Explore every episode of the podcast Inside The Vatican

In this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and Colleen evaluate how Pope Leo XIV’s recovery from his lung surgery is progressing and discuss questions of how the operation might affect his immediate future plans. In the second part of the show, they look at Leo’s personal intervention on behalf of a besieged city in Ukraine. Sign up for our new newsletter, Vatican Notebook! Chapters: 0:00 Health update and intro 1:55 Pope Leo returns to audience in St. Peter’s Square 5:59 Leo’s emphasis on family at general audience 7:47 Leo’s hospitalization and resuming work 12:07 Can Leo still go to Latin America? 17:24 Leo’s planned trip to Assisi Oct. 27 19:23 Will Leo slow down or accelerate his work? 22:53 Leo’s calls with Putin and Zelensky 28:02 Does Leo think Ukraine should cede land? 30:56 Effect of Leo’s intervention for Oleshky 35:17 Outro and credits Links: Pope Leo needs no further cancer treatment, doctors say Pope’s brother speaks about Leo’s cancer diagnosis and recovery in new interview Pope Leo speaks with Putin by telephone from hospital Pope Leo spoke by phone with President Zelensky about reaching a ceasefire in besieged city of Oleshky Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry explain what we know and what still remains unclear regarding Pope Leo XIV’s shocking lung cancer diagnosis. In the second part of the show, they recap the meeting of bishops on Amoris Laetitia and the election of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the new dean of the College of Cardinals. Sign up for our new newsletter, Vatican Notebook! Links: First photos of Pope Leo since surgery released by the Vatican (Friday, Oct. 16) Pope Leo has ‘resumed work’ three days after lung cancer surgery (Thursday, Oct. 15) Pope Leo concelebrated Mass in hospital chapel as recovery from lung surgery proceeds ‘as expected’ (Wednesday, Oct. 14) What to know about Pope Leo’s cancer diagnosis (Wednesday, Oct. 14) Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer, Vatican announces (Tuesday, Oct. 13) Pope Leo’s lung surgery concludes ‘positively,’ Vatican says (Tuesday, Oct. 13) ‘Amoris’ meeting discusses divorce and remarriage among human ‘fragilities’ ‘Amoris’ participants agree that one major issue is affecting families: Migration. Pope Leo confirms Cardinal Tagle as Dean of the College of Cardinals Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Pope Francis biographer Austen Ivereigh and America executive producer Sebastian Gomes join Colleen Dulle to discuss this week’s Vatican meeting on “Amoris Laetitia,” ten years after Pope Francis published his controversial exhortation on marriage and the family. Austen and Sebastian recap the tense 2014 and 2015 synods on the family, what Pope Francis decided in Amoris Laetitia and what is to be discussed at a Vatican meeting on the document to be held Oct. 7-14 for the heads of the world’s conferences of bishops. Chapters: 00:00 10 years after Amoris Laetitia 2:09 Pope Francis calls the Synod on the family 11:30 What was at stake? 14:50 Two temptations in the Synod 19:26 Overcoming tensions and polarization 21:50 Divorced and remarried Catholics 27:56 Challenges facing families 30:30 What does Amoris Laetitia say? 37:54 Access to the Sacraments? 40:39 A controversial document 42:44 Implementing Amoris Laetitia 44:22 Pope Leo wants to discuss it Links: Bishops are meeting at the Vatican next week to discuss ‘Amoris Laetitia.’ Here’s what you need to know. Let Us Dream: The Path to a Better Future by Pope Francis and Austen Ivereigh Communion for the divorced and remarried, papal critics and family life: Pope Francis’ ‘Amoris Laetitia’ at 5 years Sign up for our new newsletter, Vatican Notebook⁠! https://www.americamagazine.org/sign-up-for-vatican-notebook-email-newsletter Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Colleen Dulle joins hosts Zac Davis and Sebasian Gomes to discuss Pope Leo’s recent visit to France, including his messages on assisted dying, European identity and the role of the Catholic Church in a secular country. Colleen also reflects on her experience of traveling with the pope for the first time. Sign up for Colleen’s newsletter, Vatican Notebook! Chapters: 00:00 First time on the papal plane! 4:02 Why Pope Leo went to France 6:45 Catholic revival? 9:43 Secularity in France 14:02 Pro-life issues in France 17:57 Is Europe a "Christian" culture? 24:55 Pope meets abuse victims 34:08 Liturgy and division Links: Pope Leo’s trip to France won’t be a victory lap—and that’s a good thing. Vatican Notebook: Pope Leo navigates tensions between secularism and Catholic history on France visit ‘More than a monument’: Pope Leo’s speech at the newly renovated Notre-Dame Pope Leo draws 800,000 to Mass in the heart of Paris Vatican Notebook: Pope Leo addresses French conversion boom, warns against complacency Pope speaks out against French assisted-dying and abortion laws in Lourdes visit Mother: Pope Leo’s blessing of special-needs daughter recognizes ‘segment of humanity often set aside’ Pope Leo meets with survivors of abuse in Lourdes Pope Leo: Europe must return to path of dialogue, not military buildup Pope Leo is not ‘in panic mode’ about an A.I. catastrophe, but ‘we can’t just sit back’ and do nothing You can sign up for Colleen's 'Vatican Notebook' newsletter here: https://www.americamagazine.org/sign-up-for-vatican-notebook-email-newsletter Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support the show by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and Colleen preview Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France, set for Sept. 25-28. The two unpack Pope Leo’s itinerary for the trip, give context for the political situation in the country and discuss what messages the pope may send to both secular and ecclesial authorities in a country and church that are being reshaped by the arrival of newcomers. Sign up for our new newsletter, Vatican Notebook! Chapters: 00:00 News: Pope Leo to visit Latin America2:12 Background on Pope Leo's trip to France11:07 The EU, war, and multilateralism15:19 The pope's diplomatic balancing act18:20 A religious spring in France?24:00 Scandals, wounds and reconciliation29:20 Who the pope is meeting Links: Pope Leo XIV will meet with the French abuse survivors as critics demand action As Pope Leo prepares to visit France, can its ‘Catholic moment’ become a lasting revival? Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and Colleen discuss the “birthday gifts” Pope Leo XIV gave to the Vatican on his 71st birthday: an expansion of the Vatican Library and archives and the repeal of Covid-era salary cuts. The hosts explain Vatican salaries and what has changed financially for the Holy See since the pandemic. In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry give a primer on “Baby Bishops’ School,” the annual training for newly-ordained bishops that recently concluded in Rome. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:42 Pope Leo repeals Covid-era salary cuts 4:52 How Vatican employees are compensated 7:52 The Vatican’s financial recovery since 2024 10:39 Vatican finances under Pope Leo 15:06 Vatican Library and archive expansion 18:33 Baby Bishops’ School explained 21:03 Bishops get international perspective 24:49 Pope Leo’s address to new bishops 29:43 The Pope Leo ‘style’ of being bishop 33:40 What could change for bishops under Leo 35:30 Outro and credits Links:Pope Leo celebrates his 71st birthday—by giving gifts to the Vatican Is Pope Leo ‘Americanizing’ Vatican fundraising? What Pope Leo has said about an ‘A.I. pause’ Pope Leo calls for ‘culture of negotiation’ at meeting of North and South American leaders Synodality, multiculturalism and working with Pope Leo: Archbishop Costelloe on the Australian Catholic Church Pope Leo warns technology cannot replace the value of human relationships Cardinal Czerny awarded inaugural Pope Leo XIV Sustainability Medal Pope Leo commemorates 9/11, praying for all who ‘bear wounds of that tragic day’ Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and Colleen take the opportunity of Pope Leo’s 71st birthday on Monday, Sept. 14, to look back at what he has accomplished thus far in his papacy and what major items remain on his desk for the fall, including trips to France and Latin America, a series of high-profile appointments and the ongoing trials of Marko Rupnik and Angelo Becciu. The hosts also announce the launch of the newest America newsletter, Vatican Notebook! Subscribe here. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 3:21 Pope Leo celebrates his 71st birthday 5:50 A review of Pope Leo's first year 10:01 Pope Leo's effect on geopolitics 13:53 Pope Leo assembles a diverse new team 21:50 Leo's focus on peace, poverty and A.I. 28:10 Pope Leo is in no rush 29:10 The pope's preferences for bishops 35:11 Plans for filling bishop vacancies 37:03 Marko Rupnik trial updates 40:53 A new attitude on Vatican finances 44:30 Outro Links: How do popes celebrate their birthdays? Pizza, parties and puppies (from 2025) Is Pope Leo ‘Americanizing’ Vatican fundraising? Pope Leo: Catholics cannot be ‘unengaged spectators’ amid ‘injustice, discrimination and violence’ Pope Leo’s visit to France likely to attract a million people Peruvian city to unveil world’s tallest statue of Pope Leo for trip to South America A long-awaited reckoning: A timeline of the Father Marko Rupnik case Subscribe to Vatican Notebook Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo today received the National Constitution Center’s liberty medal and gave an acceptance speech via livestream from the Vatican. Colleen Dulle recaps his message. Links from the show: Read: Pope Leo’s message to the United States on its 250th anniversary Subscribe to America Magazine (use promo code VATICAN for $10 off an annual digital subscription) Fill out our listener survey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, July 2, in response to the SSPX’s illicit ordinations of bishops, the Vatican announced that not only were the bishops involved in the ordination automatically excommunicated and in schism, but that any clergy of SSPX or lay members who “adhere” to the schism are also to be considered excommunicated. Links from the show: The Vatican and SSPX controversy, explained Vatican declares excommunicated SSPX bishops, warns priests and lay faithful of schism Analysis: SSPX excommunications show what Pope Leo means by church ‘unity’ Subscribe to America Magazine Fill out our listener survey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this season finale of “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry discuss the hectic weeks before Pope Leo’s summer vacation. First they recap the pope’s trip to Pavia to visit the remains of St. Augustine and the home of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, his speech to the World Food Program and the Vatican’s denial of the German bishops’ request to allow lay people to preach homilies. They also look ahead to this week’s consistory of cardinals, the illicit ordinations planned by SSPX, the pope’s address to Americans on July 3 and his trip to Lampedusa July 4, along with how Leo plans to spend his summer vacation. In this episode, Gerry also breaks the news of how many days Pope Leo will spend in Argentina, Peru and Uruguay this fall. 0:00 Intro 1:17 Pope Leo’s visit to Pavia and Cabrini’s hometown 4:52 Breaking News - Pope Leo’s agenda for Latin America 5:44 Pope Leo’s visit to the World Food Program 10:50 Vatican says no to lay homilies during Mass 11:35 Meeting of continental synod leaders at Vatican 16:38 Consistory of cardinals on war, AI and the synod 23:49 Cardinals could discuss SSPX at consistory 28:44 Pope Leo’s address to Americans July 3 34:06 Pope Leo’s July 4 visit to Lampedusa 34:53 What we know about Pope Leo’s summer plans 39:22 Please fill out our listener survey! Links: Pope Leo XIV exalts first American saint Cabrini as a model for Christians for her care of migrants Pope Leo: War is ‘fed more easily’ than the hungry Vatican to German bishops: No lay people preaching homilies at Mass SSPX stands firm against Vatican II in open letter to Pope Leo Extraordinary consistory signals Pope Leo’s push to work with cardinals on global challenges Fill out our Listener Survey! Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo visited Spain from June 6-12, a visit that drew record-breaking crowds. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell recaps for Colleen Dulle the highlights from the pope’s three stops: Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands. On the last day, Gerry reports, Leo spoke out against those who take advantage of migrants “like I’ve rarely seen him,” shouting, “Stop! Repent!” After this episode was recorded, Pope Leo spoke to journalists outside Castel Gandolfo, saying “Thank God” for the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and commenting on the upcoming illicit ordinations of bishops for the Society of St. Pius X. Regarding the latter, he said, ““If they make that choice, I am sorry, but we must move forward.” Interview: Madrid’s Cardinal Cobo says Pope Leo’s visit to Spain ‘is bringing out the best in people’ In Spain, Pope Leo denounces polarization and hails commitment to multilateralism More than one million attend Pope Leo’s Mass and procession in the heart of Madrid Pope Leo defends the unborn and migrants in historic speech to Spanish parliament Pope Leo meets with 6 clergy abuse survivors in Spain Pope Leo blesses 21 ambulances that an Argentine nun is taking to Ukraine Pope Leo tackles depression, domestic violence and the ‘cult of self-image’ in dialogue with young people Pope Leo visits famed Spanish monastery, entrusting his ministry to the Virgin of Montserrat Pope Leo XIV honors Antoni Gaudí and blesses the Sagrada Familia’s final tower ‘Human dignity has no passport’: Pope Leo visits Gran Canaria Pope Leo ends visit to Spain with a call to repent Pope Leo speaks out on SSPX ordinations and U.S.-Iran deal Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo’s encyclical ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ published May 25, has sparked debates in the worlds of technology and theology while galvanizing online creators opposed to artificial intelligence. Anna Rowlands, a theologian and co-presenter of the text with Pope Leo, joins Colleen Dulle to parse the encyclical’s reception, its contributions to Catholic teaching, and whether workers can use the encyclical to justify religious exemptions to using A.I. Links: Pope Leo’s trip to Spain: Background on Sagrada Familia, migrant advocacy and a changing Catholic landscape More than one million attend Pope Leo’s Mass and procession in the heart of Madrid Pope Leo meets with 6 clergy abuse survivors in Spain Pope Leo meets Bad Bunny in Madrid A.I. is the headline for ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ but Catholic social teaching is its spine Why ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ is Pope Leo’s most important action on synodality yet Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss EWTN News President and COO Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican’s dicastery for communications. They unpack some of the challenges currently facing the dicastery and analyze the appointment in light of the Vatican’s previously strained relationship with EWTN. In the second half of the show, Gerry gives a preview of Pope Leo’s trip to Spain next week. 0:00 Intro 0:48 The dicastery for communications’ challenges 3:32 Montse Alvarado’s appointment and experience 6:38 First lay woman to head a Vatican dicastery 11:08 Significance of an American as head of communications 13:49 Alvarado steered EWTN away from conflict with Francis 17:19 Pope Leo’s vision for communications 21:38 Pope Leo to address Spanish parliament in Madrid 24:29 Pope Leo’s visit to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona 26:20 Pope Leo to highlight migration in Canary Islands 28:04 Other possible events for pope’s Spain trip 31:34 Outro and credits Links: Pope Leo appoints president of EWTN News as head of Vatican communications Pope Francis responds to attacks from EWTN, other church critics: ‘They are the work of the devil.’ Explainer: The story behind Pope Francis’ beef with EWTN Pope Leo’s trip to Spain: Background on Sagrada Familia, migrant advocacy and a changing Catholic landscape Bad Bunny wants to meet Pope Leo XIV. In Madrid, a crossover event is in the works. Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on a special “Inside the Vatican” roundtable, a discussion of “Magnifica Humanitas,” Pope Leo’s groundbreaking first encyclical on protecting the human person in the age of artificial intelligence. Host Colleen Dulle sits down with her co-host and senior Vatican correspondent, Gerard O’Connell, as well as America’s president and editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J. They discuss the document’s key takeaways, how it is being received in Silicon Valley, Pope Leo’s challenge for every Catholic in the A.I. age and much more.  Links: Read “Magnifica Humanitas” Pope Leo’s first encyclical tackles A.I., power and human dignity Pope Leo XIV makes historic apology for the Catholic Church’s role in legitimizing slavery Why Pope Leo’s new encyclical quotes Gandalf: Literary images of hope and faith in ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ A capitalist (priest) reads ‘Magnifica Humanitas’ Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo released his encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, on “safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence” today, May 25. (Read the encyclical here. And find America Magazine's extensive coverage of the encyclical here.) Pope Leo presented the encyclical at the Vatican along with the panel of experts, including Christopher Olah, a co-founder of one of the world’s leading AI developers, Anthropic. In a speech at the presentation, Leo stressed that the encyclical had been born out of a process of listening–to scientists and engineers developing AI; political leaders, parents, and teachers; and people concerned about autonomous weapons systems and various forms of exclusion happening on the basis of mass data gathering. Leo recaps the evolution of Catholic Social Teaching through its major documents and by explaining its key principles, in many places anticipating and rebutting criticisms that the church should either stay out of politics or completely rule it. He then moves on to the explicit examination of AI, its development and its effects on humanity in the spheres of education, labor, technology addiction, democracy and many other areas, giving concrete recommendations on how AI development could be better supervised by various configurations of local and international civil, religious and educational authorities. He denounces repeatedly the ways in which A.I. will exacerbate global inequalities, and how it is already concentrating power and decision-making in the hands of a minority of powerful individuals. Leo stresses that, for all of us, the ethics of AI cannot be simplified into “good use of A.I. is good, evil use of A.I. is evil”—AI is not, he says, a morally neutral tool, but “embodies choices and priorities through what it measures, ignores and optimizes, and how it classifies people and situations.” In other words, the moral discernment of AI cannot merely look at the uses to which it is put, but also how it is designed and what vision of the human person and society” is embedded into it . As expected, Leo turns to the use of A.I. in war. In a particularly interesting paragraph, he dismisses just war theory as “outdated,” saying it has “all too often been used to justify any kind of war” and that “Humanity possesses far more effective and capable tools for promoting human life and resolving conflicts, such as dialogue, diplomacy and forgiveness.” The document ends with a long meditation on peace, in which Leo outlines “five paths toward daily and public responsibility.” Magnifica Humanitas includes challenges and fruitful insights for everyone no matter their position in society, and we highly recommend giving it a read. You can find our full coverage, with many forthcoming analysis pieces, at AmericaMagazine.org, and tune in for an episode later this week in which we’ll dig deeper into this major encyclical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell look ahead to Pope Leo’s forthcoming encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” which is rumored to be a long document dealing with themes of artificial intelligence and humanity. Ahead of the document’s expected release on May 25, Gerry and Colleen recap what is already known about the document, the Vatican’s previous work on A.I. and how encyclicals are written. Links: Pope Leo will publish first encyclical, ‘Magnifica Humanitas,’ on preserving humanity in the A.I. age on May 25 Bishop Flores: Pope Leo’s AI encyclical is coming. Don’t let ChatGPT read it for you. Explainer: Papal documents and their (different) levels of authority Interview: Bishop Paul Tighe on the Vatican’s response to AI What does the Vatican know about A.I.? A lot, actually. Pope Leo’s encyclical comes just in time: AI is raising questions only religion can answer. Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Pope Leo XIV, along with recent developments between the Vatican and the Society of St. Pius X, which has committed to illicitly ordain bishops without the Vatican’s approval. In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry look at the pope’s visits to Pompeii and Naples, and Gerry explains why he thinks Pope Leo’s forthcoming encyclical won’t be published as expected on May 15. Links from the show: Vatican warns SSPX leaders of excommunication over ‘schismatic act’ of ordaining bishops Pope Leo meets with Marco Rubio amid Trump’s personal attacks Poll: Most Americans disapprove of Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo Pope Leo prays for end to ‘fratricidal hatred’ as he celebrates anniversary in Pompeii Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One year ago today, Leo XIV was elected the first pope from the United States of America. A year into his papacy, we examine how the U.S. evolved from a nation with a long history of anti-Catholicism to one welcoming an American-born pope, and why the cardinals defied a longstanding taboo against a pope from a global superpower. Interviews include: - Kathleen Sprows Cummings, the John A. O’Brien Collegiate Professor of American Studies and History at the University of Notre Dame - Christopher Lamb, CNN Vatican Correspondent and author of The Outsider: Pope Francis and the Battle to Reform the Church and American Hope: What Pope Leo XIV Means for the Church and the World - J.D. Long García, senior editor at America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry O’Connell gives Colleen Dulle an inside look at Pope Leo XIV’s visit to four African countries. Between speaking out against corruption in Cameroon, denouncing inequality in Angola and visiting a prison in Equatorial Guinea, Gerry notes that Pope Leo never strayed from his central message of peace and justice—even when a Truth Social post from U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to overshadow it. 0:00 Intro 1:02 Why did Pope Leo go to Africa? 5:20 Pope Leo visits the basilica of Augustine 10:00 Pope Leo’s messages to Algeria 14:57 Pope denounces corruption in Cameroon 22:40 Leo visits conflict zone in Cameroon 27:10 Leo urges church to speak out in Angola 31:07 Angola’s unequal economy 34:44 Equatorial Guinea gives Leo ‘colorful welcome’ 36:49 Pope Leo’s memorable prison visit 41:47 Pope Leo in-air press conference 47:41 Outro and credits Links: Pope Leo walks in the footsteps of St. Augustine in Hippo Pope Leo to Cameroon’s leaders: Break the ‘chains of corruption,’ invest in young people Pope Leo denounces those who use the name God for military gain Interview: Jesuit provincial on what Pope Leo’s visit meant for Cameroon Pope Leo: I am ‘not trying to debate the president’ Pope Leo tells Angola’s Catholic leaders: ‘Never cease to denounce injustices.’ Pope Leo calls on leaders to ‘bridge the gap’ between poor and rich in Equatorial Guinea Asked about regime change in Iran, Pope Leo says, ‘I cannot be in favor of war.’ Pope Leo speaks on same-sex blessings, migration and more on plane back to Rome Pope Leo prays with Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally in historic encounter, vows dialogue Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Archbishop Joseph Marino, former president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy which trains Vatican diplomats, joins Colleen Dulle to give a crash course on Vatican Diplomacy: Who are nuncios? What do they do? And what difference do they really make? Before the interview, Colleen also gives some updates on the week’s Vatican news. 00:00 Pope Leo wraps his trip to Africa 2:57 Meet Archbishop Joseph Marino 6:38 Nuncios, the Vatican's ambassadors 14:00 Do Nuncios have to be bishops? 18:25 Political diplomacy and Vatican interests 24:40 Vatican diplomacy before the Iraq war 27:08 The Vatican's diplomatic toolkit 30:15 Pope Leo's diplomatic approach Links: Pope Leo: I am ‘not trying to debate the president’ Pope Leo in Angola: ‘Put the common good before partisan interests’ Pope Leo to Angolans: ‘Build a country where old divisions are overcome forever’ Pope Leo tells Angola’s Catholic leaders: ‘Never cease to denounce injustices.’ Pope Leo remembers ‘the great gift’ of Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death Pope Francis remembered by those who knew him Pope Leo’s delicate task in Equatorial Guinea: Bless the faithful, not the regime Pope Leo calls on leaders to ‘bridge the gap’ between poor and rich in Equatorial Guinea Pope Leo tells inmates ‘you are not alone’ during Equatorial Guinea prison visit at end of Africa tour Pope Leo’s powerful lesson in vulnerable leadership Pope Leo at year one: The progress of an American pope Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” America Editor-in-Chief Fr. Sam Sawyer, SJ, joins Vatican Correspondent Colleen Dulle and Executive Editor Ashley McKinless for a roundtable discussion on the recent comments President Trump and other administration officials have made about Pope Leo, and the pope’s response given en route to his tour of four African countries. In the first part of the show, Colleen gives an update on the papal journey across Africa. 0:00 Intro 0:25 Pope Leo in Algeria 1:26 Pope Leo in Cameroon 3:00 President Trump's words for Pope Leo 4:20 Pope Leo's criticism of war 5:40 Pope Leo's response to Trump 7:50 U.S. Bishops respond to Trump 8:47 Reactions to Trump's tirade 10:30 Did Trump influence Leo's election? 13:25 Don't take the President's bait 17:05 Impact on U.S.-Vatican relation Links: Interview: What Pope Leo’s visit means for Algeria’s tiny Catholic population Pope Leo’s first trip to Africa: what you need to know Pope Leo in Algeria: ‘The future belongs to men and women of peace’ Pope Leo walks in the footsteps of St. Augustine in Hippo Pope Leo on plane to Cameroon: St. Augustine invites us to search for God and truth Pope Leo to Cameroon’s leaders: Break the ‘chains of corruption,’ invest in young people Trump is trying to distract us from Pope Leo’s calls for peace. Don’t take the bait. South Africa’s Cardinal Brislin: Trump cannot silence Pope Leo or the church US bishops’ doctrine chair defends church’s just war tradition after JD Vance comments Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry recap a packed two weeks of Vatican news, covering Pope Leo’s first Holy Week celebrations and his comments on President Trump’s threat to wipe out ‘an entire civilization.’ After this episode was recorded, reports were published recounting a contentious meeting at the Pentagon between the nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, and Trump administration officials. Read more here: https://www.americamagazine.org/news/2026/04/09/vatican-pentagon-free-press/  Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:01 Pope Leo’s message to the wealthy in Monaco 3:14 Pope says God ‘rejects’ the prayers of warmakers 7:53 Pope Leo washes 12 priests’ feet on Holy Thursday 12:01 Pope carries the cross through Colosseum 15:07 Cardinal Pizzaballa denied access to Holy Sepulchre 20:13 Pope Leo’s Good Friday call with Zelenskyy 22:30 Pope Leo’s Easter appeal for peace 25:11 Leo calls Trump’s Iran threat ‘unacceptable’ 30:17 Pope Leo’s trip to Algeria 33:41 Leo to visit Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea 37:01 Outro and Credits Links: Is there a Catholic revival? Pope Leo seems to think so. Palm Sunday: Cardinal Pizzaballa blocked by Israeli police from Holy Sepulchre as Pope Leo denounces war in Rome Pope Leo’s Holy Thursday homily: ‘In this dark hour of history,’ do not shy away from your mission The meditations at Pope Leo’s first Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum: Connecting Christ’s Passion to modern suffering On Good Friday, Pope Leo speaks with presidents of Israel and Ukraine, calling for an end to war Pope Leo’s first Easter ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message: ‘Let those who have weapons lay them down’ Pope Leo: Trump’s threat to destroy Iran ‘truly unacceptable’ Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour and trips to Spain and Monaco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March 2026, the Vatican’s doctrine office released its final report on women’s participation in the life and leadership of the Catholic Church. The report brings to a close the two-year work of Study Group 5, which, as part of the Synod on Synodality, was tasked with studying women’s ministries and leadership. In this special roundtable conversation, editors at America magazine discuss the report’s content and proposals, and ask if the document changes the status quo for women in the Catholic Church. Featuring: Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of the “Jesuitical” podcast Kerry Weber, executive editor Colleen Dulle, Vatican correspondent and co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast Molly Cahill, associate editor 0:00 The Vatican’s final report on women and ministry 4:23 Women’s reactions to the report 11:28 New ministries for women? 20:05 The horizons and limits of women’s authority 30:30 Will women be involved in decision-making? Links: ⁠The final synod report on women: what it says, what it means and what’s next⁠ ⁠Where the women deacons question stands at the Vatican⁠ ⁠Full Report of Study Group 5 on “The Participation of Women in the Life and Leadership of the Church⁠” 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

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle is joined by guest host Ashley McKinless for an interview with Gerard O’Connell and his wife and journalist Elisabetta Piqué about their new book, “The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis.” They discuss pre-conclave maneuvering, including organized resistance to Pope Francis's reforms, as well as their decision to report conclave details despite Cardinals taking oaths of secrecy. - 0:00 Breaking the secrecy of a conclave - 8:10 A Vatican journalist and a war correspondent - 12:04 Calculating the conclave vote tallies - 15:09 Pressure campaigns and conclave maneuvering - 22:17 How the cardinals choose a pope - 30:10 What the cardinals think of Pope Leo so far - 35:50 A touching personal story Links: The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis by Gerard O'Connell and Elisabetta Pique Excerpt: Behind the scenes of Pope Leo XIV’s election Backer of Cardinal Parolin attacks Pope Francis’ push for lay involvement in church governance Los puntos débiles de Parolin, el favorito a ser el próximo papa, y el secreto a voces de su relación con Francisco Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Leo’s consistent statements pushing for peace and an end to armed conflicts worldwide. In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry unpack a few brief stories including Pope Leo receiving the Liberty Medal from the National Constitution Center, his new home in the apostolic palace and the Vatican’s appeals court’s decision for a partial re-trial in the “Trial of the Century.” 0:00 Intro 1:50 Did Pope Leo tell American leaders to go to confession? 5:43 Pope Leo calls for ceasefire 8:18 Wars are becoming video games 10:53 Leo’s phone call with Palestinian president 14:44 Pope Leo’s laser focus on peace and unity 17:30 Vatican’s soft power in conflicts 19:26 Pope Leo turns down invite to the US 23:13 Pope Leo moves to the Apolostic Palace 27:30 Update on the Vatican’s “Trial of the Century” 32:34 Pope Leo meets with Gareth Gore 33:26 Outro Links: What the Middle East needs: Not more bombs, but ‘hard, focused diplomacy’ Pope Leo to journalists: Don’t become agents of propaganda during wartime Pope Leo to warring nations in the Middle East: ‘Cease fire!’ Pope Leo to accept Liberty Medal and address Americans on July 3rd Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss comments from Pope Leo XIV and three cardinals on the Iran War, including one cardinal’s analysis of whether the conflict meets the requirements of a “just war.” In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry give an overview of the three synod study group final reports that have been released so far: on digital mission, seminaries and women’s roles in the church. 0:00 Intro 1:04 Pope Leo’s comments on Iran 7:30 Cardinal Cupich warns against ‘gamifying’ war 12:25 Cardinal David on war technology 14:10 Cardinal McElroy on Just War Theory 21:27 New papal nuncio to the U.S. 24:33 Synod study group report on digital mission 28:31 Final report on seminary formation 31:46 Final report on women’s ministries 36:36 Why did Cardinal Sako resign? Links: Register for Gerry’s book launch Pope Leo calls for a stop to ‘the thunderous sound of bombs’ in the Middle East Pope Leo praises heroic action of priest killed by Israeli tank fire in Lebanon Iran’s Cardinal Mathieu evacuated to Rome Cardinals McElroy and Cupich denounce Iran war: ‘War now has become a spectator sport.’ Pope Leo appoints Archbishop Caccia as nuncio to the United States First synod final reports published: on digital culture and seminary formation The changing face of seminary formation: Group therapy, digital detoxing and more listening Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday morning, Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran, killing its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with other senior regime figures. The following day, Pope Leo appealed for peace, urging world leaders to stop “the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.” This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Veteran Vatican Correspondent Gerard O’Connell explains why he saw Leo’s comments as relatively restrained compared to John Paul II’s at the beginning of the Iraq War. In the second part of the show, Gerry shares a story from his forthcoming book on the 2025 conclave. 0:00 Intro 2:20 Vatican response to Iran war 7:05 John Paul II on the 2003 Iraq War 9:07 Pope Leo decries 'zeal for war' 10:48 Archbishop Coakley speaks out on war 11:30 On the Christian communities of Tehran 12:50 Pope Leo talks on Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai 14:18 Cardinal Parolin's statements on the war 19:00 What difference the Vatican make 22:14 Stories from Gerry's new book on the conclave 25:40 Cardinal forgets to give away his phone 27:25 Cardinals unused to having no phones 29:00 Behind the scenes of the conclave 32:05 Is the conclave not 'top secret'? 33:26 Outro Links: Pope Leo urges a halt to ‘spiral of violence’ across Iran and Middle East Cardinal Parolin on Iran war: ‘The force of law has been replaced by the law of force’ Address of Pope Leo XIV to Members of the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Holy See, Jan. 9, 2026 Against Unjust and Unjustified War with Iran I regret supporting the Iraq War. We shouldn’t repeat our mistakes in Iran now. Book Excerpt: Behind the scenes of Pope Leo XIV’s election The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the announcement of several new papal trips, as well as the Society of St. Pius X’s rejection of a Vatican offer for dialogue and what could happen next. In the second part of the show, the hosts look at the situation of Ukrainian Catholics and the Vatican’s efforts to help end the war on its fourth anniversary. 0:00 Intro 0:47 Papal trips for spring announced 7:30 SSPX rejects Vatican proposal 12:33 The extra letter to SSPX that Gerry saw 17:30 Cardinals Muller and Sarahs’s warnings 19:24 What’s next for SSPX? 24:14 Fourth anniversary of war in Ukraine 26:59 Vatican response to Ukraine peace talks 31:02 Vatican’s humanitarian aid to Ukraine 34:02 Situation of Ukrainian Catholics 38:32 Outro and Credits Links: Pope Leo XIV to embark on 10-day Africa tour and trips to Spain and Monaco SSPX rejects Vatican dialogue, plans to consecrate bishops without papal mandate Cardinals Müller, Sarah urge SSPX to submit to papal authority Pope Leo calls for ‘an immediate ceasefire’ to the war in Ukraine Four years of war: ‘The Ukrainian Catholic Church is wiped out every time there is Russian aggression.’ Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Senior Vatican Correspondent and Contributing Editor Ricardo da Silva, S.J., discuss the Vatican’s decision not to join President Trump’s Board of Peace, Pope Leo’s Lenten message, and the pope’s plans for the first Lent since his election last May. 0:00 Intro 0:35 Vatican declines Board of Peace invitation 5:06 Pope Leo’s Ash Wednesday plans 7:17 Pope Leo’s Lenten message 12:14 Inviting communities to listen during Lent 14:30 Pope Leo calls war a public health crisis 18:14 Pope Leo begins visiting Roman parishes 22:43 Altar girls serve at papal Mass 25:36 Recent appointments of women in Vatican offices 29:20 Pope Leo dissolves papal committee for World Children’s Day 32:11 Credits Links: Vatican will not join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, Cardinal Parolin says Pope Leo XIV explains why Catholics fast during Lent Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle are joined by longtime Vatican journalist John Thavis to discuss the strained relationship between the Vatican and the Priestly Society of St. Pius X, after the Society said it plans to ordain new bishops July 1 with or without papal permission. 0:00 Intro 1:08 Pope Leo travel updates 4:36 What is the Society of St. Pius X? 7:14 SSPX’s beginnings and beliefs 12:46 The 1988 SSPX bishops’ ordinations 16:48 Pope Benedict and the Latin Mass 22:24 Benedict lifts excommunications, offers autonomy 28:05 Pope Francis’s actions on SSPX and Latin Mass 30:34 Questions facing Pope Leo XIV 36:37 What do the Vatican and SSPX each want? 42:57 Update on Feb. 12 meeting with Cardinal Fernandez 44:00 Credits St. Pius X Society to ordain new bishops without Vatican approval, risking excommunication The Vatican Diaries: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power, Personalities and Politics at the Heart of the Catholic Church Follow Gerry on X: @gerryorome  Follow Colleen on Instagram: @colleendulle  Support Inside the Vatican by becoming a subscriber to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bishop Kevin Kenney was born in Minneapolis and has ministered to Latino communities there for years. Now an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, he speaks to America about the realities facing Latino Catholics on the ground and what the Catholic Church is doing to support them. 0:00 ICE outside churches and schools 4:45 How the Catholic Church is responding 10:00 Targeting criminals only? 11:45 Preaching during the crisis 15:12 Ministering to ICE 16:45 Latinos have enriched Minneapolis 18:53 Longterm effects 23:45 Pope Leo and prioritizing immigration 34:00 What Bishop Kenney is praying for Links for further reading:  Twin Cities pastors preach on the killing of Alex Pretti: ‘We are walking in darkness and living in fear’  I’m a Minnesota Catholic mom. Here’s what my neighbors are saying about ICE No more funding for ICE without reform. Congress must act Bishop Tyson: Not all are called to be martyrs like Alex Pretti. But we can be witnesses Minnesota Catholic Relief Fund Support Inside the Vatican by ⁠becoming a subscriber to America Magazine⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Junno Arocho Esteves, international correspondent for OSV News, joins host Colleen Dulle to explain what factors the Vatican is likely weighing in its decision-making on whether or not to join the “Board of Peace.” Links from the show: Vatican weighs joining Trump’s Board of Peace but calls for respect for international law Top Vatican official calls violence in Minneapolis ‘unacceptable’ Pope encourages Neocatechumenal Way to continue mission ‘without closing yourselves off’ Pope Leo to visit Spain this year, with stops in Madrid, Barcelona and Canary Islands, cardinal says What does the Vatican know about A.I.? A lot, actually. Pope Leo gives stark warning on AI: We must ‘safeguard ourselves.’ Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Inside the Vatican,” America Chief Correspondent Kevin Clarke joins Colleen Dulle to discuss the cardinals’ statement, analyzing its content, precedents, and potential impact on the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. Links from the show: Vatican expert John Allen shaped a generation of Catholic reporters Vatican weighs joining Trump’s Board of Peace but calls for respect for international law Cardinals urge Trump to step back from threats on Greenland and Venezuela Archbishop Broglio: It is ‘morally acceptable’ for troops to disobey ‘morally questionable’ orders on Greenland Pope Leo meets families of victims of Crans-Montana fire Pope encourages Neocatechumenal Way to continue mission ‘without closing yourselves off’ Vatican completes official mosaic portrait of Pope Leo XIV for papal basilica Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado this week, only the latest in a monthslong series of statements and meetings that have shown the Vatican repeatedly pushing for peace. This week, David Gibson of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss Pope Leo’s approach to foreign policy. Links from the show: New York Times Opinion: Pope Leo Confronts Trump on His Own Terms Pope Leo meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Machado Washington Post: Inside the frantic global race to find an escape route for Maduro George Orwell is more relevant than ever. Just ask the pope. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! 0:00 Intro 3:57 Vatican/Venezuela timeline in fall 2025 6:53 Parolin and Burch’s urgent Christmas Eve meeting 11:28 Pope Leo’s comments after U.S. operation 13:11 Leo XIV’s ‘State of the World’ address 20:00 Maria Corina Machado meets Pope Leo 21:50 Why Vatican diplomacy matters 24:36 Is Pope Leo a counterweight to Donald Trump? 27:44 Pope Leo’s message to the American church 29:41 Pope Francis’ vs. Pope Leo’s foreign policy 33:33 Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI’s foreign policies 37:30 What makes Pope Leo’s approach unique? 41:20 The Vatican’s endgame in Venezuela Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few events in Pope Leo’s young papacy have built as much anticipation as his first consistory. Summoning the cardinals of the Catholic Church to Rome for two intense days of meetings, the pope laid out clear signals about the direction for the church and a new collaborative style of governance. On “Inside the Vatican” this week, hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the key takeaways from the consistory, including: - The significance of the topics chosen: synodality and evangelization - How Leo is building on Pope Francis’ legacy - How Leo’s collaborative style will shape church governance Links from the show: Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year‘War is back in vogue,’ Pope Leo warns in major foreign policy speech For Megaphone only: Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pope’s annual Christmas address to the Roman Curia was once a run-of-the-mill affair, but in 2005, the year he was elected pope, Benedict XVI used the speech to lay out his decisive vision for the implementation of the Second Vatican Council. Francis famously used the speech to decry the “diseases” of the Roman Curia. This week, Pope Leo XIV delivered his own first Christmas address to the Curia. On a special roundtable episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and producers Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Sebastian Gomes examine how Leo’s speech continued his predecessors’ priorities, and where it differed. “Inside the Vatican” will take a break for Christmas and return on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, barring any breaking news. Links from the show: Pope Leo in Christmas address to Vatican officials asks: ‘Is it possible to be friends in the Roman Curia?’ Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast Hark! The stories of our favorite Christmas carols For Megaphone only: Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jubilee Year is drawing to a close and Christmas is drawing near. This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell cover several important arts events the Vatican has hosted in the lead-up to Christmas, including the “Concert for the Poor” featuring Michael Bublé, the Ratzinger Prize concert with conductor Riccardo Muti and a live performance about St. Peter by filmmaker Roberto Benigni. In the second part of the show, Colleen and Gerry cover the final major event of the Jubilee of Hope: the jubilee for prisoners and those who work in prisons. The hosts highlight some of the key points from Pope Leo’s powerful jubilee homily. Finally, Gerry and Colleen review some of the week’s Vatican headlines, including Pope Leo’s comments on his visit to the Blue Mosque, his message of condolence to the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting and the appointment of Bishop Ronald Hicks, as the new archbishop of New York. Links from the show: Pope Leo asks Michael Bublé to give his best for the poor at Vatican Christmas concert Pope Leo attends Vatican Christmas concert for the poor featuring Catholic singer Michael Bublé Full text: Pope Leo’s homily on the Sunday of the Jubilee of Prisoners Executions nearly doubled in 2025. But the Jubilee Year saw other good news for death penalty abolition. Pope Leo explains why he appeared not to pray at the Blue Mosque in Turkey Pope Leo condemns ‘antisemitic violence,’ ‘terrorist massacre’ in Sydney Pope Leo picks Chicago-born Ronald Hicks to follow Dolan in New York Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Dec. 4, the final report from the Vatican’s second study commission on women deacons was published, saying that women can’t be ordained to the diaconate “as understood as a degree of holy orders,” but it stopped short of an unequivocal “no” to women deacons, saying that while its “assessment is strong…it does not allow for a definitive judgment to be formulated at this time.” This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Vatican correspondents Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell unpack the commission’s report: how it came about, why the commission seems to have left the door open to women deacons despite its “no,” and where the push for women’s ministries in the church is likely to go next. In the second part of the show, Gerry and Colleen examine the dissolution of a Holy See fundraising commission that Pope Francis approved while he was in the hospital. Gerry argues that Pope Francis would likely have dissolved the commission, too, and Colleen raises concern that Vatican officials had asked the pope to sign off on things when he was not in a state to do so. After our recording, Pope Leo commented on why he appeared not to pray in the Blue Mosque—a topic Colleen and Gerry discussed last week. You can read Colleen’s story here. A correction to our production credits: Inside the Vatican was engineered by Adam Buchmueller this week. Links from the show: Vatican report says no to ordaining women deacons—for now Video: Women Deacons and the Catholic Church | An Explainer Pope Leo cancels Vatican fundraising commission announced under questionable circumstances UPDATED: Pope Leo meets Ukraine’s Zelensky as European leaders discuss controversial U.S. peace plan Pope Leo explains why he appeared not to pray at the Blue Mosque in Turkey Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, the Vatican published the results of its second study commission on women deacons. It said that women cannot be admitted to the diaconate “as understood as a degree of holy orders.” However, it stopped short of an unequivocal “no” to women deacons, saying that while the commission’s “assessment is strong… it does not allow for a definitive judgment to be formulated at this time, as in the case of priestly ordination.” Stay tuned to Inside the Vatican for a more in-depth look at this story, and read Gerard O’Connell’s report here: Vatican report says no to ordaining women deacons—for now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Later this week, Pope Leo XIV begins his first international apostolic visit: a six-day trip to Turkey and Lebanon from November 27 to December 2. At the center of that journey is his stop in Nicaea—today the town of İznik—where the first ecumenical council (325 A.D.) set down the Nicene Creed, the profession of faith that has united Christians for seventeen centuries. Pope Francis had hoped to make this pilgrimage in May; now, Pope Leo is taking up the mantle. We’re re-running our deep dive episode on Nicaea today—originally published before Pope Francis’ death. It explores the history of Nicaea and its ongoing importance for Christians, particularly in working toward a common Easter date. In the show’s introduction, producer Ricardo da Silva, S.J., updates listeners on Pope Leo’s new document on Christian unity, released to commemorate the council’s anniversary, and on a recently issued doctrinal note on monogamy from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. In the deep dive, you’ll hear from: Aristotle (Telly) Papanikolaou, Professor of Theology and the Archbishop Demetrios Chair in Orthodox Theology and Culture at Fordham University  John Chryssavgis, deacon of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Donald Bolen, Archbishop of Regina in Canada and a member of the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity  Married professors Ben Hohman, a Roman Catholic, and Claire Koen, an Eastern Orthodox Christian Sandra Beardsall, Professor Emerita of Church History and Ecumenics at St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon, Canada, an ordained United Church minister and a member of the World Council of Churches’ Faith and Order Commission Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Links from the show: Why the Council of Nicaea still matters—1,700 years later Pope Leo in Lebanon—and Catholics in the Middle East (Jesuitical podcast) Pope Leo in Turkey and Lebanon: What to expect from his first international trip The Council of Nicaea, Christian unity and a common date for Easter Pope Francis: The Catholic Church is willing to accept a common date for Easter in the East and West “In Unitate Fidei”, Apostolic Letter by Pope Leo XIV on the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea “Una caro”  (“One Flesh: In Praise of Monogamy”), doctrinal note from Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and executive producer Sebastian Gomes unpack the news from the reports and analyze in-depth the work of the groups studying women’s ministries, seminary formation and the appointment of bishops. Links from the show: Synod study groups on ‘controversial’ issues release interim reports To submit contributions to the liturgy working group: synodus@synod.va (Further info) The debate on women deacons in the Catholic Church: A short documentary Podcast: Inside the top secret process of appointing a Catholic bishop The changing face of seminary formation: Group therapy, digital detoxing and more listening Pope Leo to Hollywood: Don’t give up on movies (or movie theaters) Pope Leo fulfills Francis’ promise: 62 Indigenous artifacts returned to Canada On World Day of the Poor, Pope Leo calls on government leaders ‘to listen to the cry of the poorest’ More information on Pope Leo’s Q-and-A with American youthSupport Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Senior Vatican Correspondent Gerard O’Connell explains what we know about the meeting, what cardinals are expecting, and what it means that this will be Pope Leo’s first big agenda item that was not already planned for Pope Francis. Links from the show: Buy Gerry’s new book (Spanish edition) El último Cónclave! Pope Leo to call College of Cardinals to Rome for a two-day January meeting Vatican News: Augustinian Fr Daleng new vice regent of Pontifical Household Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On “Inside the Vatican” this week, Vatican correspondents Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss the new doctrinal statement on Mary and look at St. John Henry Newman being named a doctor of the church and co-patron of Catholic education. Links from the show: Pope Leo says ICE should allow ‘pastoral workers’ to bring detained migrants Communion Vatican officially says no to controversial titles for Mary: ‘Co-redemptrix’ and ‘Mediatrix of all Graces’ Pope Leo declares St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church and co-patron of Catholic education St. John Henry Newman’s unique approach to conscience Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV delivered remarkably candid responses at a jubilee gathering for synodal teams and participatory bodies, in what senior Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell called “perhaps the most extraordinary session” he has witnessed since Leo’s election. 0:00 Intro 0:27 Interfaith peace meeting 1:48 Synod Jubilee Q-and-A 17:06 Synod Jubilee homily 23:45 Visit of King Charles III 28:54 Address to Popular Movements 34:28 Meeting with Jesuits 41:05 Latin Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica 46:04 Outro and Credits Links from the show: Watch the Synod Jubilee Q-and-A Read: Pope Leo’s homily on what it means to be a synodal church No, synodality is not a ‘Trojan horse’ that will destroy the church. Pope Leo and King Charles make history with first-ever joint prayer service in Sistine Chapel Pope: Popular movements must fill void left by society’s inhuman indifference Full Text: Speech to the Popular Movements Pope Leo’s address to the Jesuits: ‘The church needs you at the frontiers.’ Analysis: Why is Pope Leo letting Cardinal Burke say the Latin Mass at the Vatican? Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Elise Allen, senior correspondent for Crux, sat down with Pope Leo XIV for his first full-length interview since his election, she heard echoes of Pope Francis’ inclusive vision—“todos, todos, todos”—but also a key difference. As she told Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell, hosts of “Inside the Vatican,” that when it comes to affirming church teaching, Leo is “much more willing to say that upfront and to just be super clear about that, drawing the line from the beginning.” In the interview, Elise explained how Leo’s pastoral experiences have formed him into a leader whose ministry embodies synodality in action. He empowered lay leaders, particularly women, as a parish priest in Peru. As prior general of the Augustinians, he confronted corruption within his religious order. Returning as bishop of Chiclayo, Peru, he handled clergy sex abuse cases and investigated the controversial lay society Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. This collaborative approach has deep roots in the Latin American church, she said, where “the Augustinians were doing it for decades” and “the rest of the church is catching up.” She noted that “synodality is really at the core of what he wants to do,” and while Francis set the vision, Leo is “a very practical person.” She expects, in his pontificate, “more commissions, more teams—that sort of blended leadership, blended collaboration as things go forward.” Her book, León XIV, ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI, is out now in Spanish from Penguin Peru, with an English edition expected in early 2026. Links from the show: In new biography, Pope Leo weighs in on Trump, LGBTQ Catholics and the Latin Mass How Pope Leo plans to govern the church: From Rome to China to Gaza Pope Leo meets with board of global organization of clergy sexual abuse victims to talk zero-tolerance Pope Leo declares seven new saints, including first from Venezuela and Papua New Guinea Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo is drawing criticism from some U.S. Catholics over his consistent pro-life ethic, particularly after responding to questions about Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plan to honor Senator Dick Durbin with a lifetime achievement award, despite Durbin’s support for abortion rights. While he said he was not familiar with all the details, Pope Leo expressed confidence in Cardinal Cupich’s judgment and emphasized that being truly “pro-life” means opposing not only abortion but also the death penalty and the “inhumane treatment of immigrants.” Senior Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell notes on “Inside the Vatican” that the pope’s “honeymoon period” appears to have ended as he speaks his mind on church teaching. Also on the show: Pope Leo calls the Israel–Hamas ceasefire "a spark of hope," Cardinal Cupich's new Vatican appointment, upcoming synod gatherings and speculation about the pope using Duolingo to learn German at 3 a.m. Links from the show: Pope Leo pleads for a just peace as cease-fire in Gaza holds Pope Leo tells border bishop: The American church needs ‘to be united’ on migration Pope Leo is finding his voice on migrationPope Leo ice blessing sets off social media meltdown Credits: Producer: Ricardo da Silva, SJ Audio engineering and video editing: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo XIV has released his first major teaching document, “Dilexi Te” (”I Have Loved You”). The apostolic exhortation, addressed “to all Christians on love for the poor,” was begun by Pope Francis and completed by Pope Leo. It emphasizes that the poor reveal a fundamental way of encountering Christ. Gerard O’Connell, senior Vatican correspondent, and Ricardo da Silva, S.J., associate editor, join Colleen Dulle, host and Vatican correspondent, for a roundtable discussion on the document’s themes, its continuity with Pope Francis and the challenges and encouragement that it offers Christians. Credits Producers: Colleen Dulle and Ricardo da Silva, S.J. Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Audio and video engineering: Kevin Christopher Robles Production assistance: Will Gualtiere Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by ⁠subscribing to America Magazine⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Swiss Guard is the oldest army in the world. Steeped in tradition, bearing the weight of history, the Pontifical Swiss Guard—like the whole of the Catholic Church—is in a constant balancing act between safeguarding heritage and responding to modern-day needs. In this deep dive episode of “Inside the Vatican,” the team reports from the Swiss Guard’s barracks on how the historic corps is navigating the tension between past, present and future. Interviews include: David Alvarez, military historian and author of The Pope's Soldiers: A Military History of the Modern Vatican Corporal Nicola Crivelli, vice-instructor of the Swiss Guard Corporal Eliah Cinotti, spokesman of the Swiss Guard Halbardier Sven Rechsteiner, a new guard Rev. Kolumban Reichlin, O.S.B., chaplain of the Swiss Guard Links from the show: The Swiss Guards have a new uniform. Don’t worry, the iconic one remains Female Swiss Guards? New expansions open the door for change at the Vatican Credits: Producers: Maggi Van Dorn, Ricardo da Silva, S.J., and Colleen Dulle Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Audio engineer: Frank Tuson Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pope Leo made a surprise appointment to fill the position he left behind as Prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops, the office that vets and recommends candidates to lead dioceses around the world. The man he chose, Archbishop Filippo Iannone, age 67, is an Italian bishop and member of the Carmelite Order. He was not, per Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell, among the names circulated before the appointment was made. In this short episode of “Inside the Vatican”—abbreviated because of a forthcoming deep dive episode—Colleen and Gerry discuss Archbishop Iannone’s background and what he may bring to this influential Vatican role. Links from the show: Pope Leo makes a surprise pick for his first major Vatican appointment Deep Dive: Inside the top secret process of appointing a Catholic bishop King Charles III to make delayed state visit to Vatican 6 months after death of Pope Francis NYC choir performs at the Vatican for Pope Leo—in his own words Credits: Producer: Ricardo da Silva, SJ Audio engineering and video editing: Kevin Christopher Robles Executive producer: Sebastian Gomes Inside the Vatican is a production of America Media. Support Inside the Vatican by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices