Jesuitical

Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today’s episode from Rome, the team discusses: Cardinal Beniamino Stella’s stunning attack on Pope Francis in Wednesday’s general congregation meeting of the College of Cardinals The “election” of a new bishop in mainland China—while the chair of St. Peter is empty Papabile: How do conclave watchers come up with their lists of the next pope (and should we trust them?) This episode features: - Sebastian Gomes, America’s executive editor of audio and video - Colleen Dulle, co-host of America’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast - Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast - Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast Sign up for America’s subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show: Backer of Cardinal Parolin attacks Pope Francis’ push for lay involvement in church governance The new pope: How journalists (and cardinals) come up with their list of candidates Designers up in arms over Pope Francis’ tombstone Despite the death of Pope Francis, auxiliary bishop elected in Shanghai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today’s episode from Rome, the team discusses: President Donald Trump’s choice for pope The latest from the cardinal pre-conclave meetings The question: Will the next pope be an Italian? The unfinished business of Pope Francis’ papacy, including: synodality, fighting sexual abuse, reforming Vatican governance and an ecumenical trip to Turkey on the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea   This episode features: Sam Sawyer, S.J., America’s editor in chief  Sebastian Gomes, America’s executive editor of audio and video Colleen Dulle, co-host of America’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast Sign up for America’s subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show: Cardinals say they are expecting a short conclave Watch: Trump jokes he’d ‘like to be Pope’ Synodality—and ‘controversial’ issues—are here to stay: Takeaways from the Synod’s final document The four signs of a truly synodal church Pope Francis issues new rules for accountability and response to allegations of sexual abuse Pope Francis’ new sex abuse rules are a revolution for the Catholic Church Vatican to consider classifying ‘spiritual abuse’ as new Catholic crime With Pope Francis’ reform of the Roman Curia, nine years of work is coming to fruition Podcast: Pope Francis’ Roman Curia reform, explained Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope.  In today’s episode, the team discusses: - The controversial presence at the pre-conclave meetings of Cardinal Becciu, convicted of embezzlement, and Cardinal Cipriani, who was sanctioned by the Vatican for alleged sexual abuse - The topics emerging in the cardinals’ secret meetings - How “unity” and “clarity” are becoming buzzwords for reversing Francis’ style of governance This episode features: - Sebastian Gomes, America’s executive editor of audio and video - Colleen Dulle, co-host of America’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast - Gerard O’Connell, Vatican correspondent and co-host of America’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast - Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast - Zac Davis, director of digital strategy and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast - Sam Sawyer, S.J., America’s editor in chief  Sign up for America’s subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe Links from the show:  - What Pope Francis taught us: Church teaching finds clarity and power in acts of mercy - Cardinal Becciu will not participate in conclave following dispute over right to vote - As Cardinals Prepare to Elect a Pope, One Motto Is ‘Unity.’ That’s Divisive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

America Magazine’s editors are on the ground in Rome covering the conclave to elect the next pope. As part of the coverage, the team is producing a new podcast episode every day and releasing it on Inside the Vatican and Jesuitical. In today’s episode, the team discusses: - The funeral of Pope Francis - The cardinal’s decision to start the conclave on May 7 - The College of Cardinals by the numbers - How the conclave is (and isn’t) a referendum on Pope Francis’ pontificate Hosted by Sebastian Gomes, America’s executive editor of audio and video, and featuring commentary from “Inside the Vatican” co-hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell, Jesuitical hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless, editor in chief Sam Sawyer, SJ, editor at large James Martin, SJ, and senior editor J.D. Long García. Sign up for America’s exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org Links: - Conclave to elect a new pope will start on May 7 - The three surprises of Pope Francis’ funeral - Mourners from around the world flock to Rome to say goodbye to ‘pope of the people’ - Father James Martin: Don’t be afraid of the conclave—or the next pope - The papal transition: What you need to know - Cardinal Becciu will not participate in conclave following dispute over right to vote - The prayer Rome needs right now: Come, Holy Spirit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by America magazine’s editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J., and America editor at large James Martin, S.J., to discuss the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 in the early morning of April 21, 2025. He was the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope.Zac, Ashley, Sam and Jim discuss: - Their personal encounters with the pope and how Francis impacted their priesthoods, careers and prayer life - Pope Francis’ gifts as a pastor—and whether he will have a lasting impact on the papacy- How Pope Francis responded to criticism and sought to preserve the unity of the churchLinks for further reading: - Pope Francis, trailblazing Jesuit with a heart for the poor, dies at 88- How Pope Francis changed the place of women in the church- Pope Francis never stopped being a Jesuit- Trump, Vance and Biden react to the death of Pope Francis- A prayer for our beloved Pope Francis- Vatican releases Pope Francis’ final testament- What happens after a pope dies?- Pope Francis died after stroke and heart attack, Vatican says- Pope Francis’ funeral set for April 26, first photos of his body released- Before picking a new pope, the cardinals will politick- In last words, Pope Francis thanked his nurse ‘for bringing me back to the square’You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Sam Sorich, an award-winning filmmaker teaching film production at John Paul the Great Catholic University in Escondido, California. His latest film, which you can watch on YouTube, is “Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard.”Zac, Ashley and Sam discuss: - How Sam’s love of filmmaking and faith led him to make a documentary on the life and work of philosopher René Girard- Mimetic desire, Girard’s central theory of human behavior and relationships- Girard’s insights that offer a new perspective on Christian theologyIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ plan to end a decades-long partnership with the U.S. government related to refugee resettlement after funding cuts from the Trump administration; and the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council in the history of the church. Zoom Event | Praying through Holy Week with ‘Jesuitical’ and Father James MartinAs we enter into Holy Week, join America Media for a subscriber-only virtual event with James Martin, S.J., and “Jesuitical” hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless.Links for further reading: Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard8beats 8beats and Cinematic Catholic Beauty: An Interview with Sam SorichU.S. bishops will cease refugee resettlement work with government after Trump funding freezeNicaea anniversary inspires faith, strengthens mission, theologians sayThe Council of Nicaea, Christian unity and a common date for EasterPope Francis hopes to travel to Turkey for Council of Nicea’s 1,700th anniversary"Inside the Vatican": The Council of Nicaea and the struggle for a common date of Easter Why the Council of Nicaea still matters—1,700 years laterYou can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Zac and Ashley on this week’s episode of “Jesuitical” is Kerry Robinson, the president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, the domestic humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in the United States. Kerry was recently awarded the Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal, the oldest and most prestigious honor bestowed exclusively on American Catholics.Zac, Ashley and Kerry discuss: - Kerry’s family history of serving the Catholic Church- The importance of having more women in leadership positions in the church - How Kerry has navigated challenging political opposition to Catholic Charities’ work with migrants and refugeesIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the Supreme Court’s likelihood to side with Catholic Charities in a religious-rights case; and a recent article in The Economist about Carlo Acutis, who is set to be made the first “millennial saint” on Apr. 27, 2025. Links for further reading: Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, to receive 2025 Laetare MedalCatholic Charities USA: Working to Reduce Poverty in AmericaSupreme Court seems likely to side with Catholic Charities in religious-rights caseThe secret life of the first millennial saintZac’s NYC marathon Catholic Charities fundraiserYou can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Zac and Ashley on this episode of “Jesuitical” recorded in Douglaston, N.Y., is Msgr. Robert Sarno, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn and a former official of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. With 38 years of experience in overseeing the process of canonization and beatification of saints, Monsignor Sarno offers a deep dive into the world of Catholic relics, including their history, hierarchy and controversy. Zac, Ashley and Monsignor Sarno discuss: - How the devotion to relics began in the early Catholic Church and evolved over time- The distinction between first-class, second-class and third-class relics - Contemporary issues with the misuse and trafficking of relics Links for further reading: Why every Catholic church altar has a relic inside itHow are saints made in the Catholic Church? Inside the long, complicated and expensive processSt. Thomas Aquinas’ skull went on tour. Here’s what the medieval saint would have said about its venerationI’ve always loved relics. After my cancer diagnosis, they mean even more to me.I wear a third-degree relic every day. It reminds me that all things are possible through God.What to make of holy relicsYou can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Jubilee Year of Hope-themed episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley chat with Father Ramil Fajardo, a tribunal judge in the Archdiocese of Chicago, about indulgences: What are they? Where did they come from? And how are they practiced today? Zac, Ashley and Father Ramil discuss: - The evolution of indulgences, from the early church through the Protestant Reformation to today- The four current grants of indulgences, which involve acts of faith, charity, penance and witness- How to approach indulgences during the current Jubilee Year of HopeIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a recent announcement from Buckingham Palace that King Charles II and Queen Camilla will be received in a Vatican audience by Pope Francis on April 8; and describe the busy lives of nuns working the Vatican switchboard to soothe anxious callers asking about Pope Francis’ health. Jesuitical is coming to Philadelphia! Join the Jesuitical team in Philadelphia for a Holy & Happy Hour at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!Topic: How to talk to your friends about your faithDate: Tuesday, March 25, 2025Location: 1166 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146Time: 6 p.m. adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; 7 p.m. group faith sharing and happy hour (come to either or both!)Links for further reading: Vatican norms for Jubilee indulgence include pilgrimage, penance, serviceThe Key Of Heaven: A Prayer Book for CatholicsManual of IndulgencesThe Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Breaking: Pope Francis will receive King Charles III and Queen Camilla in audience in the Vatican on April 8At the Vatican switchboard, nuns soothe anxious callers about Pope FrancisYou can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Sofia Carozza, a developmental neuroscientist working in research and a co-host of “The Pilgrim Soul,” a Catholic podcast about the journey of faith in the modern world. Sofia is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Human Network Initiative at Harvard Medical School, where she uses computational modelling to study the role of the early-life environment in the development of the human brain. Zac, Ashley and Sofia discuss: - The brain as a “relational organ” linking body and spirit- The neuroscientific response to the question, “What does it mean to be human?”- Sofia’s experience as a person of faith in a “secular field”- Digital technology’s effects on our brains (and faith)In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley give an update on Pope Francis’ health after doctors lifted their “guarded prognosis,” meaning they no longer believe the pope is in imminent danger; next they discuss the lowering the standard age for confirmation in the Archdiocese of Baltimore to 9.Jesuitical is coming to Philadelphia! Join the Jesuitical team in Philadelphia for a Holy & Happy Hour at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!Topic: How to talk to your friends about your faithDate: Tuesday, March 25, 2025Location: 1166 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146Time: 6:00pm adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; 7:00pm group faith sharing and happy hourLinks for further reading: “The Pilgrim Soul: A Catholic Podcast” “An Appraisal of the Neuroscientific Revolution’s Promise of New Theological Horizons” by Sofia CarozzaThe Religious Sense by Luigi Giussani“The Faith of Fr. Luigi Giussani”Chest X-ray confirms improvements in Pope Francis’ conditionPope Francis is out of imminent danger. What’s next?Confirmation age lowered to 9 years old in Archdiocese of BaltimoreYou can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.  You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America Media at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices