The Patrick Madrid Show

Norbert from Wisconsin Rapids wanted the breakdown: What's the difference between a Cardinal Bishop, Cardinal Priest, and Cardinal Deacon?     Patrick’s Explanation:    1. Cardinal Bishops:    -These are the most senior cardinals.   -They hold titular jurisdiction over ancient dioceses called the "suburbicarian sees" around Rome: places like Ostia and Porto.   -They're not the real working bishops of those dioceses, more like honorary guardians.   -Seniority here isn’t just about age; it’s about how long you’ve been a cardinal.   2. Cardinal Priests: Rome’s Titular Pastors   -These cardinals are linked to one of Rome’s ancient churches.   -It’s honorary, but each one is assigned a "titular church" to symbolize their bond with the diocese of Rome.   3. Cardinal Deacons:    -Historically, these guys were the ones running the Church’s day-to-day in Rome.   -After 10 years, a Cardinal Deacon can be "promoted" to Cardinal Priest.     So… Are These Ranks Like Holy Orders?   Nope! These don’t mean “holier” or “more sacramentally powerful.” This ranking is about honor and duty, not sacramental hierarchy.     Bonus Wisdom:   -The word "cardinal" comes from Latin cardo, meaning hinge.These are the “hinge men”: the inner circle who support the Pope and, when the time comes, elect the next one.     As the Church preps for the conclave, Patrick reminds us: Stay close to Relevant Radio for all the upcoming news of the Conclave. Pray with us every evening at 7:00 PM CT for the Family Rosary Across America for the needs of the Church and for our leaders.    You can hear the funeral coverage for Pope Francis Saturday morning at 2:50 AM CT and rebroadcasted at 12:00 PM CT later in the day on Relevant Radio. 

The Caller: Monica from Waco   Monica called in (shoutout to Catholic moms and dads fielding tough questions from their kids! ) with a super-specific query from her 12-year-old: "Is the papal conclave truly blind the whole way through?" Or does someone peek at the votes after each round?     Patrick's Explanation:   -Each Cardinal, seated at a tiny desk in the Sistine Chapel), writes a name on a ballot.   -Votes are collected and counted carefully: Another cardinal collects the ballots.   -There are multiple eyes on the ballots the whole time to avoid any funny business (no ballot sneaking or swapping allowed).   -Votes are read out loud: In front of everyone! If someone tries to misread or fudge a name, the cardinals can totally call it out.   Needle and Thread Moment!    -Yes, seriously. After the counting, they literally stitch all the ballots together with thread, sealing them up to prevent tampering.    The Black Smoke:   -If no one hits that two-thirds supermajority, the ballots get torched and black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney (cue every Catholic running to the news livestream).     -While the actual voting stays secret, during breaks the cardinals might chat about who’s pulling ahead. (“Hey, did you see how many votes Cardinal So-and-So got?)     Patrick’s Big Picture:   The conclave is as secret and protected as possible, but it’s not anonymous forever in the sense that progress is visible and talk happens.   It’s a beautiful balance between holy discernment and human process with lots of safeguards against shenanigans, but also human conversation happening naturally.

Patrick explores how AI transforms the business world and addresses tough questions about the future of work. He discusses how automation quickly changes industries, replaces repetitive tasks, and even takes on creative roles once thought to need human talent. Patrick also points out the new opportunities opening up for those who adapt, especially in AI development and skilled trades. The main lesson Patrick shares is to embrace change, invest in learning, and position yourself to thrive as technology grows. Those who innovate and stay ahead will be ready for tomorrow’s economy.   Barry - Can I rent to a couple who is not married? (01:14) Mary – Will AI replace jobs in 20 years? (10:56) Carmen - I am a TV producer and we have found out which Journalists are using AI. Journalist are using AI to write scripts. (31:38) Philip - I am a writer and in school I did a capstone on AI. I think that art is for humans made by humans and AI can't hallucinate. We don't even know what the mind is. (43:44)

Patrick explains the symbols in St. Peter’s Basilica, breaks down the facts behind conspiracy theories, and explains the meanings behind key Catholic traditions. He addresses how technology, like AI, shapes daily life and talks about the role of genealogy in faith. Patrick shares insights on blessings, indulgences, and gives practical advice for keeping your home and family spiritually secure.   Why was there upside-down crosses seen at St. Peter’s Basilica? (00:32) Mark - At what point will AI start having free will? (09:18) Email from a parish priest – What happens to blessed objects when you sell or give them away. (17:46) Rosa - How do Mormons get their information about their ancestry? Should we use the Mormon church to find our own history? (20:24) Jessica - My children are in sports and we won't be able to do the Rosary every day with Father Rocky at 7pm. Would the 15min rosary on the app count, if we can't do it live? What happens if we miss a day? (30:45) What happens if you buy or are given a cursed object? (35:24) Juanita - When the pope gives you a blessing on TV do you get an indulgence for it? Are there any indulgences tied to watching the funeral? (41:45) Pete - I work in AI as a programmer. AI is taking over the marketplace. It seems like there are concerns about AI further pushing us away from God. (47:29)

Patrick explores how technology and artificial intelligence affect daily life, from job replacement and digital scams to their benefits when used wisely. He addresses concerns about genealogy, privacy, and the Catholic conscience, using practical examples and real conversations with listeners.   Steve - I recently put my family information into the Mormon Church. I am wondering if it would be a cooperation with evil. (01:31) Christina - I see AI to be a relative to scam (10:13) Patrick reads and responds to emails about AI (19:37) Marie - Isn't it a violation of our privacy for the Mormons to take our information. (24:37) Gaby - Should I be friends with someone who wears Santeria items? (30:38) Katherine (email) – AI is a tool that can be used for good or evil (35:43) Monique - Is it okay to go to a bible study that is generically Christian and not specifically Catholic? (38:22)

Patrick takes questions about honoring the sacred spaces of Catholic churches, explains the responsibilities and requirements of godparents, and clarifies what truly sets the Catholic faith apart. Patrick explains why secular concerts like those featuring the music of Queen and ABBA are not appropriate in the sanctuary, sets the record straight on the role of godparents, and addresses common misconceptions about other Christian groups. This episode is full of practical guidance and real answers for Catholics facing modern challenges.   Cheryl - A Catholic Church in my town is hosting a secular string quartet tribute to Abba and Queen. Is that okay? (00:48) Bryce - What are the duties of a Catholic godparent to a Protestant child? (08:45) Norbert (email) - Can you please explain to me difference between the Cardinals? (17:30) Jessica - A friend of mine is planning a concert and the priest said he could do it in the Church. I am trying to talk him out of it. Do you have a book recommendation about Popes and the Church? (23:20) John - If a Catholic is married to a Protestant, can they be the godparents of a Catholic baptized child? (27:25) Richard (email) - I know I have to come to confession, but I am embarrassed by all the porn, stealing, lying, etc. things that have separated me from Jesus. (31:52) Ana (email) – What is the difference between The Episcopal Church and our Catholic Church? Is there such a thing as a “Lutheran Catholic”? (40:42) Monica - After each round of voting in the Conclave, are the results given or is it completely blind throughout the process? (46:40) Joseph - I just got a bible from a protestant and I was wondering if it is something I should keep? (50:02)

Patrick brings real-life faith into focus, discussing the responsibilities of godparents, the differences between Catholic and Protestant Bibles, and how the Church responds even after the Pope passes. He addresses questions about indulgences, confession, and spiritual practices, while commenting on the growing impact of driverless trucks and technology on everyday life. Patrick also highlights moments of kindness and authentic conversation, encouraging listeners to live their faith boldly in today’s world.   Patrick gives a few more thoughts on Joseph’s question from the end of the last hour. Joseph asked, “I just got a bible from a Protestant and I was wondering if it is something I should keep?” (00:26) Jesse - My son has been asked by a Lutheran couple to be godparents of their child. (06:25) Steve - Was Pope Francis embalmed? (09:08) Anna - How do you pray for the intentions of the pope when the pope is dead? Are your sins only forgiven when you do your penance? (10:35) Driverless trucks are rolling in Texas, ushering in new era (18:39) Pirso - Can you talk about the Church of Christ in the Philippines. They say the Catholic Church is not true because the pope died and they created a bible which they are spreading over the world. How can I debate them? (29:51) Steve - I am a truck driver and I would like to comment on the automated trucks. They definitely have limitations. They mainly can only do long stretches of highway. (40:07) Judy - Have you ever read a book called 'A Canticle of Leibowitz'? (45:46)

Patrick covers topics like the sacramental rules around confession and anointing during emergencies, the meaning of incorruptible saints such as Carlo Acutis, and how God's providence fits with human free will and the effects of prayer. Patrick also shares insights on Church history, explains the significance of blessed objects, and discusses how priests should present themselves in public. For anyone seeking clarity on Catholic teaching or thoughtful answers to life’s big questions, Patrick delivers practical guidance and encouragement for your faith journey.   Saul (email) - In the case of an emergency, such as war where no Catholic priest is available to hear confession and give a solution to people, would an Anglican, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist or some other Christian pastor, one who believes in the Holy Trinity, be able to give the anointing of the sick, hear confession and give absolution? (00:35) Mary - Is Carlo Acutis body incorruptible? (08:04) Patrick in Mission Viejo, CA - Re: Assassination of Lincoln - Did Lincoln found and protect all of the missions from the southern border in California? (11:52) Tom - You spoke to a woman about free will. How much does God intercede in our lives at any time? (18:56) Warner - The Amish community in Central Wisconsin still store ice during the winter to stalk up for the summer (29:02) Albert - When people have yard sales, and they are giving away their belongings that are blessed, do those blessings go to whoever purchased the item or they stay with the original family? (31:41) Islamic terrorists in Kashmir attacked tourists yesterday, slaughtering 26. (37:19) Ed - Let's say I want to confess something, but I say my confession to a person so he can take it to a priest. Like using an intermediary. Is this allowed? (38:45) Will - Dispensation from a bishop may be given to a mixed couple (even if one is not Catholic). Is there like a document with the wedding certificate that gives that permission? (39:42) Henry - Just became a Catholic this past Easter vigil. I am Mexican American, and in my culture we call our sponsors Madrina/Padrino. Can I call my sponsor “godmother” here in the US? (43:15) Steve - What is the proper attire for a parish priest in general? (46:14)

Patrick explores some of life’s biggest questions, like why a person should return to Christ, the meaning of life, and what truly happens after death. He also shares powerful stories of faith, courage, and choosing life, plus insights into how Catholics live and practice their beliefs. For anyone looking for hope or a sense of direction, Patrick reminds listeners that faith provides purpose and answers, even when things feel uncertain.   James (email) - Should I Come Back to Christ? (01:11) Mom With Cancer Refused Abortion to Save Her Unborn Baby Girl’s Life, 10 Years Later They’re Doing Great (11:22) Tom (email) - Since one of the requirements of gaining a plenary indulgence involves praying for the pope's intentions, what should we do in times such as these when we have no pope? (19:55) Mary (email) - Understanding that Cardinal Viganò was excommunicated (possibly unjustifiably) by Pope Francis, what would be the process to reinstate him by the next Pope?  Also, is it true that any baptized man is eligible to be Pope? (21:28) Patrick explains the Neo-Catechumenal Way (40:02) Barbara - At the Easter Vigil, I saw a young girl take the host to her pew. I told her she needed to receive it right away. Is that correct? (42:12) Bob - Can we get an indulgence since there is no pope right now? Or do we do the intention he announced at the beginning of the year? (47:41)

Patrick tackles big Catholic questions, everything from the process of electing a pope and the myths about female cardinals, to challenges in marriage, annulment, and what to do when a relationship is struggling. Patrick also discusses Bible history, the importance of perseverance in faith, and how Church teaching offers guidance on tough debates. For honest, clear answers on Catholic life and tradition, this hour delivers valuable insights.   Angela - How do I advise my best friend who has been in an unhappy marriage for about 20 years. She thinks she has grounds for annulment. Should I encourage her to divorce? (04:02) Howard - I was told that there is a female Cardinal. Is that true? (19:55) Jim – Is there politicking at the Conclave? (28:57) Giovanni (10-years-old) - If Adam didn't eat the fruit but Eve did, would we still be in sin? (39:46) Mike - Can you recommend a book on the history of the bible from a Catholic perspective? Patrick recommends “Where We Got the Bible: Our Debt to the Catholic Church” and “Why Catholic Bibles are Bigger” (44:16) Mario - When Pope Francis died, what name did God call him by? (46:47)