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Welcome to America magazine’s Conclave Podcast. In this episode, veteran Vatican reporter Gerard O’Connell speaks to Colleen Dulle and Sam Sawyer, S.J., about the unexpectedly quick election of Pope Leo XIV, who was elected on the fourth ballot in the conclave.

They discuss:

  • What does the speedy election tell us about the conclave?
  • Why a pope from the U.S. was thought to be “impossible,” and why it happened anyway
  • Leo XIV’s first address to the world and homily to the cardinals
  • Who was Leo XIII—and who is Leo XIV in light of his legacy?
  • Leo XIV’s time as a poor missionary in Peru and a capable administrator on a global stage

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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.

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