"We are created by God – with purpose – in God’s image. God is all-goodness. God is great. God is love." These words, written by a young boy suffering from a rare neuromuscular disease, define a lot of who Mattie Stepanek was. Known around the world as an ambassador and advocate and messenger of peace, the Mattie Stepanek guild is working to investigate his life and try to open his cause for canonization.

When Bishop Louis Tylka first arrived to Peoria, Illinois, he quickly learned he was now in charge of overseeing the cause for sainthood of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. He didn't know much of +Sheen then, but quickly became "friends" with this holy man whose life and legacy is much beloved in Peoria, and whose impact is felt globally.

Dwight's son, Dallas, came to him and said, "Dad, we're going to OCIA." A student at Peoria Notre Dame High School, Dallas had been impacted by the witness of his teachers, especially Sister Jude Andrew, and his Catholic classmates. His whole family came into the Catholic Church this Easter.

May 8, 2026, a little after 12 ET, white smoke billowed from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel, and a little while later, we met Pope Leo XIV. Katie opened up the phone lines to revel in the "new Pope joy" on this 1 year anniversary of his election.

While just a young priest in the Bronx, Father Hilary Franco called the residence of Bishop Fulton Sheen to ask if he could meet him. The next day, +Sheen offered him a job, and the rest, as they say, is history. Msgr. Hilary Franco's illustrious career began in the shadow of the great Fulton J. Sheen, and on what would be his 131's birthday, Msgr. Franco shares stories of what it was like to work beside a living saint.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio went to Rome to meet with the Holy Father, what the White House is saying was an already scheduled visit before the President v. Pope controversy of the past month. They discussed matters of peace and human dignity according to the read out. Katie analyzes the meeting in the opening of today's show.

The popular book series, Chime Travelers, is now a stellar TV show for Catholic kids, available on Formed and Hallow! Lisa Hendey joins the show to tell us about how the show was brought to life.

As a child, St. Nunzio Sulprizio lost his father, his mother, his grandmother, and then was abused and tormented by an uncle before finding refuge at a hospital where he eventually died from gangreen. His story is tragic, and his suffering great, but his faith even greater. This is the story of an Italian teenager with a remarkable love of the Lord, even in the face of tragedy.

Elise Ann Allen was the jouranlist with the first, and longest, interview with Pope Leo XIV. Over 2 sessions a month apart, Elise got to know the newly elected Holy Father, and presents his story in her new biography, available now in Spanish and English.

Robert Duncan is the host of Catholic News Service's new podcast, Vatican Access. New episodes drop each Wednesday with guests bringing inside commentary, analysis, and insights into the Vatican, the Church, and the Catholic faith.