One of the biggest Church stories of 2023 hit before the confetti had even stopped falling, with the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict on New Year’s Eve. Over the next 12 months we would say goodbye to Cardinal Pell, continue our preparation for the National Eucharistic Congress, celebrate World Youth Day, and finally see the much-discussed Synod on Synodality. We look back on the year that was with Matthew Bunson.

Much of the coverage of Christian persecution this year has focused on two countries: Nigeria, where kidnappings of priests and other religious have become commonplace, and Nicaragua, where the Ortega regime has arrested and exiled bishops and priests. Ed Clancy updates us on these and other hotbeds of persecution.

Threats to religious freedom are becoming commonplace, especially as progressive policies brook no dissent. But there is hope. This year showed us, once again, this Supreme Court is protecting America’s first freedom. Andrea Picciotti-Bayer joins us.

The world has lost sight of what it means to be human and has denied the existence of a natural law, and we see the effects playing out in courthouses and seats of government. Euthanasia numbers continue to rise in Canada and “right to die” laws are sprouting up worldwide. Meanwhile, medical experts in Europe are walking back on their previous willingness to provide “gender-affirming care” to minors. Wes Smith gives us a recap.

How does a better understanding of Catholicism enhance our understanding of the modern world? Beginning with the French Revolution, John McGreevy helps us understand the path the Church has taken over the last two centuries and the complex role the Church has played as both a shaper and follower in global politics. By understanding our history, we may better understand how to approach the challenges we are facing today.

It’s been 50 years since JRR Tolkien’s death on September 2, 1973. Since then, The Lord of the Rings has been translated into dozens of languages and its film adaption is one of the most successful film series of all time. Tolkien was a man of deep faith, but most biographers have been reluctant to explore that area of his life. Why? Holly Ordway joins us with an exploration of what Tolkien’s faith meant to him.

Our parishes are more than collections of families and individuals – they are cultures. This culture is a worldview that includes how we look at reality and live our lives as Catholics. And, when cultivated properly, our parishes form a culture that is uniquely Eucharistic. Tim O’Malley has identified four dimensions that help build this culture. He joins us.

Canada has released its annual euthanasia report for 2022, revealing that more than 13,000 Canadians received lethal jabs last year – about 4% of all deaths in the country. The spiritual and moral issues related to death and dying are challenging, and our culture is losing sight of what it means to “die well.” Dr. Steve Doran joins us with a Catholic perspective on death.

A letter discovered in the Vatican archives suggests that Pope Pius XII was informed about the Holocaust as early as 1942. The letter game from a German Jesuit who was active in the Resistance movement and was made public last week with the encouragement of Holy See officials. What did Pius know, when did he know it, and how did he respond? Ron Rychlak joins us.

We have more evidence now than ever before for God, a soul, and life after death. So why do scores of people continue to reject the idea of God because of science? Fr. Robert Spitzer says the answer is simple – they don’t know the science. He joins us with more.