Last Week in the Church with John Allen
173 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 17 hours ago - ★★★★★ - 47 ratingsTune in weekly as John Allen gives his expert insight and analysis on the latest news from the Catholic Church.
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Episodes
Rise of the ‘preferiti’ as the Pope’s health declines?
June 13, 2023 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode: Why is the Vatican struggling to be clear about Pope's health? Is the Pope’s Ukraine envoy going to Moscow? 1858 infamous kidnapping could lead to Canon Law reform Rise of the ‘preferiti’ as the Pope’s health declines? Controversial Nobel Laureate crashes fraternity party Support the Show.
Pope makes American president of Vatican Supreme Court
June 06, 2023 19:00 - 28 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode: Pope makes American president of Vatican Supreme Court Pope sends Archbishop Gänswein packing? Pope removes possibility for appeals in criminal trials ‘Vatican Girl’ conspiracy implicates Dominicans? Naked protester climbs on top of St. Peter's altar Support the Show.
Vatican condemns actions of environmental activists?
May 30, 2023 19:00 - 22 minutes - 16.1 MBIn this episode: Pope skips out on audience - another health scare? ‘Trial of the Century’: conspiracy to defame Becciu? Vatican condemns actions of environmental activists? Italy’s ‘obedient rebel’, Fr. Lorenzo Milani Pope avoiding questions from critical journalists? Support the Show.
POTUS vs. Pope: Ukraine, Syria, China
May 23, 2023 19:00 - 22 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode: Pope’s Ukraine envoy “papabile” POTUS vs. Pope: Ukraine, Syria, China New Vatican stamps: glorifying colonialism? Pope’s new laws not labor-friendly? Person rams Vatican gates with car Support the Show.
Pope’s charity gets new Japanese leader
May 16, 2023 20:00 - 26 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode: Ukraine President: Pope needs to fall in or butt out Meeting of 2 Popes: embracing Coptic Martyrs Pope’s charity gets new Japanese leader Negotiating with terrorists: US and Vatican Pope allows laity to participate in Vatican government Support the Show.
Is there really a papal mission to end Russia’s war?
May 09, 2023 20:00 - 27 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode: Is there really a papal mission to end Russia’s war? King’s Coronation: Cardinal finally present after 400-year absence Papal contender invokes ancient Roman legend on abortion ‘Vatican girl’: investigation going nowhere? Naples soccer: important win for the South Support the Show.
Pope confronted on Vatican Press Office lies?
May 02, 2023 22:00 - 30 minutes - 22.1 MBIn this episode: Pope confronted on Vatican Press Office lies? Pope vs Orbán: competing visions of Christianity? Pope lobbies for peace with Russian Orthodox Metropolitan Vatican: women voting in next Synod Gänswein being exiled from Vatican? Support the Show.
Pope gifts true cross relic to King Charles
April 25, 2023 18:00 - 26 minutes - 19.3 MBIn this episode: Orlandi walks back JP II pedophilia accusations “Trial of the Century”: no-show witness sets back prosecution Crackdown on Sistine Chapel festivities Radical vandals might call Pope as witness Musk vs Pope: biggest claim to infallibility? Pope gifts true cross relics to King Charles Hungary trip: bridge between east and west? Support the Show.
Mobster points at John Paul II in Orlandi case?
April 18, 2023 21:00 - 31 minutes - 22.7 MBIn this episode: Mobster points at John Paul II in Orlandi case? Devout Catholics' don’t trust Pope? Ukraine angry at Vatican for Easter controversy “Bleeding Madonna”: a scam Support the Show.
Rupnik art to be trashed amid sexual abuse allegations?
April 11, 2023 18:00 - 26 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode: Pope skips Good Friday Backlash: Pope conflates Russian & Ukrainian suffering? Pope leads first Holy Week without Benedict Rupnik art to be trashed amid sexual abuse allegations? Church’s social justice push is part of evangelization Support the Show.
Key Vatican advisor to Pope resigns
April 04, 2023 19:00 - 27 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this episode: Papal health scare: Pope’s stint in the hospital Key Vatican advisor to Pope resigns Vatican disowns Doctrine of Discovery? Prominent atheist calls Pope “vindictive”? Support the Show.
Europe's bishops moving more progressive?
March 28, 2023 19:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBIn this episode: Pope supporting controversial NGO? Pope too soft on criminal bishops? Europe's bishops moving more progressive? Former pope’s secretary, Gänswein, exiled to Costa Rica? Remembering a Nazi massacre of Italians German Synod proving Pope’s limitations? Support the Show.
John Paul II covered up sexual abuse?
March 21, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode: John Paul II covered up sexual abuse? Votes in for same-sex blessings in Germany Pope pens letter to top Iraqi Muslim leader Becciu redeemed? New letters in “Trial of the Century” Baseball and brotherhood Support the Show.
Did the Pope praise Putin and Modi?
March 14, 2023 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBIn this episode: “Trial of the Century”: Pope Francis rebuffs Becciu Vatican hiding investigation records? Pope hints at end of priestly celibacy? Did the Pope praise Putin and Modi? The Pope and Mikhail Gorbachev: a comparison Support the Show.
Is the Pope a hypocrite on synodality?
March 07, 2023 18:00 - 25 minutes - 18.7 MBIn this episode: Pope slams traffickers as shipwreck fuels politics Were Christians’ votes suppressed in Nigeria? 2 years into Ukraine war: is Pope’s soft power waning? Is the Pope a hypocrite on synodality? Does it matter who’s Pope? Support the Show.
Pope reconsiders papal resignation?
February 21, 2023 20:00 - 30 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode: Pope changes tune on papal resignation? President of Vatican Bank bullied to sign off on loan? Jesuit Fr. Rupnik: who lifted the excommunication? 5 archbishops passed over for Cardinal’s hat Pope Francis: top 5 trips Support the Show.
Would German schism with the Church be a big blow?
February 15, 2023 18:00 - 27 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode: German schism inevitable? Pope's private meeting with cardinal on trial a scandal? Pope vs. Gänswein: who is right about Benedict? Pope meets with China envoy despite balloon controversy Vatican trying to keep new bishops’ appointments quiet? Support the Show.
Pope claims Benedict XVI’s death was instrumentalized
February 07, 2023 19:00 - 31 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode: Pope claims Benedict XVI’s death was instrumentalized Catholics in India & risk of “Saffron Taliban” Does the Pope’s trip to Africa matter? Cardinal Ouellet steps down to fight sexual assault charges Vatican releases nuns from vows, kicks them from convent Support the Show.
Catholicism: Africa booms - West going bust
January 31, 2023 21:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this episode: Catholicism: Africa booms - West going bust Pope calls to decriminalize homosexuality Pope says German Synodal Way is “dangerous” Italian rapper under fire for “Vatican Girl” remarks “Trial of the Century” bombshell not called as defense witness Priests compete again in Cooks with Collars Support the Show.
Tell-all books start of Catholic Civil War?
January 24, 2023 20:00 - 24 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode: Tell-all books start of Catholic Civil War? Gänswein: stories of Benedict XVI Pope’s preface for Benedict XVI’s “God is Always New” Benedict XVI: posthumous essays Benedict XVI’s letter to Cardinal Pell in prison Tell-all of Cardinal Müller criticizes Pope’s failures Italian “Dr. Phil”: interview with the Pope Support the Show.
Death of Cardinal Pell - his life and legacy
January 17, 2023 19:00 - 28 minutes - 20.7 MBIn this episode: Death of Cardinal Pell - his life and legacy Vatican opens investigation into “Vatican Girl” Testimonies are contradicting: Vatican “Trial of the Century” $2 billion plan to upgrade Rome for Jubilee of Hope Death of two titans of the Catholic Church: Palermo’s missionary & Sr. “Rita” Support the Show.
Death of Pope Benedict XVI
January 10, 2023 21:00 - 22 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode: Benedict XVI's funeral: why it was “a simple, sober affair” Pope criticized for downplaying Benedict XVI’s death Culture Wars: Pope Benedict’s death fuel for the fire? Archbishop Georg Gänswein: new book taking digs at the Pope? Benedict XVI’s legacy Support the Show.
Russia praises Pope for “ability to admit mistakes”
December 20, 2022 19:00 - 30 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this episode: Pope turns 86 with no indication of retirement Pope follows Paul VI with resignation letter, but would it be valid? Russia praises Pope for “ability to admit mistakes” Could the Pope overcome Russian skepticism and achieve peace? Joanna of Austria: first and only female Jesuit? Support the Show.
Pope’s secret weapon for peace in Ukraine
December 13, 2022 20:00 - 31 minutes - 23.3 MBIn this episode: Pope’s secret weapon for peace in Ukraine Pontifical Academy for Life “embarrassing”? Pope executes new financial controls for Vatican-sponsored foundations Did the unexpected death of a top communist influence the Cold War’s outcome? Does a secret recording link “Vatican Girl” kidnapping to Italian crime boss? Support the Show.
Russia blocking a road to the Vatican in Rome?
December 06, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 21 MBIn this episode: Russia blocking a road to the Vatican in Rome? Pope faces backlash over Russian war comments “The Vatican’s Little Black Book”: 50 years of secrets and lies New developments in “Vatican Girl” story New bombshell in “Trial of the Century” Vatican’s websites hacked Pope shakes up another Vatican department with leadership change Support the Show.
Pope moves on Caritas Internationalis
November 29, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this episode: Pope moves on Caritas Internationalis Disgraced Cardinal Becciu recorded call with Pope No fallout for Belgian bishops who gave same-sex blessings Cardinal Joseph Zen convicted by a Hong Kong court Eritrea bishop sent to dismal prison Pope’s emotional letter for 9-month anniversary of Ukraine War Support the Show.
Vatican Sued by Chief Auditor
November 22, 2022 18:00 - 25 minutes - 18.7 MBIn this episode: Sex abuse report from Italian bishops “incomprehensive” Vatican wants a moratorium on German bishops’ Synodal Way First auditor general rocks Vatican with lawsuit Why does the Pope visit family in Asti, but not Argentina? Netflix documentary review: “Vatican Girl” leaves you wanting more Support the Show.
Pope moves to cement his legacy
October 18, 2022 18:00 - 29 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode: Pope moves to cement his legacy Activists ask: “Why is the Pope coming to Bahrain?” Death of one of the “Amigos” - Archbishop Fiorenza of Houston dies at 91 Pro-life crusade: Bishop Barron’s campaign against abortion of the disabled John Allen: signs of hope in the American Church Support the Show.
Vatican coverup of abusive bishop?
October 11, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 20.6 MBIn this episode: Nobel for Literature to Annie Ernaux as abortion memoir becomes movie Why hasn’t a Pope won a Nobel prize? Vatican covers up bishop’s sexual abuse? Catholic fast facts: shortest papacy, fastest sainthood, most canonizations Support the Show.
Pope responds to Putin’s nuclear threats
October 04, 2022 20:00 - 25 minutes - 18.5 MBIn this episode: Pope responds to Putin’s nuclear threats Pope accused of paying off financier in connection with famed Vatican trial Peace prize winning bishop of East Timor accused of sexually assaulting minors Phiilipines struggle to receive prelatures due to controversies surrounding Opus Dei Cubans working with American Catholic Relief Services to rebuild after Hurricane Ian Support the Show.
Italy’s post-fascist leader - good or bad for Church?
September 27, 2022 18:00 - 30 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this episode: Far right-wing victory in Italy - what does it mean for the Church? Pope’s pact with youth for a more just economy “The Last Supper” parody in Italy sparks controversy Cardinal Joseph Zen is facing a sedition trial in Hong Kong Support the Show.
Pope’s Cardinal in Ukraine survives Russian attack
September 20, 2022 22:00 - 25 minutes - 18.8 MBIn this episode: Pope’s Cardinal delivers humanitarian aid under Russian fire in Ukraine Chinese President snubs Pope in Kazakhstan Russian Metropolitan calls Pope’s comments “not useful” Support the Show.
Pope heads to Kazakhstan as world teeters on brink
September 13, 2022 21:00 - 30 minutes - 22.4 MBIn this episode: Why is the Pope going to Kazakhstan? What the absence of Putin, Patriarch Kirill and President Xi means for the World Congress of Religions Is the Pope conflicted about the Russia/Ukraine conflict? Reflecting on the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign and her relationship with the Catholic Church. Support the Show.
Pope dissolves the Order of Malta’s leadership
September 06, 2022 18:00 - 24 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this episode: Conservative cardinal calls for conclave limits Milan’s archbishop will not become a cardinal A historic friendship: Gorbachev and Pope John Paul II Pope dissolves the Order of Malta’s leadership Beatification of Pope John Paul I Pontifical Academy for Life responds to Twitter trolls Support the Show.
20 new cardinals receive their red hats from Francis
August 30, 2022 17:00 - 23 minutes - 17.5 MBIn this episode: Pope creates 20 new cardinals at Consistory Rumors that the Pope would resign in L’Aquila are disproven Is Francis planning to regulate Benedict’s office? Support the Show.
Disgraced cardinal’s privileges are reinstated?
August 23, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19.9 MBIn this episode: The Pope creates new cardinals Disgraced cardinal’s privileges reinstated Bishop jailed in Nicaragua by Ortega regime The Pope discredits allegations against Cardinal Ouellet The Pope and Zelenskyy have their third phone call Support the Show.
Vatican finally comes clean on its finances
August 09, 2022 11:00 - 27 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode: Vatican finally comes clean on its finances Pope meets with Ukraine's Ambassador to the Holy See UK court inserts itself into the Vatican financial trial Nicaragua and Nigeria stir up trouble for the Vatican Pope to attend the Congress of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan Support the Show.
Priest threatened with charges after “aquatic” Mass
August 02, 2022 18:00 - 29 minutes - 21.2 MBIn this episode: A historic meeting of the world’s cardinals Pope returns from Canada…was his apology enough? Where will the Pope go next? Pope admits he needs to slow down for his knee Christian persecution rises in Nigeria Priest threatened with criminal charges after “aquatic” Mass Support the Show.
Holy See reins in Opus Dei and German synod
July 26, 2022 18:00 - 27 minutes - 20 MBIn this episode: Holy See reins in Opus Dei and German synod Pope’s apology tour in Canada Italy at a crossroads after PM’s resignation Cardinal bans Latin Mass in DC in all but three parishes Support the Show.
The College of Cardinals: All the Pope’s Men?
July 19, 2022 17:00 - 27 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode: The College of Cardinals: All the Pope’s Men? Italian political turmoil and the role of the laity Pope previews ‘penitential’ pilgrimage to Canada The paradox of retired popes Support the Show.
Women to participate in selecting bishops
July 12, 2022 19:00 - 28 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode: Women will now participate in selecting bishops Anniversaries of US Capitol riot hearings, Vatican trial Brazil’s Cardinal Claudio Hummes dies Continued speculation about Pope retiring Support the Show.
Pope doubles down on Latin Mass in new letter
July 05, 2022 18:00 - 25 minutes - 18.9 MBIn this episode: Pope Francis sits down for wide-ranging interview with Reuters Nancy Pelosi receives communion at Papal Mass, despite SF communion ban Pope doubles down on Latin Mass in new letter Vatican sells controversial property in London at major loss Record number of Catholics disaffiliate from the Church in Germany Support the Show.
Roe v. Wade overturned…what now?
June 28, 2022 17:00 - 24 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode: Roe v. Wade overturned Vatican opens Jewish archives to public Pope confirms trip to visit Canadian indigenous Vatican trial reveals 200 witnesses on deck Italian footballer wins Verona mayoral race Support the Show.
Kiev Bishop to Pope Francis: Don’t come to Ukraine: Last Week in the Church with John Allen Jr.
June 21, 2022 19:00 - 30 minutes - 22.1 MBIn this episode: Kiev bishop warns against papal visit Bishop Van Looy turns down cardinal nomination Papal neglection of southern Italy A curious mayoral race shapes up in Italy Support the show
Kiev Bishop to Pope Francis: Don’t come to Ukraine
June 21, 2022 19:00 - 30 minutes - 22.1 MBIn this episode: Kiev bishop warns against papal visit Bishop Van Looy turns down cardinal nomination Papal neglection of southern Italy A curious mayoral race shapes up in Italy Support the Show.
Pope cancels trips to Congo & South Sudan
June 14, 2022 17:00 - 28 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode: Pope cancels trips to Congo, South Sudan Vatican takes big step toward internal reform with new HR office Pope creates new investment commission with ethics in mind Pope’s friend gets off easy in Vatican trial? Former footballer runs for mayor in Verona, Italy Support the Show.
Is Pope Francis planning to retire?
June 07, 2022 19:00 - 30 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this episode: Is Pope Francis about to retire? We explore the rumors Pope’s summer travel schedule and what it means Terrorist attack on Catholic church in Nigeria Update on the Vatican ‘trial of the century’ Human resources is coming to the Vatican Support the Show.
21 new cardinals announced, and why it matters
May 31, 2022 16:00 - 27 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this episode: 21 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis Controversial Cardinal Sodano dies at 94 Pope Francis raises eyebrows with migrant comments Roma soccer triumph contains lesson for the Church Support the Show.
Pelosi banned from Communion in San Francisco
May 24, 2022 18:00 - 32 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode: Pelosi banned from receiving Communion in S.F. Bono and the Pope fight climate change Cardinal Becciu claims innocence in Vatican trial Religious orders can now elect non-clerics as superiors Bill Gates’ Four Seasons coming to Rome? Support the Show.
Cardinal arrested in Hong Kong, Pope’s health declines
May 17, 2022 18:00 - 31 minutes - 22.3 MBIn this episode: Cardinal arrested in Hong Kong Pope’s health sparks conclave speculation Pope’s summer travel schedule hangs in the balance Church in Malta takes new approach to secularization Support the Show.