In this episode of the Virtuous Leaders Podcast, Dr. Johann D'Souza engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Andreas Widmer, a former Swiss Guard who served under Pope John Paul II.

Andreas shares his transformative experiences, the profound spiritual impact the Holy Father had on his life, and the invaluable lessons he learned about faith, leadership, and personal growth.

Key Discussion Points:

• Andreas' experiences as a Swiss Guard, including dealing with security threats and witnessing historic events

• The profound spiritual impact of Pope John Paul II on Andreas' life and his journey to a deeper faith

• The Pope's ability to read souls and minister to individuals, even in brief encounters• The importance of sharing the graces and experiences God gives us with others

• Andreas' spiritual awakening following the death of Pope John Paul II and his commitment to integrating faith and business

• The Gospel of Work program, applying the theology of the body to entrepreneurship and business

• Strategies for helping high school students identify their talents and create value for others through entrepreneurship

• The importance of mastering our thoughts and impulses, drawing on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers

Timestamp:

00:00 - Introduction and background on Andreas Widmer's experience as a Swiss Guard

01:48 - Clarifying the role of the Swiss Guard and their uniforms in providing security for the Pope

03:17 - Andreas shares his experience working with Pope John Paul II and how the Pope ministered to the Swiss Guards, leading to profound conversions

07:51 - Discussing how Pope John Paul II was able to read people's souls and minister to them individually, even with his busy schedule

12:23 - Examining how Pope John Paul II's leadership style and holiness can be imitated by ordinary people in their own lives

16:43 - Andreas shares his impressions of various world leaders he encountered while serving as a Swiss Guard

18:50 - Discussing the character and role of Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Pope John Paul II's press secretary

21:09 - Andreas shares a profound spiritual experience he had after the death of Pope John Paul II that changed the trajectory of his life

27:05 - Andreas discusses his current projects, including teaching business at Catholic University of America and applying the Theology of the Body to entrepreneurship

29:24 - Exploring the value of Andreas' program for high school students, focusing on their strengths and talents to create value for others

37:52 - Discussing the challenges young people face with thoughts, temptations, and addictions, and the importance of sharing struggles with others

40:18 - Reframing anxiety as excitement and focusing on the positive aspects of being a creature of God

Resources and Links:

• Watch this episode on Youtube.

• Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts.

• The Pope and the CEO by Andreas Widmer

Dr. Johann D'Souza

Clinical Psychologist

Values First Therapy

LinkedIn

X (Twitter)

Andreas Widmer

Former Swiss Guard and Author

LinkedIn