Jesuitical

4.7 (1K)
Christianity
Biweekly

Jesuitical is a podcast from America Media for saints and sinners. Tune in every week for honest conversations about the Catholic Church and our world today—sometimes over drinks. Hosted by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis. AMDG

5d ago

Pope Leo just voted in the U.S. midterms. Should he have done that?

Pope Leo XIV just did something no modern pope has done before: He voted in a democratic election of his native land as the leader of the sovereign Vatican City state. From the Vatican, Leo mailed in his absentee ballot for Will County, Ill., which was, according to the Vatican Press Office, “in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation.” The bishops’ conference of the United States praised the decision saying, “our Holy Father sets the example that encourages each citizen to exercise their civic responsibility.” But should Pope Leo, as a sovereign leader, be voting in a U.S. election? And what are the implications for the Vatican’s “soft” diplomacy around the world? This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by Chris White, a senior fellow at the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, and a former Vatican beat reporter, to discuss the impact of Leo’s decision. They also discuss a controversial meeting between Catholic bishops and President Trump shortly before the midterms, and the historic beginning of Montse Alvarado’s leadership over the Vatican’s Dicastery of Communications, the first lay woman to serve as prefect in history. Chapters: 00:00 We voted! 02:15 Should Pope Leo vote in U.S. elections? 11:13 U.S. Bishops pray over President Trump 21:25 A millennial woman runs Vatican communications 24:41 The challenge of Vatican reform 29:55 Leo goes to Latin America: what to watch for 32:40 Faith sharing: prayer and politics Links from the show: Vatican confirms Pope Leo voted by mail in U.S. midterm election Catholic bishops regret White House prayer photo with Trump, say it was used politically The bishops who prayed over Trump and apologized—and gave us a lesson in moral responsibility Montse Alvarado prepares to step into Vatican communications prefect role Nov. 1 The changing face of Vatican communications Georgetown’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life Support Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 29

A Jesuit priest on why we love (or hate) scary movies

What makes a horror movie “Catholic”? That’s what hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless ask on this week’s special Halloween episode of “Jesuitical.” They’re joined by Ryan Duns, S.J., a professor and theologian at Marquette University. Known for his love of scary movies, Father Ryan is the author of Theology of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Films. Together, they discuss the Catholic fascination and taboo around horror. (Spoiler alert! The second half of this conversation reveals some plot points from “The Exorcist,” “Obsession” and “Sinners.”) Chapters: 0:00 Intro 4:33 Interview with Fr. Ryan Duns, S.J. 4:55 Addressing the clown in the room 6:33 Why horror films should be taken seriously 9:42 The best way to experience horror films 14:11 Gratuity of horror movies 19:09 The supernatural in horror movies 21:51 The Exorcist 32:02 Obsession 41:00 Sinners 54:01 Outro Links from the show: About Ryan Duns, S.J. ‘Father Fright’ reveals top five horror flick picks for 2026 Marquette Bookshelf: ‘Theology of Horror: The Hidden Depths of Popular Films’ ‘The Exorcist,’ as a work of art, fostered an understanding of Catholic theology. ‘Sinners’: a tale of temptation and transcendence Faith and Fine Wine: A Jesuit Pilgrimage to Italy Support Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 22

American Catholics are souring on Trump. Here’s why.

Where do U.S. politics and Catholicism intersect? On this week’s roundtable episode, “Jesuitical” host Ashley McKinless speaks with America’s chief correspondent, Kevin Clarke, and Father Thomas Reese, a Jesuit priest and senior analyst at Religion News Service, about today’s “signs of the times.” Together, Ashley, Kevin and Father Reese discuss Pope Leo’s health post-cancer surgery, immigrant detention as a religious liberty issue, the death penalty and how these all tie into how Catholics are feeling about politics ahead of the midterm elections. *Note: After this was recorded, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo needs no further cancer treatment. Read the latest here: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/10/21/pope-leo-cancer-test-results-treatment Chapters: 00:00 Our topics this week 1:19 Pope Leo health update (Note: After this was recorded, the Vatican 6:22 Pope calls Putin and Zelensky 11:50 Archdiocese sues Trump administration 15:52 Religious liberty and the Sacraments 20:20 Catholics denounce public execution 26:40 Catholics are souring on Trump 31:51 A Pope Leo effect in America? Links from the show: The Fragility of the Pope St. Louis archdiocese sues DHS and ICE to bring sacraments to immigrant detainees The death of the American conscience will be livestreamed USCCB President Condemns Plans for Livestream of Fort Hood Shooter's Execution as ‘a Barbaric Promotion of a Culture of Death’ Pope Francis: ‘death penalty inadmissible’ Pew: Trump’s support among Catholic voters drops heading into midterms How Catholics have defended free elections—and why they must do so again Support Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 15

Leo XIV biographer on the pope’s cancer diagnosis and unlikely journey from Chicago to Rome

This week on the “Jesuitical” podcast, Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis speak with National Public Radio’s Scott Detrow about Pope Leo’s cancer diagnosis and Scott’s new book, American Pope: Leo XIV's Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City. Scott shares his initial reaction to the pope’s lung surgery this week and provides insights into Leo’s medical history. Then, Scott, Zac and Ashley follow Robert Prevost’s incredible journey from Chicago to Peru to the Vatican and discuss what makes the first American pope uniquely qualified to lead the Catholic Church. Chapters 00:00 Pope Leo's cancer diagnosis 2:02 A surprise conclave 4:18 Scott reacts to Leo's cancer 7:37 How Catholics in Chicago shaped Leo 13:45 Leo's leadership style 17:45 Leo's vision of the church 20:44 An unlikely bishop 29:56 A cardinal, not a bureaucrat 32:38 Did Francis prepare Prevost to be pope? 35:12 Pope Leo, the American 39:38 Open questions about Pope Leo Links from the show: - Pope Leo diagnosed with lung cancer, Vatican announces: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/10/13/pope-leo-diagnosed-with-lung-cancer-vatican-announces - Pope Leo is walking, eating and receiving therapy after lung cancer surgery: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/10/14/pope-leo-lung-cancer-recovery-walking - Pope Leo has ‘resumed work’ three days after lung cancer surgery: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/10/15/pope-leo-cancer-lung-surgery-recovery-work - What to know about Pope Leo’s cancer diagnosis: https://www.americamagazine.org/vatican-dispatch/2026/10/14/what-to-know-about-pope-leos-cancer-diagnosis - American Pope: Leo XIV’s Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250446053/americanpope - No one expected Leo to be pope — except everyone who knew him as ‘Bob’: https://www.npr.org/2026/10/03/nx-s1-5987816/pope-leo-american-pope-book-excerpt - Sign up for our Vatican newsletter: https://www.americamagazine.org/sign-up-for-vatican-notebook-email-newsletter You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Support Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 8

Why the Catholic Church still struggles to minister to families

This week on “Jesuitical,” hosts Zac Davis and Ashley McKinless speak with Joseph de Viveiros, C.R., about the pastoral consequences of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking 2016 document on family life, “Amoris Laetitia.” Father Joseph is a priest of the Congregation of the Resurrection, and chaplain for the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board in North Bay, Ontario. As Pope Leo gathers bishops from around the world at the Vatican to review the document’s implementation, Zac, Ashley and Father Joseph discuss the complex challenges facing families and young couples, and how a lot of work needs to be done, especially by priests, to realize Pope Francis’ vision. Chapters: 00:00 Auguri Ashley McKinless! 1:50 Why we're talking about 'Amoris Laetitia' 7:45 The Christian ideal vs. lived reality 12:23 People's lives are messy 16:30 Critics of Francis' approach 21:57 How to discern in conscience 25:58 How the Church forms couples 36:20 Advice for priests 37:45 Why you should get married 43:25 Parish announcements: auguri! 44:33 Faith sharing: grace in sacraments Links: Read “Amoris Laetitia” Amoris Laetitia: For a new proclamation of Gospel with families and for families Bishops are meeting at the Vatican next week to discuss ‘Amoris Laetitia.’ Here’s what you need to know. What you need to know about Pope Leo’s October meeting on marriage and family You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Support “Jesuitical” by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 1

French Catholicism Reborn? What happened on Pope Leo’s visit to France (and why it matters for all of us)

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
Sep 24

The First Celebrity Bishop: What made Fulton Sheen so popular?

This week on the “Jesuitical” podcast, Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis speak with Rachel Lu about the beatification of Fulton Sheen, the American archbishop who was famous for his media evangelism in the mid-20th century. Rachel is a senior editor at Law and Liberty and a regular contributor to the National Review and America Magazine. Together they discuss Sheen’s charisma, cultural influence, and his lesser known political philosophy which defended both the public role of religion and the separation of church and state. Chapters: Chapters: 00:00 Beatification of Fulton Sheen 01:23 When Fulton Sheen arrived on the scene 05:20 Sheen’s philosophical training 07:34 Fighting communism 11:22 What made Sheen’s TV show so popular? 13:51 What Sheen would think of America today? 26:09 The first celebrity bishop? 34:19 Introducing "Auguri!" 36:15 Faith sharing: Praying about using A.I. Links from the show: Fulton Sheen Bet on America. Some Catholics Want to Call It Off. Pope Leo calls Archbishop Fulton Sheen ‘a light of faith’ who touched millions with the Gospel Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be beatified Sept. 24 in St. Louis Sign up for our newsletter, Vatican Notebook! You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Support Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 17

U.S. Bishops are finding their voice. What will they say about A.I.?

On this week’s episode of “Jesuitical,” Zac Davis and Sebastian Gomes speak with America’s President and Editor in Chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J. to discuss the impact that U.S. bishops are having on politics, AI, and more. Bishops are speaking out against war, mass deportations, the death penalty and racism, and their voices are breaking through. In this episode, Zac, Sebastian and Sam talk about why they’re having a moment, the influence of Pope Leo, and the opportunities for shaping the future of A.I. Chapters: 00:00 Growing influence of Bishops on US politics 04:35 Opposing mass deportation 10:30 Engaging with the Trump Administration 14:05 Bishops are finding new ways to talk about issues 18:00 The influence of Pope Leo 22:43 Where Bishops stand on A.I. 29:54 How U.S. Bishops can implement Magnifica humanitas 32:55 Opportunities around A.I. Links: The U.S. bishops are speaking out forcefully on politics—and finally being heard Top US bishop writes letter to Trump urging end to mass deportations of Haitians Why are there so few African American bishops? ‘The short answer is racism’ says Bishop Boxie Bishop Olson on racism US bishops form new task force over AI concerns, meet with tech leaders Pope Francis to U.S. Catholic bishops: Oppose mass deportations Analysis: The U.S. bishops showed their unity on behalf of immigrants—and may have repaired their relationship to Rome Artificial Intelligence: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops USCCB Positions on Artificial Intelligence Support Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See All (454)

Ashley McKinless

Host
Zac Davis

Host
Ryan Burge

Guest

4.7

out of 5

1,020 Ratings

Please listen. Be catholic.

Apr 9

walterlouis422

I’m disappointed in the tone of some of the recent reviews! Please listen to the March 11 episode “U.S. culture has a contempt problem".
Too conservative

Jan 30

Ajeter

The episode against euthanasia showed me that this podcast has become far too conservative for me.
Quit the Leftist Politics

Jan 11

ProChristus

Good show in several respects, but you’re not competent discussing political matters without outing yourselves as auxiliaries of legacy media. Misrepresents the Catholic Church.
Discussion of priests in television progrms

Jan 1

Danvansr

Although I agree that Fr; Mulcahy is one of the best known and beloved priests in a television series, no one on the show mentioned Kevin Anderson as Fr. Francis Reyneaux in “Nothing Sacred.” Fr. Francis played a modern, post Vatican II priest in the late 90’s. The show was partially written by Fr. Bill Cain, S.J.. I kept waiting for some one to mention the show or Fr. Bill. But never heard any mention of this modern show. Yours Truly, Dan Van Belleghem (John Carroll University, 1960)