Jesuitical

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Ryan Burge, author of the “Graphs about Religion” Substack and the new book, The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us. They discuss the polarization of U.S. Christianity and the supposed Gen-Z “religious revival.” In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss some highlights from Pope Leo’s trip to Africa; what Pope Leo called the not-exactly-accurate media narrative around him and President Trump; and the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death. 00:00 A Gen-Z religious revival? 3:38 Highlights of Pope Leo's trip to Africa 10:05 VP Vance questions Pope Leo's theology 20:37 Remembering Pope Francis 22:50 Moderate Christianity is vanishing 25:49 U.S. religion is coded "conservative" 34:54 Catholic demographic trends 37:15 Political implications 40:53 Are young people going back to church? 48:18 Winner churches 52:56 Gen-Z religious trads 1:04:08 Faith Sharing: Pope Francis' humble tomb Links: ⁠Order Ryan’s book, The Vanishing Church⁠ ⁠Graphs about Religion⁠ ⁠Pope Leo walks in the footsteps of St. Augustine in Hippo⁠ ⁠Pope Leo denounces those who use the name God for military gain⁠ ⁠Pope Leo named one of Time magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2026’⁠ ⁠Pope Leo remembers ‘the great gift’ of Pope Francis on the first anniversary of his death⁠ You can follow us on ⁠X⁠ and on ⁠Instagram⁠ @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at ⁠facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.⁠ 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 a special crossover episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Colleen Dulle, host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, speak with Gerard O’Connell, America’s senior Vatican correspondent, and his wife Elisabetta Piqué about co-writing The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis. In “Signs of the Times,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian break down Pope Leo’s first Holy Week and how it was shaped by the conflict between the United States and Iran. They also discuss astronaut Victor Glover, the pilot of the Artemis II mission, and his Easter message from space. Finally, in “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Ashley and Sebastian talk about how the death and resurrection of Christ can help us understand and live through the extremes of this past week’s news—the threat of Iran’s total destruction and the new heights reached by humanity in space. 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 Pope Leo praises U.S.-Iran ceasefire as ‘sign of genuine hope,’ presses for peace Pope Leo: Trump’s threat to destroy Iran ‘truly unacceptable’ What photos from the Artemis II astronauts say to us in a time of war Artemis astronaut: Moon mission inspires wonder, prayer and unity You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Bishop Michael Martin, O.F.M. Conv., of the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Martin sparked headlines in 2025 when a document leaked with plans to restrict the Latin Mass and other liturgical practices in his diocese. Ashley, Zac and Bishop Martin discuss: - His pastoral priorities as bishop of Charlotte - Changes to the celebration of the Latin Mass in his diocese - How he approaches his outspoken critics within his community—and online In “Signs of the Times,” Ashley and Zac discuss the recent sexual abuse allegations against Cesar Chavez; Pope Leo’s call for bishops to come to Rome for a meeting on the family in October 2026; and a Belgian bishop who said he will “make every effort” to ordain married men as priests by the year 2028. Finally, in light of Easter coming up, Zac and Ashley talk about the pope’s favorite candy, Peeps! Finally, in “As One Friend Speaks to Another,” Ashley talks about her experience inadvertently unplugging on a recent trip and the spiritual freedom found from it. Links for further reading: How the cover-up of Cesar Chavez’s abuse mirrored the clergy sex abuse crisis What you need to know about Pope Leo’s October meeting on marriage and family Belgian bishop says he will ‘make every effort’ to ordain married men by 2028 You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak with Timothy Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics and founder of the nonprofit UNITE, which incubated the Dignity Index, a language evaluation tool that aims to bring greater dignity to our public discourse. 0:00 Welcome back Zac Davis! 2:35 A new papal nuncio to the U.S.A. 6:27 Cardinals respond to Iran war 9:04 Synod report on women released 10:27 Tim Shriver's holy family 13:04 What is the dignity index? 18:57 Contempt is the problem 24:00 What's your dignity score? 30:52 What dignity really means 38:20 Responding to contempt with dignity 46:00 How to do it 51:48 Is the Catholic Church a model? 54:32 Influence of Pope Leo XIV 58:50 Updates and faith sharing Links for further reading: Pope Leo appoints Archbishop Caccia as nuncio to the United States Iran’s Cardinal Mathieu evacuated to Rome Pope Leo expresses ‘deep sorrow’ for Lebanese Maronite Catholic priest killed by Israeli tank fire Final synod report on women’s leadership does not address female diaconate The Dignity Index Need a Lift? With Tim Shriver You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 a special, interview-only episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian talk with James Martin, S.J., editor at large for America, about his new memoir Work in Progress: Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and priest. Ashley, Sebastian and Father Jim discuss: The differences in writing an autobiography vs. a book on prayer Balancing ambition and meaning Jim’s eventual decision to choose a life and career in the Jesuits Links for further reading: Buy Father Jim’s book here Father James Martin: Lessons from mowing lawns, riding bikes and a fateful walk to school Check out the book’s Spotify playlist here You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at americamagazine.org/subscribe Timecodes 0:00 Jim Martin has a new book: “Work in Progress” 2:13 Why Jim decided to write an autobiography on his jobs 8:19 The importance of menial labor and service 11:45 Getting free of our desire to be liked and popular 16:36 How Jim learned to distinguish ambition v. meaning 21:14 The impact of Thomas Merton on Jim’s spiritual life 25:30 Jim’s first mystical experience in the beauty of nature 35:36 Called to the Jesuits 42:15 Jim would canonize Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on a pre-Mardi Gras episode “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian speak with Dr. Ansel Augustine. Ansel is the assistant director for African American affairs for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the author of Praying with Our Feet: Encountering God in the Margins. They discuss the harrowing and sacred culture of the Black Masking Indians of Mardi Gras. 0:00 Mardi Gras! 4:00 New York City has a new bishop 10:17 Archbishop Fulton Sheen to be beatified 11:44 Catholic leaders respond to racist post 13:50 Villanova and Notre Dame bball in Rome! 15:14 History of Black masking culture 21:24 African Americans made Catholicism their own 24:02 Mardi Gras as sacred ritual 27:00 Tribal competition 29:10 Black and Indian cultural encounter 31:30 Hurricane Katrina is an open wound 34:04 The art of feasting 37:32 Diversity ministry is a challenge 45:24 Lenten resources and practices for 2026! Links for further reading: CRS Rice Bowl Website Development and Peace – Caritas Canada Solidarity Calendar 2026 101 Things To Give Up For Lent On Mardi Gras, Catholics should celebrate the faith and resilience of the New Orleans Black Masking Indians You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian sit down with Patrick Kelly, S.J. Father Pat holds the Heider Chair at Creighton University and is an expert in the theology of Sports. Then, in a special faith sharing segment, the hosts speak with Patrick Hyde, O.P., a Dominican priest and the pastor of St. Paul Catholic Center at Indiana University, about recent Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza. Fernando, the quarterback of the IU football team, has been outspoken about his Catholic faith and is a frequent attendee of masses at St. Paul Center. 0:00 Olympics or Super Bowl? 5:40 Sports and the Vatican 9:02 Playing sports vs. the spiritual life 14:50 Why athletes praise God 20:20 Sports and superstition 32:30 Sports, society and polarization 39:31 Being Catholic at Indiana U 45:00 Ministering to Fernando Mendoza 52:12 Healthy (and unhealthy) fandom Links for further reading: Father Pat’s book, “Play, Sport and Spirit” These Olympic athletes are leaning on Christian faith going into the Winter Games Pope Leo adds feast day of St. John Henry Newman to universal calendar Pope Leo, Archbishop Coakley urge renewal of last US-Russia nuclear treaty You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian speak to Charles Camosy. Charlie teaches moral theology and bioethics at the Catholic University of America and is the author of 10 books, including Living and Dying Well: A Catholic Plan for Resisting Physician-Assisted Killing. Ashley, Sebastian and Charlie discuss: - How opposition to euthanasia transcends typical partisan camps - The disability advocates on the frontlines in the fight against euthanasia - The importance of learning to live well in order to die well In Signs of the Times, Charlie speaks to the pro-life movement’s response to the second Trump administration and the March for Life in Washington, D.C. If you are having thoughts of suicide, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can find more resources from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention here. Links for further reading: Order Charlie’s book: Living and Dying Well: A Catholic Plan for Resisting Physician-Assisted Killing Ahead of March for Life, pro-life movement faces key political challenges Pro-life groups push back after Trump tells House GOP to be ‘flexible’ on taxpayer-funded abortions Canada’s euthanasia regime: How many more will die in the name of ‘compassion’? Vatican reaffirms, clarifies church teachings on end-of-life care You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian sit down with Eric Sundrup, S.J., a Jesuit priest who is the vice president for mission and ministry and university chaplain at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father Eric has also worked on “Jesuitical” since its inception (in 2017!) in a variety of roles; today, he continues to provide faith formation for the team. Ashley, Sebastian and Father Eric discuss: - What spiritual practices “worked” for them in 2025—and what they want to leave behind - How to approach Mass with fresh eyes and ears in the new year - Why you shouldn’t beat yourself up about not meeting your prayer goals In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discuss the conclusion of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope and the next phase of Pope Leo’s pontificate. They unpack Catholic reactions to the capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by U.S. forces and the recent news of Israel banning 37 humanitarian groups, including a Catholic aid group, from operating in Gaza. Finally, Sebastian and Ashley talk about supposed divine intervention on the football field during last weekend’s Pittsburgh Steelers-Baltimore Ravens game. Links for further reading: - Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year - Pope Leo XIV closes 2025 Holy Year with critique of consumerism and xenophobia - Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today - Pope Leo’s first Extraordinary Consistory: What should we expect? - Venezuela, Trump and the end of ‘Pax Americana’ - Inside Venezuela’s capital after Trump administration captures Maduro - Pope Leo: ‘The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration.’ You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac speak to Noah Banasiewicz, S.J. Noah is a Jesuit scholastic and lecturer in the School of Communication at Loyola University Chicago. Ashley, Zac and Noah talk about: - The opportunities and pitfalls of evangelizing on social media - The fine line between evangelist and Catholic influencer - How media theory can help us understand the evolution of evangelization In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss the controversial ICE nativity scene at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, Mass., and Pope Leo’s comments on Ukraine and the Trump administration. They also break down the new Vatican document on ordaining women to the diaconate. In parish announcements, Zac and Ashley announce that they will be filming a mailbag episode and call for questions from the audience. If you have a question for the “Jesuitical” team, please send your questions to jesuitical@americamedia.org by Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. In As One Friend Speaks to Another, Ashley and Zac discuss their thoughts on Pope Leo’s explanation for not praying at the Blue Mosque in Turkey. Links for further reading: Noah’s article in America, “Catholic influencers have a media theory (and evangelization) problem” Boston archdiocese tells church to remove ICE message from Nativity, but pastor refuses for now Pope Leo explains why he appeared not to pray at the Blue Mosque in Turkey Vatican report says no to ordaining women deacons—for now Women Deacons and the Catholic Church | An Explainer video from America You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac chat with Daniel Corrou, S.J. Father Corrou is a Jesuit priest from the USA East Province who is currently the regional director of Jesuit Refugee Service Middle East & North Africa. Father Corrou lives and works in Lebanon, where Pope Leo XIV will visit from November 30 to December 2, 2025. Ashley, Zac and Father Corrou talk about: - The significance of Pope Leo choosing Lebanon for one of his first papal visits - Lebanon’s complex socio-political and religious context - How the region has been affected by U.S. foreign aid cuts In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss the biggest news to come out of the U.S.C.C.B. fall meeting, held last week in Baltimore: the election of a new president and a “special message” on immigration. In As One Friend Speaks to Another, Ashley and Zac try to find God in a board meeting. Links for further reading: - Support Father Corrou’s work at the Jesuit Refugee Service - Analysis: The U.S. bishops showed their unity on behalf of immigrants—and may have repaired their relationship to Rome - U.S. bishops release rare message on Trump’s immigration crackdown in show of ‘fundamental unity - New USCCB president Coakley talks immigration, Viganò criticism and Pope Leo - Archbishop Coakley, Bishop Flores elected president and vice president of USCCB - Pope Leo backs U.S. bishops in opposing Trump’s immigration crackdown You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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 “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac chat with Chris Cimorelli. Chris is the director of the National Institute for Newman Studies and the editor of the Newman Studies Journal, and an expert on St. John Henry Cardinal Newman, the newest doctor of the church. Ashley, Zac and Chris talk about: - Newman’s journey from Anglicanism to the Church of Rome - Newman’s many (and lasting) contributions to Catholic thought - Why Catholics of every theological stripe love Newman In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac discuss Pope Leo’s recent comments on the importance of providing pastoral care to migrants being held in detention centers throughout the United States. They also look at Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica becoming the world’s tallest church last week. Finally, they unpack the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s new document on the proper titles for the Virgin Mary. In As One Friend Speaks to Another, Ashley and Zac speak to Simcha Fischer about her recent article for America: “JD Vance’s immigration comments are an insult to our Catholic faith.” Links for further reading: National Institute for Newman Studies Pope Leo’s homily declaring St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church St. John Henry Newman’s unique approach to conscience Pope Leo declares St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church and co-patron of Catholic education National Institute for Newman Studies Pope Leo says ICE should allow ‘pastoral workers’ to bring detained migrants Communion Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia becomes the world’s tallest church Vatican officially says no to controversial titles for Mary: ‘Co-redemptrix’ and ‘Mediatrix of all Graces’ JD Vance’s immigration comments are an insult to our Catholic faith You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical. 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