Inside The Vatican
News & Politics
About
Each week, Colleen Dulle goes behind the headlines of the biggest Vatican news stories with America’s Rome correspondent Gerard O’Connell. They'll break down complicated news stories that have a whole lot of history behind them in an understandable, engaging way. Colleen and Gerard will give you the inside scoop on what people inside the Vatican are thinking, saying—and planning.
Episodes
- Deep Dive: An American Pope–How it happened and what it means
One year after Leo XIV's election as the first American pope, this episode examines how the U.S. evolved to welcome an American-born pope and why cardinals defied the taboo against a pope from a global superpower. Interviews include Kathle…
- ‘Speaking fearlessly’: Pope Leo’s Africa Trip
Gerry O'Connell gives an inside look at Pope Leo XIV's visit to four African countries. Pope Leo spoke out against corruption in Cameroon and denounced inequality in Angola and visited a prison in Equatorial Guinea, delivering a message of…
- Vatican Diplomacy 101
Archbishop Joseph Marino joins Colleen Dulle to discuss Vatican diplomacy, including the role of nuncios and their impact. The episode also includes updates on recent Vatican news.
- ‘Don’t Take the Bait’: A Roundtable on Trump’s Pope Comments
This episode of Inside The Vatican features a roundtable discussion on President Trump's comments about Pope Leo and the pope's recent trip to Africa. Topics include Pope Leo's criticism of war, his response to Trump, and the reactions to…
- Pope Leo: Trump’s Iran threat “unacceptable”
This episode of Inside The Vatican features Colleen and Gerry discussing Pope Leo's first Holy Week celebrations, his comments on President Trump's Iran threat, and other Vatican news. Topics include Pope Leo's messages, Holy Week events,…
- Catholic women react to the Vatican’s report on women’s leadership
Editors from America magazine discuss the Vatican's March 2026 report on women’s participation and leadership in the Catholic Church, examining its findings and potential impact on the status quo. The panel explores the report's proposals…
- The inside story of Pope Leo XIV’s election
Colleen Dulle and Ashley McKinless interview Gerard O'Connell and Elisabetta Piqué about their book on the election of Pope Leo XIV. The discussion covers pre-conclave maneuvering, the decision to report on conclave details, and the cardin…
- Pope Leo is using every way possible to advocate peace
Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Leo’s advocacy for peace and his recent activities on this episode of Inside the Vatican. Topics include his calls for ceasefires, his residential move, the Liberty Medal, and updates on a Va…
- Is Iran a ‘just war’? U.S. Cardinals weigh in
Gerard O'Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss perspectives from church leadership on the Iran war and the ethics of just war theory. They also provide an overview of recent final reports from synod study groups regarding digital mission, semi…
- Why Pope Leo was ‘economic with words’ on Iran war
In this episode of Inside the Vatican, correspondent Gerard O’Connell analyzes Pope Leo’s response to recent military strikes on Iran and discusses a story from his upcoming book regarding the 2025 conclave.
- SSPX rejects Vatican dialogue offer
This episode of Inside the Vatican covers the announcement of upcoming papal trips, the Society of St. Pius X's rejection of a Vatican dialogue offer, and the ongoing humanitarian situation for Catholics in Ukraine as the war enters its fo…
- Pope Leo’s first Lent begins
This episode of Inside the Vatican discusses Pope Leo’s first Lenten season, his message for this period, and his stance on recent global peace initiatives. Additionally, the program covers recent Vatican administrative changes, including…
- The Vatican and SSPX: A Timeline
Gerard O’Connell, Colleen Dulle, and John Thavis discuss the relationship between the Vatican and the Priestly Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), focusing on the Society's plan to ordain new bishops without papal approval. The episode covers th…
- Minneapolis Bishop on ICE, immigration and Pope Leo
Auxiliary Bishop Kevin Kenney of St. Paul and Minneapolis discusses the experiences of Latino Catholics, the impact of ICE activities, and the role of the Catholic Church in offering support. He also reflects on immigration through the len…
- How the Vatican is thinking about Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ invitation
In this episode, Junno Arocho Esteves joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss the Vatican's considerations regarding a potential invitation to join a 'Board of Peace' proposed by Donald Trump. The conversation covers how the Vatican evaluates…
- U.S. cardinals speak out against Trump on Greenland, Venezuela and Ukraine
America magazine's Kevin Clarke and Colleen Dulle analyze a statement from U.S. cardinals regarding remarks by Donald Trump on Greenland, Venezuela, and Ukraine. They discuss the precedents and potential impact of this statement on the Ame…
- Pope Leo's foreign policy
David Gibson from Fordham University joins host Colleen Dulle to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s foreign policy, including his recent meeting with María Corina Machado and the Vatican's ongoing efforts to promote peace in Venezuela.
- What we learned from Pope Leo’s first consistory
In this episode, hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell analyze Pope Leo’s first consistory. The discussion focuses on the themes of synodality and evangelization, the Pope's collaborative governance style, and how he is building upon th…
- Pope Leo’s first Christmas address to the Vatican Curia
In this episode of "Inside the Vatican," the team discusses Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas address to the Roman Curia. They analyze how his message compares to the priorities set by predecessors Benedict XVI and Francis.
- Vatican hosts prisoners for final Jubilee Year event
In this episode, host Colleen Dulle and correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss recent Vatican arts events, the Jubilee of Prisoners, and recent headlines involving Pope Leo. The show covers various Christmas-themed performances and officia…
- The women deacons commission report, explained
Correspondents Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss the Vatican's recent report on women deacons and the dissolution of a Holy See fundraising commission. The episode also provides context on Pope Leo's recent activities and clarific…
- Update: Study commission says ‘no’ to women deacons—for now
The Vatican's second study commission on women deacons has concluded that women cannot currently be admitted to the diaconate as a degree of holy orders. The commission stopped short of a definitive final judgment on the matter.
- Inside Pope Leo's first foreign trip
This episode of Inside The Vatican covers Pope Leo's first foreign trip.
- Why is Pope Leo visiting Nicaea?
This episode examines the history and significance of the Council of Nicaea, featuring insights from theologians and church leaders. It also discusses Pope Leo XIV's upcoming trip to Turkey and Lebanon and his new document on Christian uni…
- Synod study groups publish reports
Host Colleen Dulle and producer Sebastian Gomes discuss the recent findings from the Vatican’s synod study groups. The episode explores reports covering women's ministries, seminary formation, and the process of appointing bishops.
- Pope Leo to call world’s cardinals to Rome for meeting
Senior Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discusses Pope Leo's upcoming meeting with the world’s cardinals in Rome. The episode explores the expectations for this gathering and its significance as a new agenda item for the Pope.
- Vatican bans controversial Marian title ‘co-redemptrix’
Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss the Vatican's recent doctrinal statement on Mary, which rejects the titles 'co-redemptrix' and 'Mediatrix of all Graces.' They also cover the naming of St. John Henry Newman as a doctor of the chu…
- Pope Leo’s candid Q-and-A on synodality
Pope Leo XIV engaged in a candid question-and-answer session during a jubilee gathering for synodal teams. The episode also covers various Vatican events, including meetings with King Charles III and popular movements, and addresses the ce…
- Inside the first exclusive interview with Pope Leo XIV
Senior correspondent Elise Allen discusses her exclusive interview with Pope Leo XIV and his leadership style with hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell. The conversation covers the Pope's pastoral experience in Peru and his focus on sy…
- Has Pope Leo’s honeymoon ended? U.S. Catholics push back
This episode of Inside the Vatican examines criticism Pope Leo is facing from U.S. Catholics regarding his stance on pro-life issues and migration. The panel also discusses the pope's comments on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, new Vatican app…
- Pope Leo’s ‘Dilexi Te’ in continuity with Pope Francis
Colleen Dulle, Gerard O'Connell, and Ricardo da Silva, S.J. discuss Pope Leo XIV's apostolic exhortation "Dilexi Te." They explore the document's themes concerning the poor, its continuity with Pope Francis's teachings, and the encourageme…
- Deep Dive: The Swiss Guard, between tradition and reform
This episode of Inside the Vatican explores how the Pontifical Swiss Guard balances traditional heritage with modern requirements. The team reports from the barracks and interviews historians and current members of the guard corps to discu…
- Pope Leo’s surprise appointment to lead the Vatican bishops’ office
Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss Pope Leo’s unexpected appointment of Archbishop Filippo Iannone as the new Prefect for the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops. They examine Iannone's background and the significance of this role in a…
- The Vatican's 'trial of the century' dramatically re-opens
In this episode of Inside the Vatican, hosts Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Leo’s recent comments regarding the situation in Gaza and the Catholic Church's position on peace in the region. They also provide an update on th…
- Pope Leo XIV gives his first interview
In this episode of Inside the Vatican, correspondents Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss a recent St. Peter's Square concert, Pope Leo XIV’s 70th birthday, and his first papal interview covering topics like identity, synodality, an…
- The Canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss the upcoming canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati, examining their popularity among young Catholics and the saint-making process. The episode also explores the recent LGBT Jubil…
- Pope Leo meets James Martin, SJ; discusses LGBT ministry
In this episode of Inside the Vatican, hosts Gerard O’Connell and Colleen Dulle discuss Pope Leo XIV's recent meetings with Rev. James Martin, S.J., and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Additionally, Dulle discusses her new book, Struck Dow…
- Who is Pope Leo XIV | Part III: From Peru to the papacy
The third episode of the Deep Dive series on Pope Leo XIV explores his life and career, from his early ministry in Peru to his election as pontiff. It features insights from colleagues and observers on his leadership style and the expectat…
- Who is Pope Leo XIV | Part II: Ministry amid terror in Peru
This episode examines Father Robert Prevost’s early ministry in Peru during the 1980s and 1990s. It explores how his work with the Augustinian order amidst political violence and social upheaval helped shape his leadership approach in the…
- Who is Pope Leo XIV | Part I: From Chicago’s South Side to Augustinian Priest
This episode of Inside the Vatican explores the early life and background of Pope Leo XIV. It traces his journey from Chicago to his time as an Augustinian priest, while also examining his family's genealogy and history in Louisiana.
- After U.S. bombings on Iran, Pope Leo calls for diplomacy over destruction
Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell discuss Pope Leo’s calls for peace following U.S. strikes in Iran, his comments on a play about journalist Paola Ugaz and the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, and his upcoming retreat to Castel Gandolfo.
- Pope Leo’s call for peace—and a (video) appearance in Chicago
In this episode of "Inside the Vatican," hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerry O’Connell discuss Pope Francis's recent appeal for peace during tensions between Israel and Iran and his message of hope delivered to 30,000 people at Guaranteed Rate F…
- Roundtable: Pope Leo XIV, AI ethics, sexual abuse crisis reforms, Vatican–China relations
Hosts Colleen Dulle, Gerard O'Connell, and Ricardo da Silva hold a roundtable discussion answering subscriber questions about the election of Pope Leo XIV, artificial intelligence ethics, sexual abuse reforms, and Vatican–China relations.…
- Not Francis 2.0: Cardinals’ first impressions of Pope Leo XIV
Gerard O'Connell discusses cardinal-electors' perspectives on Pope Leo XIV, highlighting his focus on being a missionary, his approach to synodality, and his emphasis on credibility. The episode also covers the Pope’s recent homilies and h…
- Leo XIV greets Vatican employees with humility, warmth—and a €500 bonus
Pope Leo XIV met with Vatican employees to express gratitude and provide a bonus for their work during the papal transition. The episode also covers the Pope’s recent events, his calls for peace in international conflicts, and the launch o…
- The opening message of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy
Hosts Colleen Dulle and Gerard O'Connell analyze the initial week of Pope Leo XIV's papacy, discussing his diplomatic approach, his inauguration Mass, and his communication style. They also explore early indications of how his leadership m…
- What Pope Leo’s first days tell us about his priorities
Editors from America magazine discuss the early days of Pope Leo XIV's papacy, including his message to the media and his meeting with the College of Cardinals. The team explores his focus on peace, journalistic freedom, and the continuati…
- Pope Leo XIV is an Augustinian friar. Here's what that means
In this episode of the Conclave Podcast, the team explores the Augustinian and American background of Pope Leo XIV, including his connection to Villanova University. They also discuss the principles of his ministry and the role of poverty,…
- What Pope Leo XIV’s speedy election means for the Catholic Church
Gerard O'Connell, Colleen Dulle, and Sam Sawyer, SJ analyze the quick election of Pope Leo XIV on the fourth ballot. The discussion covers his background as a missionary and administrator, his first public remarks, and the historical conte…
- Habemus papam! The first American pope is elected
This episode of Inside The Vatican features the America magazine team reporting from St. Peter's Square on the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert F. Prevost. The discussion covers reactions to the historic election of the f…