It’s an election year, and like it or not, the race is heating up, so “Jesuitical” went to Washington, D.C., to hear from an expert about the state of play. A long-time friend of the show, N.P.R.’s Scott Detrow, is the weekend host of “All Things Considered” and a co-host of the podcasts “Consider This” and “Trump’s Trials,” N.P.R.’s weekly recap of the former president’s multiple court cases. He joins Zac and Ashley for a refreshing conversation about politics and faith as we gear up for November’s election.

They discuss: 

Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who both recently clinched their respective parties’ nominations

The ethics of covering politics in today’s polarized climate

The role of religion in U.S. politics

In Signs of the Times, Zac and Ashley cover the diplomatic dust-up caused by the pope’s recent comments about the war in Ukraine before moving into a conversation about Francis’ 11th anniversary of his election, which was on March 13. The hosts talk about continued criticism of Pope Francis, as well as their own opinions about Francis’ papacy.

Jesuitical is going on the road in 2024! We hope you’ll join us. And if you’d like Zac and Ashley to come to your city, send us an email at [email protected].

March 18: Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. Live interview with the award-winning TV newscaster Carol Costello. 7:30 p.m. PST in LMU’s Life Science Auditorium. All are welcome!

Links from the show:

After backlash, Vatican clarifies Pope Francis’ call for Ukraine to have ‘courage of the white flag’ 

Spanish bishop rebukes priests who joked about wishing pope goes to heaven soon

Attacking Pope Francis, anonymous cardinal seeks to curb the influence of his papacy

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