Episodes
In this episode, John discusses the Pope's upcoming Encyclical titled Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis' thoughts about the previous Synod of Bishops, and the Vatican's response to Australia regarding a royal commission on child sexual abuse from 2013. Learn More and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 09/09/20
In today's show, John gives an update on how the Vatican's recent ruling on the validity of baptism has called into question the validity of a Detroit priest's baptism, an apology and reimbursement given by a former West Virginia bishop to the diocese, and Pope Francis' recent "cold-calling" spree. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 08/26/20
In this episode, John discusses how some authority is being restored to the twenty-three Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome. Pope Francis has appointed seven new members to the Vatican Council for the Economy, six of which are women, so as to reflect the universality of the Church. Lastly, Pope Francis issues a ruling on concerning the validity of baptisms using a modified formula. Learn More and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 08/12/20
In this episode, John discusses the new parish guidelines issued by the Vatican's Congregation for Clergy on the role and mission of the Catholic parish. A recent Church-State conflict is occurring in the Philippines after the bishops denounced the current president. There are new developments surrounding the Hagia Sophia, a Catholic basilica turned mosque, and there is pressure on the Pope to speak out. Lastly, there is a new allegation against the ex-priest and cardinal Theodore McCarrick,...
Published 07/29/20
In this episode, John discusses the recent omissions in Pope Francis' Angelus addresses regarding the ongoing situation in Hong Kong. We also take a look back on how the first trip of Pope Francis' papacy set the tone for the years to come. Lastly, we hear of the "webstar" Italian priest, Fr. Alberto Ravagnani, that went viral during the coronavirus. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 07/15/20
The Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul offers a massive reminder the coronavirus may be down but it’s not out. There is a new twist in the Vatican’s latest financial scandal, as a seemingly predestined scapegoat fights back. A new book appears on the next pope, but is it legitimate to think about a succession while the current pope is still around? Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 07/01/20
In this episode, John discusses the recent George Floyd protests, the Vatican’s unusual engagement, and the crossfire between the White House and the Archdiocese of Washington. An update is also given on the Coronavirus aftermath and Catholic preparations for the next global pandemic. Lastly covered is Vatican financial reform, and the latest Italian financier to face charges of corruption. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 06/17/20
In this episode, John brings us the latest news about the Vatican's relationship with China and Hong Kong. He also gives an update regarding the coronavirus recovery in Italy, Catholic divisions, and milestones on Laudato Si and St. John Paul II. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 05/27/20
In this episode, John discusses the return of public Mass in Italy and the Vatican. He also covers how the Silvia Romano case in Italy has thrown a spotlight on tensions in the Church over conversion and how we understand other religions. Lastly, John takes a look at how the Vatican is facing a major deficit in 2020 due to the coronavirus and how some sort of reform is now inevitable. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 05/13/20
In this episode, John discusses Pope Francis' response to a Church/state conflict in Italy over coronavirus restrictions, the Vatican's launch of a new foundation devoted to Pope John Paul I - the “smiling pope” of 33 days, and President Donald Trump's coronavirus call with Catholic leaders to appeal for reelection support. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 04/29/20
In today's episode, John discusses the ongoing challenges that face the Church during the COVID-19 crisis, the recent acquittal of Australian Cardinal George Pell, and Pope Francis' recent commission to explore the topic of women deacons. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 04/15/20
In this episode, John Allen discusses the topic that is affecting the entire world - the COVID-19 pandemic. He covers the Pope's response in this crisis, the Church’s broader response to the pandemic, and the debate over how accessible the Church should be during this time. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 04/02/20
In this episode, John Allen discusses how the Church is treating pastoral care during the COVID-19 pandemic, recent developments in Vatican reform concerning Human Resources, and debates that have arisen due to the appointment of Bishops in China. - Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 03/18/20
In this week's episode, John Allen discusses three aspects of reform that are occurring in the Church today. He gives us an overview of the post-synodal exhortation, Querida Amazonia, and discusses the effectiveness of last year's summit on clerical abuse and the recent financial reform by Pope Francis. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 02/19/20
Today John Allen discusses the reality of anti-Christian persecution around the world, where it is happening the most, and common misperceptions about the topic. Learn more and Join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 02/05/20
In this episode, John Allen presents a historical review of the discipline of priestly celibacy in the Church, some points to consider in today's conversation about the topic and where to go from there. - Learn more and join the Institute: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 01/22/20
In this weeks episode, John Allen discusses Pope Francis’ Foreign Policy and looks forward into 2020. - Learn more and Join the Institute! https://wordonfire.institute
Published 01/08/20
In this weeks episode, John Allen discusses important changes by Pope Francis to Church law on clerical sexual abuse, a controversy over Peter’s Pence, and the Vatican on Greta Thunberg and Boris Johnson. - Learn more and Join the Institute! https://wordonfire.institute
Published 12/18/19
In this episode, John Allen discusses the changing of the guard in the Vatican, civil protest around the world and the differing ways the Church has responded, and the beatification delay for Fulton Sheen. - Join the Word on Fire Institute! Learn more: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 12/12/19
In this episode, John Allen discusses the Pope’s trip to Thailand and Japan, the Vatican on the “Two State Solution”, and the Bishop Zanchetta case. - Join the Word on Fire Institute! Learn more: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 12/06/19
The Amazon Synod has come to a close and in this episode John Allen discusses a few of the major developments that came out of the Synod in Rome.   - Join the Word on Fire Institute! Learn more: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 10/30/19
In this episode, John Allen covers the major themes from the Amazon Synod so far, including ecology, indigenous peoples, the role of women, and married priests. He also discusses the recent canonization of John Henry Newman and the resignation of the Vatican chief of security, Domenico Giani.   Learn more: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 10/16/19
In this episode, John Allen covers the Pope’s meeting with Fr. James Martin, the US Embassy to the Holy See's conference on religious freedom, and offers a last minute update on the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon.   Learn more: https://wordonfire.institute
Published 10/02/19
In this first episode, John Allen talks about what to expect from the upcoming Synod for the Amazon, titled "New Paths for the Church and for an Integral Ecology".
Published 09/18/19