Ron Hansen has written award-winning novels that have been turned into Hollywood hits. As an ordained deacon, he crafts equally compelling homilies.

This week on Jesuitical, Zac and Ashley share their conversation with Cardinal Wilton Gregory—the archbishop of what he calls “the epicenter of division”—on the role of a church in a polarized society.

In Venice, Pope Francis visits a Vatican-sponsored exhibition at a women’s prison, meets with inmates and presides at Mass.

While most parishes struggle to attract young members, Saint Clement Parish in Chicago stands out with a mostly young adult congregation. Father Peter Wojcik’s preaching style could explain some of its success.

Few events inspire a media spectacle quite like the election of a pope. Zac and Ashley talk with church historian Miles Pattenden to learn how conclaves evolved—and how they might change in the future.

“Inside the Vatican” host Colleen Dulle shares how her visit to Argentina gave her a deeper understanding into Francis’ emphasis on “being amongst the people” and his belief that “you can’t do theology behind a desk.”