Pope Leo and Pope Francis: the similarities—and differences

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and guest host Sebastian speak with Vatican expert Thomas Reese, S.J., a Jesuit priest who is a senior analyst at Religion News Service and former editor in chief of America magazine. Ashley, Sebastian and Father Reese discuss: - The big takeaways from Pope Leo’s first consistory - 101 on the recent history of the College of Cardinals - Whether Leo is continuing on the synodal path set by Pope Francis In Signs of the Times, Ashley and Sebastian discuss Catholic reactions from Minnesota a week after the shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE officer. They also unpack the Vatican’s diplomatic involvement in Venezuela and the meeting between the new U.S.C.C.B. president, Archbishop Paul Coakley, and President Trump at the White House. Finally, the hosts explain the history and significance of Pope Leo’s new papal staff. Links for further reading: - Read more from Father Reese at RNS - Pope Leo says he will hold consistories with the College of Cardinals every year - Pope Leo XIV’s papacy began today - Pope Leo meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Machado - Trump meets with US bishops’ president at White House - Baptizing the lie about ICE and the killing of Renee Nicole Good - Leo’s new papal staff highlights Christ’s victory over death You can

You can listen to Pope Leo and Pope Francis: the similarities—and differences online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Pope Leo and Pope Francis: the similarities—and differences is an episode from jesuitical by America Media.

This episode is 56:16 long.

This episode was published on Jan 16, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from jesuitical when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.