Jesuitical

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Kim Daniels, the director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. Kim is a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, and served in the 2021-24 Synod on Synodality as an expert participant, as a member of the Synod Communications Commission, and as the coordinator of one of the 10 major Synod study groups, which focused on the church’s mission in the digital environment.Zac, Ashley and Kim discuss: - How the Catholic Church is responding to the Trump administration’s cuts to USAID- Kim’s vision for implementing Catholic social teaching in the digital age - How the church and government partner to serve communities, including some myth-busting about where funds go and how they’re usedIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by Bill O’Keefe, the executive vice president for mission, mobilization and advocacy at Catholic Relief Services, to discuss the 50th anniversary of C.R.S. Rice Bowl—an ecumenical response to the problem of world hunger. Plus: an update on Pope Francis’ health, and the Trump administration terminates the U.S. bishops’ refugee resettlement contract.Links for further reading: Trump administration terminates US bishops’ refugee resettlement contractI led Catholic Relief Services. I’ve seen USAID projects change lives.Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public LifePope Francis’ hospitalization: The complex picture, three weeks inFormer USCCB spokesperson Kim Daniels appointed to Vatican commissionThe interfaith history of the C.R.S. Rice BowlThe Mission of C.R.S. Rice BowlYou 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

After 21 days of hospitalization, Pope Francis sent a brief message of thanks that was played for those praying for him in St. Peter's Square the night of March 6.Read Gerard O'Connell's report on the message here.Visit americamagazine.org for the latest on Pope Francis' health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley are joined by Sister Josephine Garrett, a sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, a licensed counselor, host of the “Hope Stories” podcast and the author of the new book, Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation. Presently a counselor in private practice, Sister Josephine earned a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2019. Prior to entering religious life, she worked as vice president in the home loans division of Bank of America. She resides in Tyler, Tex.Zac, Ashley and Sister Josephine discuss: - The challenges (and graces) that emerge in the spiritual wilderness- How therapy and counseling compare to spiritual direction and prayer- Why Lent promotes deeper reflections on our relationships with others and ourselvesIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by America’s editor at large, James Martin, S.J., to give an update on Pope Francis’ health after his 13th day in Gemelli Hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia in both of his lungs. They also discuss Father Martin’s viral prayer for the pope during his illness, which is linked below. Links for further reading: Wilderness Within: A Guided Lent Journal for Prayer and Meditation A prayer for Pope Francis during his grave illnessUpdate: Pope Francis’ CT scan shows ‘normal progression of the lung inflammation’Pope Francis beats back speculation of imminent death or conclave as he continues pneumonia recoveryHope Stories with Sr. Josephine Garrett, CSFNSisters of the Holy Family of NazarethYou 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 Ashley and Zac to cover the cosmos on this week’s episode of “Jesuitical” is Guy Consolmagno, S.J., the director of the Vatican Observatory and author of the new book, A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and Science. A research astronomer, physicist and Jesuit brother, he has served at the Vatican Observatory since 1993, and in 2015 Pope Francis appointed him director. He is the author of God’s Mechanics and co-author of Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial? and Turn Left at Orion.Zac, Ashley and Brother Guy discuss: - The relationship between science, theology and faith—how science points to God and God enables science- Brother Guy’s passion for teaching science and inspiring “oh my God” moments in his students- Brother Guy’s vocation story and the history of Jesuits making scientific advancements In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley unpack Pope Francis’ recent hospitalization for a respiratory infection, later confirmed as double pneumonia. As of Thursday, Feb. 20, he is stable, without fever and in good spirits. Links for further reading: A Jesuit’s Guide to the Stars: Exploring Wonder, Beauty, and SciencePope Francis, battling double pneumonia, ‘alert and responsive,’ according to Italian PMCardinals push back on rumors Pope Francis will resign while in hospitalThree ways Pope Francis should fix the procedures for papal illness, death and electionsYou 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 “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Simon Critchley, the Hans Jonas Professor of Philosophy at the New School for Social Research in New York and a Director of the Onassis Foundation, about his new book, Mysticism. Among the most prolific of modern academic philosophers, Simon has written over twenty books, from works of philosophy to studies on topics from Greek tragedy and dead philosophers to David Bowie, football and suicide.Zac, Ashley and Simon discuss: - The historical development of the concept of “mysticism,” how it was suppressed during the Reformation and its resurgent relevance for today.- Emotionally-charged forms of piety in the high Middle Ages among women mystics like Julian of Norwich- How modern mysticism can provide access to the sacred and transcendent in a melancholic worldIn Signs of the Times, Zac is joined by Fr. Sam Sawyer, S.J., editor-in-chief of America, for a conversation about Pope Francis’ strongly worded letter of support to the Catholic bishops of the United States in which he denounced the mass deportation of undocumented migrants initiated by President Donald Trump, and corrected Vice President JD Vance’s theology. Links for further reading: Mysticism by Simon Critchley Pope Francis’ letter, JD Vance’s ‘ordo amoris’ and what the Gospel asks of all of us on immigrationPope Francis to U.S. Catholic bishops: Oppose mass deportationsWhat’s on tap?Gin MartiniYou 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

This week, Zac and Ashley chat with Dr. Gina Zurlo, the Yang Visiting Scholar of World Christianity at Harvard Divinity School, about her groundbreaking research on women outpacing men in worldwide church participation.Zac, Ashley, and Gina discuss: - Gina’s experience co-authoring World Christian Encyclopedia (Third Edition),  a 1,000-page textbook that documents the changing status of global Christianity over the past 120 years, which she presented to Pope Francis at the Vatican in 2023.- Why the participation and leadership of women in churches is often overlooked or underreported- Suggestions for how the church can better support and empower women in leadership and ministryIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the hundreds of emails obtained by the Associated Press that reveal the extent to which the NFL’s New Orleans Saints helped the Archdiocese of New Orleans contain the damage of new revelations of sexual abuse; and the Vatican’s new rules on how to worship when when a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday. Links for further reading: Gina Zurlo’s websiteGina Zurlo’s Groundbreaking Research on Women in World ChristianityWorld Christian Encyclopedia (Third Edition) Emails reveal extent of New Orleans Saints’ damage control for Catholic sex abuse crisisWhen a holy day of obligation falls on a Sunday: Vatican releases new rules What’s on tap?Black coffee 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

This week’s episode of “Jesuitical” features a conversation with journalist Helene Stapinski and her son, Dean Jamieson, a fiction writer from Brooklyn who, now in his 20s, finds himself drawn to the Catholic Church his mother left behind two decades ago because of the sex abuse crisis. Zac, Ashley, Helene and Dean discuss: - Helene’s faith journey, from a “cradle Catholic” and member of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps to a mom disillusioned by the church’s sex abuse scandal and culture-war stances- How Dean became “Catholic curious” in college and started attending Mass, drawn to the aesthetics, anti-consumerist values and sense of community he found in the church- How the priest at Dean’s local parish in Brooklyn has sought to actively engage young adults and welcome them (and sometimes their parents) backIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Vice President JD Vance’s accusations that the U.S. bishops were being critical of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration because it would hurt their “bottom line”; the threat to Catholic Charities by Trump’s directive to freeze federal financial assistance programs; and the Vatican’s latest document on “the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence” that addresses the ethical challenges raised by AI and warns against “creating a substitute for God.”Links for further reading: “Turning Out, Tuning In? I left the Church, but now my twenty-something kids seem drawn to it”Vice President Vance: Thank you for making headlines about the bishops’ care for immigrantsJD Vance suggests U.S. bishops only care for immigrants to protect ‘their bottom line’Trump executive order will strip funds from Catholic Charities, White House saysNew Vatican document on A.I. warns against ‘creating a substitute for God’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

This week’s episode of “Jesuitical” features a conversation with James T. Keane, senior editor at America and columnist for the Catholic Book Club, a weekly newsletter on literature and the arts. Jim’s new book, Reading Culture Through Catholic Eyes, explores 50 Catholic writers, thinkers, and “firebrands” who have influenced Catholic culture—and yes, as Jim’s colleagues, we may sound a little biased when we say it’s well worth the read. Just take our word for it. Even better, grab a copy and see for yourselves. Zac, Ashley and Jim discuss: - What makes someone a “Catholic writer” - Why so many of us get stuck on the same Catholic writers - The works of three lesser-known Catholic authors: Myles Connolly, Andre Dubus and Mary KarrIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss inauguration prayers for the 47th U.S. president Donald J. Trump offered by Pope Francis, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Father Frank Mann and Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde; the Cuban government’s plan to release 553 prisoners in response to Pope Francis’ Jubilee request to set the captives free; and increased family benefits for Vatican City-State employees.Links for further reading: Reading Culture through Catholic Eyes: 50 Writers, Thinkers, and Firebrands Who Challenge and Change UsPope Francis assures Donald Trump of his prayers, but says mass deportations would be a ‘disgrace’If the Catholic Church is pro-life, why is its maternity leave so bad?After the election, people may know your political party—but will they know you’re a Christian?God lifts up the underdogsLean into love, not fear, this World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Beirut Jesuit pastor tells preachersYou 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 “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Kelly Ryan, the president of Jesuit Refugee Service USA, about her 30 years of experience working with refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in light of a second Trump administration. A two-time U.S. presidential political appointee, Kelly has also worked extensively with faith-based organizations, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See. Zac, Ashley and Kelly discuss: - The origins of Jesuit Refugee Service, from its founding in 1980 by Pedro Arrupe, S.J., to assist refugees, especially those fleeing the Vietnam War- Challenges at the U.S. southern border, including the dangerous journeys many migrants make and the difficulties in processing their asylum claims- Concern about potential changes to refugee admissions and deportation policies under the incoming Trump administrationIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Pope Francis’ autobiography Hope, which features critical reflections about his rowdy youth and staunch defenses of his most controversial moves; plus they chat about the 2025 College Football National Championship between the University of Notre Dame and Ohio State University, including some words on Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame’s current coach, a Catholic convert—and a former Buckeye. Links for further reading: Opening doors at Advent and all year long: How J.R.S. responds to the plight of refugees Pope Francis acknowledges mistakes and defends most controversial decisions in new autobiographyNotre Dame story Father Pedro Arrupe: a controversial Jesuit’s bumpy path to sainthoodA Jesuit border priest on Trump and the plight of migrants109th World Day of Refugees and Migrants Message from Pope FrancisJesuit Refugee ServiceJRS is on Instagram: @jrs_usaYou 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 Jan. 6, Pope Francis announced that Cardinal Robert McElroy will be the next archbishop of Washington, D.C. Cardinal McElroy, currently the bishop of San Diego, spoke with Zac and Ashley on the “Jesuitical” podcast back in 2023, and this week, they’re revisiting that conversation. In it, Cardinal McElroy embraces the synodal vision and pastoral approach of Pope Francis and calls upon the church to dismantle the “structures and cultures of exclusion” that alienate some Catholics, including women, the poor, divorced-and-remarried couples and L.G.B.T. Catholics. Zac, Ashley and Cardinal McElroy discuss: - Cardinal McElroy’s 2023 article in America on the Eucharist and radical inclusion for L.G.B.T. people, women and others- Why synodality is the connective tissue of the Catholic faith that enables us to work through disagreements in communion - How to handle polarization in the church on issues like sexuality, marriage, racism and povertyIn Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss President Joe Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row to a sentence of life in prison without parole; Pope Francis’ appointment of Italian missionary nun Sister Simona Brambilla as the first woman to lead a major Vatican dicastery; and the exciting news that a soccer-loving Catholic nun from Brazil is officially the oldest living person at nearly 117. Links for further reading: Cardinal McElroy to lead D.C. archdiocese, Vatican announcesCardinal McElroy on ‘radical inclusion’ for L.G.B.T. people, women and others in the Catholic ChurchBiden commutes 37 death row sentences before Trump can resume executionsA woman leads a Vatican office for the first time ever. Why now?Historic first: Pope Francis appoints woman as prefect of Vatican dicasteryA soccer-loving nun from Brazil is world’s oldest living person at nearly 117Zac’s New Year’s recommendation: What if you're already on top of things?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