Inside The Vatican

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

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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