On “Jesuitical” this week, Zac and Ashley chat with Colleen Dulle, an associate editor at America and co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, about how realistically the new film “Conclave” portrays the process of selecting a new pope. They praise the film’s historical accuracy but raise eyebrows over the complex theological implications around the film’s twist ending. Warning: This episode contains major spoilers. 

Zac, Ashley and Colleen discuss: 

- The challenges of translating the complexities of the Catholic Church to a mainstream audience through a cinematic lens

- Varying reactions to “Conclave” from Catholics, including Bishop Robert Barron’s critique of the film

- The role and representation of women, including nuns, in the Catholic Church as depicted in the film

In Signs of the Times, Zac, Ashley and Colleen discuss Pope Francis’ new autobiography Hope, which reveals two assassination attempts on his life during his trip to Iraq in 2021; and a recent liturgical debate sparked by Cardinal Blase Cupich’s guidance to parishioners in the Archdiocese of Chicago that discouraged kneeling to receive Communion.

Links for further reading: 

‘Conclave’ explainer: Could that twist ending really happen?

Your Take: Is ‘Conclave’ worth seeing for Catholics?

‘Conclave’ hits theaters. What really happens when a new pope is elected?

Pope Francis reveals he survived two assassination attempts during visit to Iraq

Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis 

Should you stand or kneel to receive communion? Cardinal Cupich stirs debate after weighing in

What’s on tap?

French 75s

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