This episode welcomed Sean Theriault, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Government at the University of Texas at Austin, for a compelling discussion on the modern papacy and its growing influence in global affairs.

In a time of geopolitical tension and social polarization, today’s popes must adapt their leadership to meet rapidly changing global challenges. Professor Theriault examined how Pope Francis and other recent pontiffs have shaped international politics, culture, and institutional reform while guiding more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

The conversation explored how religious leadership intersects with diplomacy, global governance, and political change, and what the future may hold for the Catholic Church’s role on the world stage.