JD and Ed talk about backlash against the decision to hold the first general congregation of the College of Cardinals so soon after the death of Pope Francis. They also talk about Francis’ last will and testament.

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Pope Francis has died at the age of 88.

JD and Ed react to the news and give some initial reflections on the pope’s legacy.

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JD and Ed talk about an unusual ruling in an appeal of a wrongful termination lawsuit filed by the Vatican's former auditor general, Libero Milone.

This episode is sponsored by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California. Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees, shrubs and houseplants, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

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Show notes:

Vatican court: Auditor cannot bring ‘immoral and indecent’ evidence at appeal

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD and Ed continue their discussion about Fiducia supplicans and JD’s new hobby.

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JD and Ed share their expectations for Dignitas infinita, and ask how Catholics can avoid reflexive aversion or cynicism to the typical cycle of Francis documents. 

Then, JD responds to a question from a listener.

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This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by Seton Home Study School. Aside from their commitment to the Catholic Faith, Seton is really known for their English program and the strong writing skills Seton students develop. 

Colleges including the University of Dallas partner with Seton because of Seton graduates' superior Catholic education, especially in the area of English. 

Learn more about Seton Home Study School by visiting www.SetonHome.org

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD talks about his scouting days and dreams. 

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Disaffiliation from the Catholic Church is on the rise— could secularized Catholic cultural practices to blame? 

JD plays a round of spy trivia, in celebration of Spy Wednesday. 

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD and Ed talk about St. Patrick’s Day, baseball, the Waffle House and buffets.

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JD receives a surprising email. Then, JD and Ed talk about next month's synod on synodality meeting for parish priests. 

Ed plays a round of ‘Yes or No’.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Catholic Textbook Project. 

It’s time to switch to a history textbook your students will enjoy reading. The Catholic Textbook Project produces history textbooks that bring the past to life by using a narrative format that engages student interest and invites them into the story that is history. 

Download digital samples— or request physical samples— today, by visiting catholictextbookproject.com/samples

JD talks with Francis X. Maier about his book True Confessions.

Maier is a senior fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C. He served for 23 years as senior aide and special assistant to Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., in Denver and Philadelphia. 

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD hates winter and fun. Ed shares a new story.-Are you a paying subscriber? 

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JD and Ed talk about the aging U.S. episcopate and upcoming metropolitan turnovers.

Ed plays a round of ‘Bigger than Boston.'

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Ancient Language Institute. 

Latin is not dead. And to learn it, you don't have to treat it like a museum artifact. At the Ancient Language Institute, we read, listen to, and speak in the language we're studying. 

Check out our online classes in Latin, Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew, and Old English. Visit ancientlanguage.com/pillar

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, Ed gives an update on his effort to stop smoking. 

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JD and Ed discuss Candlegate.

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Ed talks about Italian authorities’ new investigation into illegal data searches into key defendants in the Vatican financial trial. Then, JD and Ed talk about Pope Francis’ ailing health— and the challenges facing the next conclave.

This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry, a Catholic graduate school that seeks reunite theology, prayer, and sanctity by providing formation that isn’t about information, but a true formation of mind and heart led by a personal encounter with Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. 

St. Bernard’s is offering the opportunity to audit one course this summer— entirely free — thanks to the Knights of Columbus Finger Lakes Chapter. 

You can learn more by visiting: https://www.stbernards.edu/

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, Ed expands on his conclave analysis that published this week. 

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JD and Ed talk about an anonymous, polarizing essay written about Pope Francis’ pontificate and goals for the next conclave.

Show notes:

Demos II

What if the Vatican actually goes broke?

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD responds to a comment on his Cardinal Dolan analysis piece published this week. Then, politics aside, he reviews Donald Trump’s golden, high-top sneakers. 

Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to Th…

JD and Ed talk about the controversial funeral held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral last week, and how it relates to Canon 1184.

Then, they respond to some feedback on their liturgy discussion in last week’s episode. 

Show notes:

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, Ed shares about his new habits.

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JD is craving a liturgical renaissance— but he disagrees with Ed on how to begin. Then, JD and Ed talk about recent controversial comments by an economist with the Pontifical Academy for Life. 

This episode of the Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Southwest Indian Foundation’s Catholic Pueblo Revival Paid Internship Program. 

Apply today, at https://saintkaterirosarywalk.org/

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD shares with Ed about his upcoming auctioning gigs and new auctioning tactics.

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JD and Ed speculate about how ‘Fiducia supplicans’ could come into play at the U.S. bishops’ meeting in June. Then, they talk about the pope's reorientation of the Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith. 

JD plays a round of Valentine’s Day ‘Yes or No’. 

This episode of the Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Southwest Indian Foundation’s Catholic Pueblo Revival Paid Internship Program. 

Apply today! https://saintkaterirosarywalk.org/

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, Ed talks about the thing that ruined his week.

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JD and Ed consider ongoing chatter about a merger of the Diocese of Steubenville.

This episode is sponsored by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California. Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees, shrubs and houseplants, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

JD and Ed talk about ecumenism, inspired by The Pillar’s conversation with the bishop of Helsinki. Then, they talk about this week’s clarification from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. 

Ed plays a round of DICLSAL trivia. 

This episode of the Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the Southwest Indian Foundation’s Catholic Pueblo Revival Paid Internship Program. 

To learn more, visit https://saintkaterirosarywalk.org/

In this subscriber-only bonus episode, JD and Ed talk about JD’s new auctioneer gear and Ed’s feelings. 

Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to The Pillar Podcast.

Having issues? You can check out this general step-by-step guide from Substa…

JD and Ed talk about the impact and canonical status of a Traditional Latin Mass this week at the U.S. Capitol. 

JD attempts to steer Ed into 'feelings talk.' 

Ed addresses some feedback to his recent newsletter. JD gives Ed the lowdown on invasive species.

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JD and Ed talk about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of a Catholic missionary priest in Venezuela. 

Then, they talk about the future of the national March for Life. 

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This episode of the Pillar Podcast is brought to you by subscribers to The Pillar. 

Sorry, bonus episodes will be back next week (hopefully). 

JD and Ed talk about the conclusion of an investigation into the former archbishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Ed catches JD up on some of the news he missed while he was sick.

Then, JD plays a round of international folk remedy ‘Yes or No.’

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This episode of the Pillar Podcast is brought to you by the Good Egg Fund. The Good Egg Fund gives small grants to individuals and groups who want to do good for others but don’t have funds of their own.

Learn more at goodeggfund.org

There will be no episode of The Pillar Podcast this week, because JD is still sick with Covid. Please say a prayer for his recovery!

In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about Christmas gifts and plans.

Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to The Pillar Podcast.

Having issues? You can check out this general step-by-step guide from Su…

JD and Ed talk about Fiducia supplicans and verdicts in the Vatican financial trial.

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Pope Francis stacks the Vatican ‘supreme court’ — but why?

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This episode is brought to you by a Pillar listener who wants to encourage you to check out Saints: A Family Story, available through Paraclete Press— or anywhere books are sold! 

Check it out today, at SaintsAFamilyStory.com

Ed’s stressed, Pope Francis is still in the hospital, and kids’ movies from the 80s still haunt JD and Ed.

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In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about trains and corpse whales.  

Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to The Pillar Podcast.

Having issues? You can check out this general step-by-step guide from S…

JD and Ed talk about the Vatican’s recent letter regarding single mothers and the Eucharist, and Cardinal Wilton Gregory’s comments about the Traditional Latin Mass. 

Then, they rate Christmas carols and songs

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This episode is brought to you by Christendom College Graduate School, where Theology is practiced with uncompromising fidelity to the deposit of faith. 

Learn more at www.graduate.christendom.edu

In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, Ed and JD gives their predictions for verdicts in the Vatican financial trial. 

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Having issues? You can check out this ge…

Drawing from Time Magazine’s qualifications for 'Person of the Year,' JD and Ed offer their own nominations for ecclesiastic people of the year. 

Then, they rank Christmas songs.

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This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the University of Dallas, The Catholic University for Independent Thinkers. UD invites you to embark on The Quest, a documentary-style video series about discovering one’s purpose and living with courage. 

Start watching The Quest from the University of Dallas now for free at quest.udallas.edu/pillar

In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about their internal voices. 

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JD and Ed talk about Raymond Cardinal Burke and have a tough conversation about the state of affairs in the Church. 

Ed plays a round of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Greater or Lesser.

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This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the University of Dallas, the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country.

The University of Dallas is known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education, and the humanities. 

With campuses in Texas and Italy, The University of Dallas is committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially, and spiritually for a life well-lived. 

For more information, visit udallas.edu/pillar.

There is no bonus episode this week. JD and Ed will be back next week. In the meantime, please enjoy our rendition of John Cage’s 4’33.

This is not a canonical mail bag episode. Instead, JD and Ed talk about Archbishop Christopher Coyne’s recent interview with a Connecticut news outlet— and ask if today’s Catholics are prepared to proclaim the Gospel. 

Ed plays a round of Turkey trivia. 

In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about bishops’ general reactions to the removal of Bishop Joseph Strickland.

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Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to The Pillar Podcast.

Having issues? You can chec…

In this live taping of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed reflect on changing attitudes at the U.S. bishops’ meeting in Baltimore. Then, several listeners play a game. 

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This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the University of Dallas, the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country.

The University of Dallas is known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities. 

With campuses in Texas and Italy, The University of Dallas is committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived. 

For more information, visit udallas.edu/pillar

JD and Ed address a question that has resurfaced with Pope Francis’ hospitalization— what will happen if there are more than 120 cardinal electors in the next conclave?

Join JD and Ed in Rome this December! Learn more about The Pillar Pilgrimage here.

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This episode is sponsored by Norman’s Nursery in Southern California. Norman’s Nursery is California’s premier grower of trees, shrubs and houseplants, serving homeowners, landscapers, and developers.

Call (805) 398-0011 to plan your dream landscape today, or visit NormansNursery.com

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Piano: Wistful by Alexandra Tsikina (CC BY 3.0)

In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, Ed gives the background of his conversation with Raffaele Mincione.

https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/meet-mr-mincione 

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Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to The Pillar Podcast.

H…

JD and Ed talk about The Pillar’s reporting involving Cardinal Ghirlanda— and what followed. Then, they make predictions for committee elections at the US bishops’ meeting next week. 

Join JD and Ed in Baltimore for another live taping of The Pillar Podcast on Wednesday, November 15 at 7pm at Todd Conner’s Bar (700 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231)

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This episode of The Pillar Podcast is sponsored by the University of Dallas, the premier Catholic liberal arts university in the country.

The University of Dallas is known for its rigorous undergraduate Core Curriculum and robust graduate and professional programs in business, ministry, education and the humanities. 

With campuses in Texas and Italy, The University of Dallas is committed to an education that forms students intellectually, socially and spiritually for a life well-lived. 

For more information, visit udallas.edu/pillar

In this subscriber-only bonus episode of The Pillar Podcast, JD and Ed talk about homeownership, and look forward to the live show. 

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Are you a paying subscriber? Add these bonus episodes to your feed by visiting pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone and tapping “set up podcast” next to The Pillar Podcast.

Having issues? You can check out this general s…