Pope Leo XIV just did something no modern pope has done before: He voted in a democratic election of his native land as the leader of the sovereign Vatican City state. From the Vatican, Leo mailed in his absentee ballot for Will County, Ill., which was, according to the Vatican Press Office, “in keeping with this long-standing practice of civic participation.” The bishops’ conference of the United States praised the decision saying, “our Holy Father sets the example that encourages each citizen to exercise their civic responsibility.” But should Pope Leo, as a sovereign leader, be voting in a U.S. election? And what are the implications for the Vatican’s “soft” diplomacy around the world?

This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Zac are joined by Chris White, a senior fellow at the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, and a former Vatican beat reporter, to discuss the impact of Leo’s decision. They also discuss a controversial meeting between Catholic bishops and President Trump shortly before the midterms, and the historic beginning of Montse Alvarado’s leadership over the Vatican’s Dicastery of Communications, the first lay woman to serve as prefect in history.

Chapters:

00:00 We voted!
02:15 Should Pope Leo vote in U.S. elections?
11:13 U.S. Bishops pray over President Trump
21:25 A millennial woman runs Vatican communications
24:41 The challenge of Vatican reform
29:55 Leo goes to Latin America: what to watch for
32:28 Faith sharing: prayer and politics

Links from the show:

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