Is the papal conclave truly blind the whole way through?
On The Patrick Madrid Show, Monica called in with a great question from her 12-year-old: “Is the papal conclave truly blind the whole way through?” Patrick explained that the process of electing a pope is secure, sacred, and surprisingly hands-on. Each cardinal in the Sistine Chapel sits at a small desk and writes a name...Continue reading→
Who is Making Decisions in the Absence of a Pope?
When Pope Francis passed away, many listeners—like John from Illinois—began wondering: Who’s in charge now? On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick answered that very question with clarity, history, and a touch of humor. When the pope dies, the Vatican doesn’t shut down completely—but it does hit “pause mode.” Most major functions of the Apostolic See...Continue reading→
How Long Could the Conclave Process Take?
On a recent episode of Morning Air, Glen Lewerenz welcomed Fr. Scott Pogatchnik from Minnesota to shed light on the Conclave process following the death of Pope Francis. With clarity and reverence, Fr. Scott outlined what happens next as the Church mourns, prepares, and prays. Fr. Scott emphasized that the Church doesn’t rush into the...Continue reading→
Fr. Rocky Reflects on the Pontificate of Pope Francis: A Shepherd to the End
NOTE: Drew Mariani is currently on pilgrimage to Lourdes and Fatima and will return from Europe on May 1, 2025. On a special edition of The Drew Mariani Show, Ed Morrissey welcomed Fr. Rocky to share his reflections on the death of Pope Francis and what lies ahead for the Catholic Church. Fr. Rocky began...Continue reading→
Papal Funerals, Conclave Rules, and Delaying Papal Acts
On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick offered a thorough and insightful explanation of what happens in the Church following the death of a pope, including the origins of the conclave, the ceremonial traditions that accompany the pope’s passing, and why upcoming events like canonizations are postponed. In the early Church, the Bishop of Rome was...Continue reading→
“Our Dad Died”: A Father-Daughter Reflection from St. Peter’s Square
On a recent episode of Marriage Unhindered, host Doug Hinderer shared a moving and intimate conversation with his daughter Katie, who happened to be in Rome during the death of Pope Francis. Broadcasting live from within the “arms” of St. Peter’s Square, Katie offered listeners a heartfelt and firsthand account of the atmosphere in the...Continue reading→
UPDATE: Vatican announces date and arrangements for the funeral of Pope Francis
The Vatican has officially announced the funeral arrangements for Pope Francis, whose funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM local time (3 AM CT) in St. Peter’s Square. The Mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by bishops,...Continue reading→
How do they create white and black smoke for the Papal Conclave?
As the world begins to look ahead to the upcoming conclave following the death of Pope Francis, Patrick Madrid took a moment on The Patrick Madrid Show to demystify one of the most iconic traditions in the papal election: the white and black smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel. Madrid explained that the smoke—white for...Continue reading→
Fr. Rocky joins NewsNation to discuss the Pope’s passing and the upcoming election
Fr. Rocky joined NewsNation to reflect on the passing of Pope Francis, offering heartfelt insight into the Holy Father’s final days. He noted that the Church had been praying for Pope Francis over the past two months as his health declined, and yet, in true Franciscan spirit, the Pope gave of himself to the very...Continue reading→
Who Can Be Elected Pope?
As the Church mourns the passing of Pope Francis, attention will soon begin to turn toward what comes next: the conclave, where the 267th successor of St. Peter will be elected. On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick walked listeners through an important question: Who is eligible to be elected Pope? According to Canon Law...Continue reading→
Pope Francis: Radical Poverty, Mercy, and Devotion
On this special edition of Morning Air, Fr. Rocky joined the program to reflect on the death of Pope Francis, calling it “a sad but happy day.” Despite frail health, the Holy Father made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, riding through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile, blessing the faithful and offering the...Continue reading→
UPDATE: Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis Postponed
VATICAN CITY — The Vatican announced this morning that the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the first millennial to be declared a saint, has been officially postponed in the wake of Pope Francis’ death. The ceremony, originally scheduled for next Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, will be rescheduled for a later date. The postponement is...Continue reading→
Catechesis
Pope Leo Reminds Us that Sacred Scripture Lives Within the Church - Ashley Noronha joined John Morales on Morning Air to reflect… ...Entertainment
Pope Leo XIV Invites the Faithful to Let Christmas Music Become an Encounter with Christ - As Christmas draws near, Pope Leo XIV is inviting the… ...
