Pope Leo on same-sex blessings; and is Easter harder than Lent?

Pope Leo on same-sex blessings; and is Easter harder than Lent?

From Jesuitical by America Media

April 30, 2026 · 55 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Easter season, same-sex blessings, and personal experiences of practicing resurrection with guests Laura Kelly Fanucci and James Martin, S.J.

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac talk to Laura Kelly Fanucci, author of Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection. Together, they discuss the tendency among Christians to overlook the 50-day Easter season, as well as Laura’s personal experiences and struggles practicing resurrection. In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Zac speak with James Martin, S.J., editor at large for America, to unpack Pope Leo’s recent comments about blessings for same-sex couples and the church’s teaching on sexual morality. And in As One Friend Speaks to Another, Ashley shares her experience taking on a new role at America and the graces that it has brought her. 00:00 Is Easter harder than Lent? 2:05 German bishops to bless same-sex couples 6:00 How Pope Leo responded 9:20 Church unity and sexual morality 12:43 Is the church at an impasse? 15:20 Is the Easter season too long? 18:34 How to practice Easter-ing 26:29 Resurrection stories to learn from 30:57 Resurrecting Pentecost 34:52 Uniting suffering to Christ 41:13 Grief, scars and resurrection in Minneapolis 48:20 Faith sharing Links Order Laura’s new book, Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection Pope Leo speaks on same-sex…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ashley, Zac

Guests: Laura Kelly Fanucci, James Martin, S.J.

Topics covered

  • Easter season
  • same-sex blessings
  • sexual morality
  • Christian practices
  • church unity
  • personal experiences

Keywords

  • Easter
  • Lent
  • same-sex couples
  • Pope Leo
  • Christianity
  • resurrection
  • sexual ethics
  • church teaching

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: America Media, America

Books & works: Living Easter: 50 Days to Practice Resurrection

More episodes of Jesuitical

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Jesuitical podcast page.