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The Political DispatchThe Life and Legacy of Pope FrancisIn this episode of The Political Dispatch, Tom interviews Fr Damian Howard, the Senior Catholic Chaplain at Oxford University, to talk about the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
Tom and Fr Howard discuss the impact of the Jesuit order on Pope Francis’s early life, his early career in Argentina and the papacy. As well as talking about what distinguished the 266th pontiff from his predecessors, Tom and Fr Howard discuss the role the Conclave plays in choosing a new Pope.
Please note: this episode was recorded on 1st May, before the election of Pop...2025-05-0949 min
Question of FaithAre There Threats to the Papal Conclave?Send us a textThe papal conclave beginning May 7th faces various threats including political influences and spiritual challenges, requiring worldwide prayer for the 124 cardinal electors during this sacred process.• Catholics can "adopt" a cardinal to pray for through adoptacardinal.org• Vatican preparations include three white cassocks in different sizes for the new Pope.• The Cardinals and any staff took an oath of secrecy for the conclave proceedings.• A previous participant described feeling the "palpable presence of the Holy Spirit" during the conclave.• Speculation centers on Asian candidates like Cardinal Tagle from the P...2025-05-0632 min
Best of the SpectatorHoly Smoke: who is likely to succeed Francis?The papal conclave is due to begin on Wednesday 7 May to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
As host Damian Thompson says, Rome – and the entire Church – is in a state of ‘fevered excitement’. While this is to be expected, most commentators agree that this conclave will be one of the most consequential elections for centuries. At stake are both the future direction of the Church and Francis’s legacy – will his work be amended, continued or even rejected?
The Pillar’s Luke Coppen joins Damian to try to make sense of the noise, gossip and political intr...2025-05-0440 min
Holy SmokeConclave: who is likely to succeed Francis?The papal conclave is due to begin on Wednesday 7 May to elect a successor to Pope Francis.
As host Damian Thompson says, Rome – and the entire Church – is in a state of ‘fevered excitement’. While this is to be expected, most commentators agree that this conclave will be one of the most consequential elections for centuries. At stake are both the future direction of the Church and Francis’s legacy – will his work be amended, continued or even rejected?
The Pillar’s Luke Coppen joins Damian to try to make sense of the noise, gossip and political intr...2025-05-0240 minQuestion of FaithWho Was Surprised to be at Pope Francis' Funeral?Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingCleveland Vocations Director Father Eric Garris shares his unexpected experience of being in on vacation in Rome and ending up at Pope Francis' funeral and his last public appearence on Easter Sunday. What began as a trip to celebrate Easter with Cleveland priests studying abroad transformed into a historic moment as Father Garris found himself witnessing history firsthand and becoming a media expert of sorts for various American media outlets. Fr Garris details:• Originally traveling to Rome for Holy Week and Carlo Acutis...2025-04-3027 min
Connections PodcastPope Francis’ legacyPope Francis is being remembered as a progressive-minded leader… but what is his legacy? His words were often more progressive than the church’s policies, and doctrine barely budged under Francis. Our guests discuss his impact.
Damian Zynda, Th.D., director of mission and ministry at McQuaid Jesuit, adjunct professor of theology at Creighton University in Omaha, and author of "Archbishop Oscar Romero, A Disciple Who Revealed the Glory of God"
Nora Bradbury-Haehl, author of "The Freshman Survival Guide" and "The Twentysomething Handbook," and pastoral associate at Queen of Peace and St. Thomas More Churches
2025-04-2950 min
Hindsight Tonight with Damian MuzianiHindsight for April 27, 2025Pope Francis funeral, Nostradamus prediction, and an exclusive interview with George Santos! Written and Hosted by Emmy-nominee Damian Muziani. #hindsighttonight, #comedynews, #snl, #thedailyshow, #lastweektonight, #popefrancis, #nostradamus, #georgesantos 2025-04-2703 min
THE OTHER SIDE with DAMIAN COORYEp 408 - Why They DISLIKED Him - The Pope's Critics + The Alternative to Australia's "Uni-party"[Ad] Support our show and yourself! Go to https://piavpn.com/OTHERSIDE to get 83% off Private Internet Access with 4 months free! THIS WEEK ON THE OTHER SIDE… -- Why They DISLIKED Him - The Pope's biggest Australian conservative critic GEORGE CHRISTENSEN joins us to explain The Other Side of FRANCIS -- The PANEL OF ALTERNATIVES - Meet some of the people you can vote for if you don't like either Labor or the Libs - the first of our minor right-leaning party panel discussions, featuring SENATOR GERARD RENNICK of the People First Party, Trumpet o...2025-04-251h 25
Hot Off The WirePublic mourning of Pope Francis begins; Trump won't fire Fed chair
On today's episode: The Vatican opens St. Peter's Basilica to the public to pay final respects to Pope Francis; there was a deadly shooting in the disputed Kashmir region controlled by India; London talks on ending Russia-Urkaine war war pared down; and a wildfire continues in New Jersey.
In sports: Damian Lillard’s return is spoiled as Pacers beat Bucks again, Lakers even series and Thunder cruise to 2-0 lead in NBA Playoffs, an overtime winner on the ice in Toronto, a big win for the defending champs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and more.
FAA finds safety concerns at Las...2025-04-2318 min
Up First from NPRGlobal Economic Forecast Dims, Ukraine Peace Talks, Pope Francis Lies In StateEconomists warned about an economic slowdown on the horizon for most countries around the world in the wake of century-high US tariffs. European, Ukrainian and U.S. officials meet in London for peace talks on Russia's war on Ukraine, and crowds began lining up at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican to pay their last respects to Pope Francis.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Rafael Nam, Kevin Drew, Ryland Barton, Janaya...2025-04-2312 minQuestion of FaithWhat Happens Now That Pope Francis Has Died?Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingPope Francis died on Easter Monday after celebrating Easter one last time on this side of the veil before going home to the Father. We reflect on his legacy and discuss what happens next for the Catholic Church during this time of transition. Both hosts received the news early in the morning and took time to pray and process. (UPDATE: Funeral is now Saturday 4/26 Check out Sarah Hart's new song celebrating Pope Francis' life.Some Highlights from our reflective show...2025-04-2225 min
Oliver CallanReaction to the death of Pope FrancisDamian O'Farrell, victim of clerical abuse who met the Pope in 2018, Fr Tony Flannery, and Mary McCabe of Knock airport who also met the Pope in 2018, react to the death of Pope Francis. Plus, listeners give their thoughts.2025-04-2218 min
Best of the SpectatorHoly Smoke: Pope Francis dies – what will his legacy be?Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died.
The Argentinian, the first Latin American – and the first Jesuit – to lead the Church, has been the head of the Holy See for 12 years, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in 2013. Francis presided over the funeral of his predecessor, who died in 2022 – a first in modern history. But Francis’s leadership has been historic for many other reasons. In fact, says Damian Thompson, his reign has been ‘one of the most memorable, if controversial – not just in recent years but in recent centuries’. Liberals lauded his position on a number of...2025-04-2129 min
Holy SmokePope Francis dies – what will his legacy be?Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died.
The Argentinian, the first Latin American – and the first Jesuit – to lead the Church, has been the head of the Holy See for 12 years, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI who resigned in 2013. Francis presided over the funeral of his predecessor, who died in 2022 – a first in modern history. But Francis’s leadership has been historic for many other reasons. In fact, says Damian Thompson, his reign has been ‘one of the most memorable, if controversial – not just in recent years but in recent centuries’. Liberals lauded his position on a number of so...2025-04-2129 minQuestion of FaithHow Does Holy Week Make Us Holy?Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingHoly Week stands as more than a commemoration—it's an invitation to personal transformation through entering deeply into Christ's Paschal mystery, experiencing both suffering and resurrection in our own lives.• Entering fully into the liturgies of the Triduum rather than taking a minimalist approach• The importance of seeing Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Vigil as one continuous liturgy• Traditional practices like our Holy Night Hike pilgrimage on Holy Thursday, and food blessings that enhance Holy Week.• Bishop Malesic's pastoral sugg...2025-04-1520 min
Movie Man DemMovie Man Dem | The Legacy of The Godfather
Movie Man Dem | The Legacy of The Godfather
This week’s episode is very special. Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is rightfully heralded as one of the greatest films ever made. Its cultural impact cannot be denied, but how does Lexy feel about it? Tune in to hear Bam and Damian have a mental breakdown trying to comprehend her take.
2025-04-011h 50
Catholic Saints & FeastsFebruary 21: Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and DoctorFebruary 21: Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor 1007–1072 Optional Memorial; Liturgical Color: White (Violet on Lenten Weekday) Patron Saint of Faenza and Font-Avellana, Italy A wise monk becomes a Cardinal and thunders for reform Every Catholic knows that the Pope is elected by, and from, the Cardinals of the Church gathered in the Sistine Chapel. Every Catholic knows that the Pope then goes to a large balcony perched high in the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica to greet the faithful and receive their acceptance. This is simply the way things are done in the...2025-02-1806 minQuestion of FaithIs Pope Francis Dying?Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingThe episode addresses the health concerns surrounding Pope Francis and emphasizes the importance of prayer for him during this challenging time. We delve into topics such as the nature of his illness, memories of previous popes, the significance of the conclave, and the implications of loving one's enemies within the Gospel context. • Discussion on Pope Francis's respiratory tract infection. • Importance of praying for the Holy Father. • Reflection on the historical context of Popes dealing with illness.SPONSOR: Briefca...2025-02-1827 minQuestion of FaithIf My Phone is Causing Me To Sin...Should I Throw It Out?Send us a textSPONSOR: Briefcase MarketingNavigating a world dominated by smartphones poses challenges to spiritual integrity and mental health. The episode addresses the risks associated with gambling and pornography, encouraging accountability and healthy habits in the digital age.• Overview of the impact of smartphones on faith • Discussion on gambling culture during events like the Super Bowl • Mental health trends related to smartphone usage • Examining the addiction crisis linked to pornography and gambling • Strategies for setting boundaries with technology • Importance of real-world human connections •...2025-02-1125 min
Best of the SpectatorSpectator Out Loud: Katy Balls, Alexander Raubo, Damian Thompson, Daisy Dunn and Mark MasonOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Katy Balls analyses the threat Reform pose to the Conservatives (1:20); Alexander Raubo talks us through the MAGA social scene and the art collective Remilia (6:42); Damian Thompson reviews Vatican Spies: from the Second World War to Pope Francis, by Yvonnick Denoel (12:27); Daisy Dunn reviews the new podcast Intoxicating History from Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles, as well as BBC Radio 4’s Moving Pictures (17:50); and, Mark Mason provides his notes on obituaries (22:46).
Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. 2025-02-0926 min
Spectator Out LoudKaty Balls, Alexander Raubo, Damian Thompson, Daisy Dunn and Mark MasonOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Katy Balls analyses the threat Reform pose to the Conservatives (1:20); Alexander Raubo talks us through the MAGA social scene and the art collective Remilia (6:42); Damian Thompson reviews Vatican Spies: from the Second World War to Pope Francis, by Yvonnick Denoel (12:27); Daisy Dunn reviews the new podcast Intoxicating History from Henry Jeffreys and Tom Parker Bowles, as well as BBC Radio 4’s Moving Pictures (17:50); and, Mark Mason provides his notes on obituaries (22:46).
Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. 2025-02-0726 min
Living in the Sweet Spot with Angelique FrancisSeason 3 E2 : The Road Less Traveled , Battling Addiction |Damian "Dirty D" RossOur next guest in the Sweet Spot will be Damian “ Dirty D” Ross, an Angeleno who traveled for nearly 20 years on/off the road with legendary artistic genius, Ray Charles, as his stage manager and personal assistant. Today, Ross is a different type of “roadie” still traveling the highways and by-ways, full of gratitude and wisdom. Join us in the Sweet Spot as he shares his sobering star-studded journey!2024-10-0935 minQuestion of FaithWhat Did Pope Francis Really Say About Other Religions?Send us a textJoin us in a compelling exploration of Pope Francis's recent remarks to Singaporean youth, where we, Deacon Mike Hayes and Father Damian Ference, unpack the essence of interfaith dialogue. This episode promises to clear the air on any misconceptions, emphasizing that the Pope respects the distinctiveness of each faith while championing the rays of truth found in all religions. Discover how the Second Vatican Council's teachings guide us toward a harmonious coexistence, as reflected in the Catholic Good Friday liturgy.Through a nuanced conversation, we take on the common perception of...2024-10-0829 min