Candid Catholics

Join us for the inaugural episode of Candid Catholics as Father Tom Gibbons and co-host Maggie McKay discuss timely issues within the Catholic Church, the legacy of Pope Francis, and the upcoming conclave to elect his successor. Featuring special guest Evgeny Afineevsky, filmmaker and close friend of Pope Francis, the discussion explores personal stories, the Pope's influence on global issues, and what the future holds for the Catholic Church.

Father Tom Gibbons and co-host Maggie McKay are joined by Sister Bernadette Reese, a former journalist with the Vatican Dicastery of Communication, to provide deep insight into the conclave's evolution, the roles and responsibilities of the Cardinals, and the stringent rules governing the election of a new Pope. Explore historical anecdotes, including the election of Pope Gregory X, and the significance of the Sistine Chapel as the setting for the modern conclave. Learn what to expect as the Cardinals prepare to elect the next Pope.

Featuring special guest Andrew Nicholas, a seminarian from Kenya with international experience, hosts Maggie McKay and Father Tom Gibbons discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the conclave, the qualities sought in a new Pope, and the diverse priorities of Catholics across the world. Explore potential papal candidates, including figures from different regions like Africa and South America, and examine key issues like evangelization, Synodal Church, and the social mission of the Catholic Church in contemporary times. Tune in for a deeper understanding of what the Conclave means for Catholics globally.

Join hosts Father Tom Gibbons and Maggie McKay as they explore the complex group dynamics and personality types at play in the Sistine Chapel during the Conclave. With special guest Dr. Judy Ho, a renowned clinical psychologist, they discuss the importance of diverse voices, overcoming groupthink, and ensuring all Cardinals' contributions are valued in selecting the new Pope. Tune in to gain a unique perspective on how psychology and faith intersect in one of the world's most significant decision-making processes.

Join Father Tom Gibbons and Maggie McKay as they discuss the surprising election of Pope Leo XIV with Joe Ferullo of the National Catholic Reporter. Learn about the dynamics of the recent papal conclave, and explore what makes Pope Leo XIV a unique and historic choice. They also discuss the impact of his background, his stance on key issues, and how he might shape the future direction of the Catholic Church. Hear personal reflections on the nature of priesthood and the role of religious upbringing in shaping one’s vocation.

Join Maggie McKay and Father Tom Gibbons as they talk with special guest David Ushery, lead anchor from News 4, New York, who has also served as a Vatican correspondent. David shares his experiences covering major Vatican events, including the funeral of Pope Francis and conclaves. They discuss the challenges of journalism in the digital age, the role of AI in newsrooms, and the intricacies of reporting on the Catholic Church from both a local and global perspective. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on blending traditional journalism with new media in covering the Vatican.00:00 Introduction01:22 Introducing the Guest: David Ushery02:58 David Ushery's Vatican Coverage Experience04:47 Insights from Covering the Vatican06:43 Challenges and Changes in Journalism11:26 The Impact of Social Media on Reporting14:02 Course on Vatican Journalism16:17 Balancing Social Media and Traditional Reporting17:11 Navigating Social Media Challenges18:19 Reactions to the New Pope19:32 Sports and Papal Reflections22:39 AI's Impact on Journalism25:22 Reflecting on the Papal Transition27:01 Wrap-Up