can I help people understand that there is life after death? (44:02)

Okay, put on your theological thinking caps, because in this podcast episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, you'll get a great answer to a BIG question: How do we know Jesus founded the Catholic Church and not some other Christian group?   Patrick brings the receipts, the analogies, and yes… the flat earth references.   The Question That Sparked It All   A listener named Timothy emails Patrick this question:   “Hey Patrick, aren’t you being a little harsh? You call out Protestants for coming down on Catholics, but then don’t you come down just as hard on non-Catholics? Aren’t both sides just passionate about what they believe?”   Timothy’s tone is respectful. And Patrick loves it. He takes it seriously. He gives a full, no-punches-pulled response: rooted in reason, history, and good old-fashioned Catholic confidence.   The Flat Earth Analogy   Patrick compares Protestantism to… flat earth theory.   Not because Protestants are dumb (he’s clear about that; they’re very sincere, smart, and well-meaning), but because:   You can be sincere… and still be sincerely wrong.   He argues that Protestant theology, like flat earth theory, is demonstrably false. It just doesn’t hold up when you look at Scripture, history, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. Just as science clearly disproves a flat earth, Church history disproves that Protestantism was ever the original Christianity.   So, What Does the Bible Say?   Patrick points out that Protestantism often relies on concepts like:   Sola Scriptura ("Bible alone")   Once Saved, Always Saved   …which aren’t in the Bible... and in some cases are even contradicted by the Bible.   He brings up passages like:   2 Thessalonians 2:15: Hold fast to the traditions, oral and written.   1 Corinthians 11: Keep the traditions as I delivered them.   These support Catholic teachings about Scripture and Tradition. Patrick says that trusting only personal Bible interpretation turns the faith into a theological Rubik’s Cube: everyone has their own twist on it. That’s just not how Jesus set it up.   Early Christians Weren’t Protestant, They Were... Catholic   He brings up St. John Henry Newman, the Anglican scholar who tried to disprove Catholicism… and ended up converting because the evidence was so overwhelming.   The early Church:   Believed in the Real Presence in the Eucharist   Celebrated the Mass as a sacrifice   Had sacraments, priests, apostolic authority   Baptized babies   Defended Trinitarian doctrine against heresies   And all this was happening centuries before the Reformation.   Protestantism, Patrick argues, is a latecomer: a break from the historical Church, not a return to it.   The Church is Noah’s Ark   Patrick closes with a beautiful, personal touch:   The Catholic Church is the Ark Jesus built to carry us through the flood of confusion, division, and error. He didn’t leave us a Rubik’s Cube Bible to figure out solo. He left us a Church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.   That’s why Patrick is confident, not just passionate. He's not trying to win arguments. He’s trying to show that there’s an unbroken, visible, historical Church founded by Christ, and it’s Catholic.

Patrick explores what it means to truly follow Jesus, gives a behind-the-scenes look at how a pope is elected, and answers real questions about the relationship between faith and works in salvation. He also provides clear, thoughtful responses to listener emails on prayers at the hour of death, the value of Masses for those who have passed away, and even organ donation. For anyone seeking practical answers and clarity about Catholic beliefs, Patrick delivers insight and encouragement to help you grow in faith.   Audio: “We're in Christianity to be faithful, to follow Christ, to seek eternal life” - Bishop Robert Prevost (01:23) Audio: South African cardinal Wilfrid Napier who has taken part in two conclaves processes, shares what it’s like to elect a new pope. (04:43) Shelly - Protestants say you don’t need works to prove faith. (07:19) Josie (email) - What exactly is the "hour of our death?" (27:24) Teresa (email) - Is more efficacious to have a Mass said for a deceased person than to enroll them in perpetual Mass associations? (29:38) Karina (email) - Would it align with our Catholic faith to donate reproductive organs, such as a uterus? (31:27) Ted - Planning funeral arrangements for my sister. Should I do this over two separate days or just do it in one day without the mass? (32:59) Karen (email) - I never understood that Jesus’s last words were “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.” Isn’t that not trusting in God at the time of your death? (44:00) Nelson (email) - Most senior chaplains in the military are not catholic. They do not understand the difference between a Catholic priest and a protestant chaplain. (47:26)

Patrick reflects on leaving a legacy, how life can change in an instant, and the importance of preparing for what’s ahead—both spiritually and practically. He answers thoughtful questions about faith, technology, and personal security. Patrick reminds everyone that your actions, generosity, and words to loved ones truly matter. Be ready for the storms of life, express your love openly, and remember—your choices can bring hope.   Patrick shares the unexpected death of an old friend and reflects on how we don’t know the place or time of our death. (01:17) Francis (14-years-old) - In the Gospels, it says Jesus ate and drank after Resurrection. where did that food go? (14:19) 23andMe users’ genetic data is at risk (17:58) Scientists made a tool called “Difface” that turns your DNA into a 3D face — like CSI meets sci-fi. (21:28) Email – Why does the Lutheran service says Catholic Faith in their Creed? (27:45) Ray - My god brother passed away. He had down syndrome. How does God treat someone like that when they die? (31:09) Michael - What is the purpose of the universe? Why did God create all of this? Does it play part in eternal salvation? (33:59) Joni (email) - DNA can be recovered and if it's not already in a database, this could give police a huge advantage in finding someone more quickly. I guess there's positive and negative sides to everything. (41:12) Ben - Why did the Pope insert the Filioque clause into the Creed without calling Council? (42:52)

Patrick addresses questions about Church teaching, like the filioque clause and the difference between Catholic and Orthodox beliefs, while also offering guidance on topics from gambling to the reality of the afterlife. Patrick provides practical advice for spiritual growth, such as ways to enrich your prayer life and the importance of holding onto hope in challenging times. Through real listener stories and thoughtful answers, Patrick brings clarity and encouragement, helping each person grow stronger in both faith and understanding.   Patrick explains the Filioque clause (01:09) Bruce - I want to be an advocate for Relevant Radio. It’s amazing what comes through the radio. (04:25) Jim – Filioque, according to Peter Lombard, makes a lot of sense. (08:06) Robert (email) - Is money received from gambling considered ill-gotten? (16:30) Erin - Are people in the netherworld able to have interactions? (20:14) Yvette - If you are in sin, God doesn't hear our prayers. Is this true? (29:06) Adam (email) – Was the Real Presence of Jesus there at the Last Supper? (39:48) Rovella - I am not a Catholic. I have a lot of questions about the Catholic faith. Where is the best place to start? (41:59) Angelica - How can I help people understand that there is life after death? (44:02)

ABC News snagged an exclusive interview with John Prevost, brother of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV: the first-ever American Pope, born and bred on the South Side of Chicago.   Patrick and Cyrus aired this audio during The Patrick Madrid Show, letting the story breathe... and man, did it breathe life into the moment.     Brotherly Love & Shock    John’s tone was a mix of disbelief, joy, and spiritual awe.   “Not a lot of people can say ‘my brother is the Pope.’”   Yeah, no kidding, John.   He admitted that the news still hadn’t sunk in. The calls, texts, interviews… it’s been a nonstop frenzy since the white smoke rose over St. Peter’s. At first, John thought the idea of an American Pope was laughable... too much geopolitical baggage, right?   But when Pope Leo XIV was in the final three candidates, things got real fast. And when the name was finally announced:   There was screaming, curtain-watching, and immediate family pride overload.     The Man Behind the Mitre   So, who is Pope Leo XIV?   John paints a humble picture. He’s:   -A “regular run-of-the-mill guy”   -Molded by missionary work in South America   -Passionate about serving the poor and voiceless   -Inspired by (and likely to continue the path of) Pope Francis   John explained that his brother Pope Leo XIV met Pope Francis years ago while serving in Peru and Argentina, long before either of them wore white.     Roots in Chicago   Though Leo XIV left for the seminary after 8th grade (to Holland, MI, then Villanova), the Chicago DNA runs deep. His early life was that of a typical kid: neighborhood games, bike rides, and, get this: a prophetic neighbor lady once said he’d be Pope… in first grade.   Just picture it: a kid on the block, riding his bike, and the neighbor declaring, “That one’s gonna be Pope.”   Holy Spirit, anyone?      From Chicago sidewalks to St. Peter’s Square, this story reminds us that God writes the most unexpected plots.   And yeah; He’s definitely not done yet.  

Ever heard the title "Vicar of Christ" tossed around and wondered, wait... what does that actually mean?      Vicar - Why It’s a Big Deal)   Patrick explains the Latin word "Vicarius." It basically means “second in command” or “chief steward.” Think: the right-hand man or the chief of staff... someone who acts with the authority of the king when the king’s not present.   So, when Catholics say the Pope is the Vicar of Christ, they’re not saying he replaces Jesus. They're saying he represents Jesus on Earth as the one appointed to shepherd the Church in Christ’s name.      From Simon to Peter   Then we jump to the moment in Matthew 16. Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” and Simon (not known for being shy) replies, “You are the Christ!” Jesus blesses him, gives him a new name: “Peter” (from the Aramaic Cephas, meaning “rock”), and tells him:   "I give you the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. What you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven..."   Translation: Peter is in charge. Not as a mere administrator, but as the earthly steward of Christ’s kingdom. Patrick makes it crystal clear: This is where the Vicar of Christ idea begins.     Isaiah 22: Old Testament Prime Minister    Patrick connects Matthew 16 to Isaiah 22, where a guy named Eliakim is appointed as the royal steward in the Davidic Kingdom. He's given a robe, a sash, and the keys of the house of David. Sound familiar?   The verse literally says:   "He shall open, and none shall shut; he shall shut, and none shall open."    So, Peter’s role is like Eliakim’s: the one with real authority, not just among equals, but over the whole household.     Christ Is the Head. The Pope Is His Vicar   Christ is always the true head of the Church: ontologically and spiritually. But on Earth, He entrusted Peter (and his successors, the popes) to lead, guide, and protect the flock.   So, when we say, “Vicar of Christ,” we’re affirming:   -Biblical roots (Matthew 16 & Isaiah 22)   -Historical continuity (Peter and beyond)   -Spiritual authority (rooted in Jesus Himself)     Bonus: Pope Fiction    Patrick gives a plug for his book, Pope Fiction, which talks about this exact topic and busts myths left and right. (Worth a read if you're tired of TikTok theology.)  

Patrick gave you a glimpse into the childhood and early years of our brand-new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), with the kind of reverent curiosity you'd expect when an altar boy from the South Side becomes the Vicar of Christ.    You can listen to his entire hour of commentary about Pope Leo XIV here.    Hour 2 is available to listen here. Hour 3 is here.      Humble Beginnings in the Windy City   Born on September 14, 1955, in Dolton, Illinois (a suburb of Chicago), little Robert Prevost was raised in a faithful Catholic home. His dad, Louis Marius Prevost, was of French-Italian descent and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. His mom, Mildred Martínez, was a Spanish-Creole librarian with deep Louisiana roots.    He grew up going to St. Mary of the Assumption parish, where he served as an altar boy. So yes, he literally started out on the altar... just not quite at the Vatican level yet. He has two brothers, Louis Martin and John Joseph.     A Brainy & Prayerful Path   Young Robert was no slouch in school either; he studied math at Villanova, graduating in 1977.   God had bigger plans. He entered the Order of St. Augustine in 1978, professed vows in 1981, and was ordained a priest in 1982. He studied theology in Chicago and canon law in Rome, eventually earning his doctorate from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).     From Peru to the Pontificate   This wasn’t a man who just sat around in chancery offices. He served as a missionary priest in Peru, taught at seminaries, worked in diocesan offices, and even led the global Augustinian order as Prior General, twice.    Eventually, he was appointed a bishop in Peru, received dual citizenship, and climbed the Vatican ranks: prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America. If you wanted to become a bishop under Pope Francis? You probably went through his office.     Cardinal, then…Pope!   In 2023, he was made a cardinal, and by early 2025, elevated to Cardinal Bishop: one of the highest honors in the Church. Just a few months later, he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, smiling (and maybe a bit stunned), as the world heard those famous words: “Habemus Papam!”: We have a Pope!     First Words as Pope   Patrick shared audio from Pope Leo’s first Mass, where he began his homily in English before switching to Italian.   His opening line was a quote from the Psalms:   “I will sing a new song to the Lord, for He has done marvels... not just with me, but with all of us, my brother Cardinals.”   It was humble, sincere, and straight from the heart.      Fun Fact Corner:   There's a photo of him at a Chicago World Series game dressed incognito, talking on a cell phone: captioned: “Here’s the Pope at the World Series.” Instant classic.   His childhood home was reportedly listed for $199K the day before the conclave.     His Creole roots and international experiences give him a beautiful cultural depth: a bridge between continents, languages, and peoples.     From altar boy in Dolton to Peter’s successor: it’s a story only God could write. 

Patrick celebrates the historic election of the new pope and highlights how faith and Catholic media bring hope to listeners. Patrick shares inspiring stories of people reconnecting with their faith, families staying close across the miles, and the unique ways Catholic initiatives make a difference. Through listener questions and meaningful conversations, Patrick brings the community together to build a stronger, faith-filled future.   Audio: Pope Leo XIV echoed the iconic words of Pope John Paul II to young people: “Do not be afraid.” (01:44) Audio: PLXIV gives an Italian blessing (02:13) Audio: Pope Leo sings Regina Caeli (03:17) Jillian - Should Catholics fear God? (11:35) Beth - Am I allowed to bless my nieces and nephews that are not my godchildren? My husband is deployed in a Muslim country. Can he pray Rosary during the call to prayer? (18:02) Javier - Does the Church have any teaching about biblical stories and whether Adam and Eve committed mortal or venial sin? (30:21) Louis - Is having a cough drop in Mass going against the fasting rule before receiving Eucharist? (32:56) Dante - Is gambling a sin? (43:21)

Patrick answers pressing questions about the Catholic faith, family challenges, and Church traditions. He offers advice for parents hoping to guide their children back to Catholicism, explains the Pope’s recent statements, and addresses concerns about secret societies and Catholic beliefs. Patrick brings clarity to listeners’ concerns, encourages dialogue, and invites everyone to explore their faith more deeply.   Julie - How do I go about guiding my daughter into the Catholic Church? (01:12) Julie - What is your take on Pope Leo saying we have to know how to listen and not shut doors?  I thought Catholic faith had all the truth. (05:45) Maria - I don't understand what 'Son of Man' means? (16:46) Mary (email) - My friend went to an Anglican service while on holiday thinking it was Catholic. Did that count as her Sunday Obligation? (18:31) Justin - Why do Popes take on a new name and what is the meaning for that? (22:48) Paul - What is the Church's stance on secret societies and why don’t more priests condemn them? (27:29) Hazel (email) – Could Pope Leo be our last Pope before the end of the world? (38:29) Rich – Does Pope Leo have any Creole ancestry? (45:37)