A week into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV—the first U.S.-born pope—hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell take stock of the emerging contours and dimensions of his leadership. They begin with his private meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and what it might suggest about his diplomatic approach amid tensions between the Vatican and the U.S. over issues like migration and climate. They then turn to his emotional inauguration Mass, where the pope quoted St. Augustine, received the woolen pallium and fought back tears as the Fisherman’s Ring was placed on his finger. Finally, they consider how his early private audiences, formal speeches and video messages suggest a papacy in continuity with Pope Francis, yet possibly distinguished by a more scripted, deliberate style and a gift for expressing ideas with arresting elegance. One phrase he has already repeated might offer a defining glimpse into his papal politic: “disarmed and disarming.”
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34:04
What Pope Leo’s first days tell us about his priorities
Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. Our editors are on the ground in Rome covering the first days of Leo XIV’s historic papacy.
Today, Pope Leo met with members of the Vatican press corps and the thousands of other media in Rome covering his election, telling them to be peacemakers and calling for the release of all imprisoned journalists.
On our final episode recorded in Rome, the team discusses:
How Pope Leo related to the media, and the importance of his message of peace and truth in a world threatened by war and the rise of A.I.
Pope Leo’s meeting with the College of Cardinals on Saturday, in which he signaled that he would continue the work started by Pope Francis
Pope Leo’s “honeymoon” period—and the opposition he will inevitably face
This episode features:
Sebastian Gomes, America’s executive editor of audio and video
Gerard O’Connell, America’s Vatican correspondent
Ashley McKinless, executive editor and co-host of America’s “Jesuitical” podcast
Links from the show:
Pope Leo XIV calls for the release of imprisoned journalists, tells media to be peacemakers
Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s address to the media
Pope Leo XIV’s message to the cardinals: Vatican II and Pope Francis are here to stay
Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s first formal address to the College of Cardinals
Interview: Chicago’s Cardinal Cupich on why the cardinals chose Pope Leo XIV
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33:12
Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian friar. Here's what that means
Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. In this episode, the team discusses the Augustinian (and American) roots of Pope Leo XIV.
They discuss:
Pope Leo XIV is an alum of Villanova University. What’s the atmosphere is like on campus right now?
The Augustinian roots of Pope Leo: the intellectual, spiritual and social principles that will lead his ministry
How poverty, chastity and obedience are a path to freedom and joy
Subscribe to America to get our extensive coverage of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV at: https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe
Links from the show:
Pope Leo XIV’s first Sunday blessing: Appeals for peace, vocations and happy Mother’s Day.
Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s first formal address to the College of Cardinals
Pope Leo XIV’s message to the cardinals: Vatican II and Pope Francis are here to stay
Pope Leo XIV: What to expect in the coming days
Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s first homily
Who was Pope Leo XIII?
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22:51
What Pope Leo XIV’s speedy election means for the Catholic Church
Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. In this episode, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O'Connell speaks to Colleen Dulle and Sam Sawyer, SJ about the unexpectedly quick election of Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on the fourth ballot in the conclave.
They discuss:
What the speedy election tell us about the conclave?
Why a pope from the U.S. was thought to be "impossible", and why it happened anyway.
Analyzing Leo XIV's first address to the world and homily to the cardinals.
Who was Leo XIII? Who is Leo XIV in light of his legacy?
Leo XIV was once a poor missionary in Peru and a capable administrator on a global stage
Subscribe to America to get our extensive coverage of the historic election of Pope Leo XIV at: https://www.americamagazine.org/subscribe
Links from the show:
Pope Leo XIV: What to expect in the coming days
Full text: Pope Leo XIV’s first homily
Who was Pope Leo XIII?
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25:24
Habemus papam! The first American pope is elected
Welcome to the America magazine conclave podcast. We are thrilled to join the church in welcoming Pope Leo XIV!
Our team was just in St. Peter’s Square for the historic election, and we’re here with first reactions and some important details about the life and ministry of the missionary Augustinian friar turned pope: the now former-Cardinal Robert F. Prevost.
Links from the show:
Robert Francis Prevost elected first American pope
Peru rejoices for their former bishop: Pope Leo XIV
Prepare to be surprised by the next pope
Sign up for America’s subscriber-exclusive “Conclave Diary” daily newsletter and get all of our extensive coverage at: AmericaMagazine.org/Subscribe
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Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell. They'll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. Colleen and Gerard will give you the inside scoop on what people inside the Vatican are thinking, saying—and planning.
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