This week on the “Jesuitical” podcast, Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis speak with National Public Radio’s Scott Detrow about Pope Leo’s cancer diagnosis and Scott’s new book, American Pope: Leo XIV’s Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City. Scott shares his initial reaction to the pope’s lung surgery this week and provides insights into Leo’s medical history. Then, Scott, Zac and Ashley follow Robert Prevost’s incredible journey from Chicago to Peru to the Vatican and discuss what makes the first American pope uniquely qualified to lead the Catholic Church. 

Chapters:

00:00 Pope Leo’s surgery and cancer diagnosis
07:38 Robert Prevost’s early days and education
14:57 Bishop Prevost in the Church
20:42 Prevost and Pope Francis
26:00 Robert’s time in Peru
30:31 His time in Rome
35:13 Pope Leo’s American identity
39:39 Family background
42:23 Who would Scott canonize?

Links from the show: 

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A podcast for saints and sinners from America Media. Hosted by Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis.