On May 8, 2025, Vatican reporter Colleen Dulle was in Rome, covering the death of Pope Francis and the election of his successor. Her days were long, spent trawling through international coverage, meeting with sources inside the Vatican and other journalists, as well as attending daily Vatican press conferences. 

But once the conclave began, the flow of information screeched to a halt. Millions of eyes watched their only source: the chimney on the Sistine Chapel. 

In this stillness, the air hung with anticipation, Colleen thought she had time for a quick bathroom break in the press office. That’s when she heard the shouts: “Bianca! Bianca!” White smoke! White smoke!

Follow this story and more in our latest episode with the captivating Colleen Dulle. And congratulations to her on her new promotion to Vatican Correspondent at America Media!

Mentioned in the show:

Colleen’s Book Struck Down, Not Destroyed - Available on Pre-Order
Colleen at America Magazine
IG: @colleendulle
Twitter: @colleendulle

Father James Martin on IG: jamesmartinsj

Elise Ann Allan at Crux

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Show Start
02:08 Meet Colleen
13:25 Reporting on a Closed Process
21:50 Factions in the Catholic Church
31:34 Pope Leo
40:32 Scandals in the Church
59:57 Wrap Up

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