Is ‘Barbie’ a Jesuit allegory? And other questions ahead of the 2024 Oscars

Few events inspire a media spectacle quite like the election of a pope. The white smoke, cardinals locked in the Sistine Chapel, secret ballots and ancient rules—it’s catnip for secular and Catholic journalists alike. But how did these customs evolve—and how might they change in the future? To find out, Zac and Ashley talk with Miles Pattenden, a historian, expert in the history of papal conclaves and the author of Electing the Pope in Early Modern Italy, 1450-1700. They discuss: How the election of popes evolved from St. Peter to today The role of the Holy Spirit—and politicking—inside conclaves And whether the secrecy of conclaves can survive in a modern world that prizes transparency In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new Justice Department investigation into last year’s leaked F.B.I. memo about the potential domestic threat posed by “traditional Catholics.” Plus, in a talk about forgiveness, a Michigan bishop called on Catholics not to “hate” politicians like Joe Biden—and then called the president stupid.  Want to advertise your school, ministry program, book or anything else on Jesuitical? Send us an email at [email protected]  Links from the show: No Bias Found in F.B.I. Report on Catholic Extremists Biden ‘doesn't understand the Catholic faith,’ bishop says: ‘I’m not angry at him, he’s just stupid’ Electing the Pope in Early Modern Italy, 1450-1700, by Miles Pattenden  MilesPattenden.com What’s on tap? Amaro Spritz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Megan Nix, the author of Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth. The memoir details Megan’s journey after her daughter, Anna, contracted a little-known but relatively common congenital disease, cytomegalovirus, or CMV, during Megan’s pregnancy. They discuss:  Megan’s experience of her daughter’s diagnosis and the lack of awareness and support surrounding CMV The tension of loving Anna as she is and wanting to improve her quality of life How St. Thomas Aquinas’s five remedies for sorrow helped Megan understand the joys and sorrows of raising a child with disabilities In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley talk about a recent proposal out of Baltimore that would cut the number of parishes from 61 to 21. They also cover an imposter priest wreaking havoc throughout the New York area and Pope Francis’ plans to reinstate Pope Benedict XVI’s former secretary, Archbishop Georg Gänswein, as an apostolic nuncio. What’s on tap? A mojito (with fresh mint!) Links from the show: Baltimore archdiocese proposes cutting 61 parishes to 21 in the city Imposter Priest Who Robbed Catholic Churches Nationwide Arrested in California After public rift, Francis restores Benedict XVI’s former secretary to Vatican service Remedies for Sorrow: An Extraordinary Child, a Secret Kept from Pregnant Women, and a Mother's Pursuit of the Truth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on “Jesuitical,” Zac and Ashley are joined by Amir Hussain, a theology professor at Loyola Marymount University. Amir shares his insights about navigating life as a Muslim teaching theology at a Catholic university, prompting a conversation ranging from the imperative and blessings of interfaith dialogue to life without a cell phone. They also cover: Amir’s experience completing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius The history and diversity of Muslims in the United States Finding common ground and sharing experiences with people of different faiths In Signs of the Times, Jesuitical’s producer, Sebastian Gomes, and “Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle join Ashley to break down “Dignitas Infinita,” the recent declaration from the Vatican covering issues surrounding human dignity like gender theory, human trafficking, surrogacy and more. What’s on tap? Boulevardier Links from the show: New Vatican doc ‘Dignitas Infinita’: What it says on gender theory, surrogacy, poverty and more Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss Dignitas Infinita on “Inside the Vatican” What meeting John Wooden taught a Muslim theologian about Jesuit education Muslims and the Making of America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Aug. 19, 2014, the world watched in horror as the American journalist James Foley read a script prepared for him by ISIS terrorists, who filmed him from an unknown location in the Syrian desert. Mr. Foley, who had been in ISIS captivity for almost two years, was then beheaded by his captors. That is how Diane Foley learned that her son, who had been kidnapped in Libya on a previous reporting trip, would not be coming home this time. In the new book, American Mother, Diane teams up with Colum McCann, an award-winning and international best-selling author, to tell her and her son’s story. Both authors join Zac and Ashley this week for a powerful conversation about grief, forgiveness and perseverance. They discuss: How Diane’s son James discovered his vocation as a journalist  Why Diane decided to meet with one of her son’s killers  How her Catholic faith sustained her through James’s years of captivity and after his death In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss a new book of interviews with Pope Francis, in which he discusses his relationship with Pope Benedict XVI and the conclave that elected him and his predecessor. Plus, Cardinal Wilton Gregory calls President Biden a “cafeteria Catholic” during an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Easter Sunday, and the Society of Jesus releases a strongly worded statement on the war in Gaza. Links from the show: Pope Francis opens up about Benedict XVI, past conclaves and more in new book Important U.S. cardinal says Biden is a ‘cafeteria Catholic’ ‘We cannot be silent’: A statement from the Jesuits on Gaza American Mother, by Colum McCann with Diane Foley Bonus episodes available now through Patreon: ​​The quirky history of papal conclaves Cardinal Gregory on young people, politics and becoming a listening church Live show! If you live in the Cincinnati area, you’re invited to join Zac, Ashley and Father Eric Sundrup (Jesuitical’s spiritual director) for a live show at Xavier University, on Tuesday, April 9, 6:30-7:30 pm. The event will be held in the Conatan Board Room in Schmidt Hall and will be followed by Mass.  What’s on tap? Cielo prosecco, a.k.a, Easter Bubbly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although “Jesuitical” is often recorded over drinks, longtime listeners know that the hosts abstain from alcohol during Lent, which means there’s no better time to welcome Derek Brown to the show. He’s an award-winning mixologist, the founder of Positive Damage Inc., and an expert on no- and low-alcohol cocktails and mindful drinking. Derek joins Zac and Ashley for an enlightening conversation about drinking, its place in our culture and evaluating its place in our lives. They discuss:  Derek’s journey from award-winning bartender to mindful drinking advocate—and how his faith informed that decision Why it seems like so many people today are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol Tips for taking a more mindful approach to drinking Links from the Show Confessions of a Catholic Bartender Derek’s Positive Damage substack What’s on tap? Pinch hitters (0% ABV—it’s still Lent!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s an election year, and like it or not, the race is heating up, so “Jesuitical” went to Washington, D.C., to hear from an expert about the state of play. A long-time friend of the show, N.P.R.’s Scott Detrow, is the weekend host of “All Things Considered” and a co-host of the podcasts “Consider This” and “Trump’s Trials,” N.P.R.’s weekly recap of the former president’s multiple court cases. He joins Zac and Ashley for a refreshing conversation about politics and faith as we gear up for November’s election. They discuss:  Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who both recently clinched their respective parties’ nominations The ethics of covering politics in today’s polarized climate The role of religion in U.S. politics In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the diplomatic dust-up caused by the pope’s recent comments about the war in Ukraine before moving into a conversation about Francis’ 11th anniversary of his election, which was on March 13. The hosts talk about continued criticism of Pope Francis, as well as their own opinions about Francis’ papacy. Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected]. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome! Links from the show: After backlash, Vatican clarifies Pope Francis’ call for Ukraine to have ‘courage of the white flag’  Spanish bishop rebukes priests who joked about wishing pope goes to heaven soon Attacking Pope Francis, anonymous cardinal seeks to curb the influence of his papacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Oscars are this Sunday, so Zac and Ashley welcome John Dougherty, the moderator of America’s Catholic Movie Club, to unpack the state of play—and the Catholic themes—in some of this year’s Best Picture nominees. John, who is also the director of campus ministry at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, is an expert in finding God in all films. He guides the hosts through a fun-filled conversation on the best stories and performances of 2023. John, Zac and Ashley discuss: - How movies can help us to better understand ourselves and our culture - Thoughts on Best Picture nominees like “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “The Holdovers,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” and more (plus, Zac gives his pick for St. Ignatius Film of the Year) - Predictions and hopes for this year’s Oscar winners In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s recent lawsuits against Catholic migrant shelters, Church Militant’s announcement that they will cease operations in April after losing a defamation lawsuit and Pope Francis’ announcement that he will wash the feet of inmates at a women’s prison on Holy Thursday.  Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected]. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome! Links from the show:  John Dougherty’s writing The return of the Catholic Movie Club: Why going to the movies is a sacred act Hard truths, Catholics and women in Hollywood: takeaways from this year’s Oscar noms Catholic charities and religious freedom are under fire at the border Church Militant will cease publication in April after losing defamation suit Pope Francis to do Holy Thursday feet washing at women’s prison Support Jesuitical on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the question every college senior dreads when they’re back home for Christmas break: What are you going to do after graduation? At a live recording of Jesuitical at Loyola University Chicago, Zac and Ashley talk with Paddy Gilger, S.J., about how students (and the rest of us) can use the tools of Ignatian discernment when making more life decisions. They discuss: Whether college is a bubble—and if that is a good or bad thing How they saw God working in their lives as they made the leap from college to careers The importance of doing discernment in community Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected]. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley welcome Meg Kissinger, a Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. Meg’s memoir employs her journalistic skills to tell a tale of a Catholic family navigating mental illness. It serves as a great foundation for a profound, personal conversation about faith, tragedy, and trusting in an institution even when people in it have failed you. They discuss: Meg’s family’s experience with mental illness and suicide The evolution of the church’s pastoral care for those impacted by suicide How community life can help us to have better conversations about mental health In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley discuss the recent news that the prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archives, Archbishop Sergio Pagano, is retiring—and dishing Vatican secrets on the way out. They then cover the recent controversy over the funeral of activist Cecilia Gentili, which was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York last week. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. What’s on tap? Coffee—it’s still Lent! Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected] Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: When my siblings died by suicide, the church failed us. Now, it’s finally listening. The keeper of the Vatican’s secrets is retiring. Here’s what he wants you to know. Cardinal Dolan on St. Pat’s funeral for transgender activist: ‘I think our cathedral acted extraordinarily well’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To ring in the Lenten season, “Jesuitical” is talking Exodus 90, a 90-day ascetic spiritual practice for men centered around three pillars: prayer, fasting and fraternity. Terence Sweeney, an assistant teaching professor in the Honors Program and Humanities Department at Villanova University, joins Zac and Ashley to chat about the hugely popular program—why people love it, what it leaves out and what Catholics who don’t participate can learn from it. They discuss: - The absence of communal Lenten practices in today’s church and how Exodus 90 tries to fill that void - Exodus 90’s shortcomings and the dangers of spiritual meritocracy in ascetic practice - What all Catholics can take from Exodus 90 this Lent In this week’s Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley are joined by Christine Lenahan, one of America’s O’Hare Fellows. They discuss controversial depictions of Christ, from the “He Gets Us” Super Bowl ads and a new painting of Jesus that caused quite an uproar in Seville, Spain. What’s on tap? Water. Happy Lent. Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected] Feb. 28: Crystal City Marriott Hotel in Arlington, VA Live interview with Cardinal Wilton Gregory on “A Listening Church in a Divided Nation” from 7-8 p.m. Reception to follow from 8-9 p.m. Please RSVP here. March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with American TV Newscaster Carol Costello. Time and venue TBD. Links from the show: - Fasting, praying and working out: What ‘Exodus 90’ gets right—and wrong—about asceticism for men - Controversial artistic depictions of Jesus are nothing new - In defense of the ‘He Gets Us’ Super Bowl ads - 101 Things To Give Up For Lent - Terence Sweeney's podcast episode, "A Medieval Anti-racist" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices