In Podcasts, The Inner Life

First Year with Pope Leo – The Inner Life – May 7, 2026

Patrick Conleyby Patrick Conley

Father Tom McCarthy joins Patrick to discuss the First Year with Pope Leo

  • (2:35) Where was Father McCarthy when Pope Leo was Elected?
  • (5:51) what makes Pope Leo ideal for the role as the Holy Father?
  • Restlessness of saint Augustine.
  • Pope Leo’s role as a leader before being pope.
  • (19:00) Rosa – I am so blessed. I’m 85 years old. I want to say we have a man of God. He tells the truth and that’s what we all need to set us free. Loving kind.

(20:32) Break 1

  • Clay – Wonderful we have an American Pope. I met Fr. Tom. I’m a convert to the faith.
  • (24:49) Sandy – I admire the fact that he made it clear that he’s not a political leader, he’s a religious leader seeking peace at all costs.
  • (32:32) Joseph – My experience…I’m a diesel mechanic. We had a tv in the shop at the time. Waiting for the shop. Saw smoke when it happened. Amazing thing was when he came out is that it’s an American Pope. Everyone was joyous and happy. Not all of my co-workers are catholic and it was good to see this.

(38:35) Break 2

  • Pope Leo’s message of peace.
  • (45:06) Daniella – My husband and I are from Peru. We’d like to say he’s a good man. We don’t know him in person, but saw his mission in Peru. We’re 3rd order Augustinians. Moved to California now. We lived in Lima
  • (46:31) Pope Leo at the bank shows his humility.

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Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley

Patrick Conley was born, raised, and baptized in Wisconsin in a Protestant tradition. After meeting his wife, Kendra, through an Evangelical ministry at the University of Minnesota, they entered the Catholic Church in 2010. They listened to Relevant Radio, specifically The Inner Life, while preparing to enter the Church. Conley now holds a degree in theology from Oxford University and has served the Church in both academic theology and grassroots pastoral ministry. Conley teaches religion classes in a Catholic elementary school, serves as his parish Director of Religious Education, and is in formation for the permanent diaconate. He also hosts Practicing Catholic on Relevant Radio, exclusive to the Minneapolis area’s airwaves, and is a traveling presenter for the Catherine of Siena Institute apostolate. He lives in rural Wisconsin with his wife and their bulldogs, Georgie and Bingley.