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In this episode of the Gotta Be Saints Podcast, I sit down with Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J.—Jesuit priest, founder of Ignatius Press, and longtime student and friend of Pope Benedict XVI—to discuss the significance of having the first-ever American Pope and what it means for the Church and for each of us as Catholics.

Drawing from decades of experience in theology, publishing, and spiritual mentorship, Fr. Fessio offers a rich and personal perspective on the papacies of John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and now Pope Leo XIV. With clarity, conviction, and humility, he explores the spiritual opportunity—not just the news headline—of this historic moment.

This episode is full of wisdom for anyone who cares about the Church’s future, who’s navigating questions of unity and tradition, and who seeks to grow in holiness amidst change.

Topics Covered:

• What makes this American Pope unique—and why his missionary background matters
• Reflections on Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian spirituality and pro-life convictions
• How Fr. Fessio’s personal relationship with Pope Benedict shaped his understanding of Church renewal
• Why liturgy, beauty, and truth still matter in an age of artificial intelligence
• The lessons American Catholics can learn from the universal Church
• Why we can find peace—even joy—no matter who the Pope is
• What the enduring legacy of John Paul II and Benedict XVI offers for today’s Catholics
• The unexpected grace of failure—and how God builds through it
• Fr. Fessio’s encouragement for priests, missionaries, and the lay faithful alike

📖 Explore more from Fr. Fessio through Ignatius Press and check out the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, now available in full.

📲 Follow Ignatius Press on social media for more Catholic resources.

🎙️ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation gave you hope for the Church and challenged you to “follow Jesus” more faithfully—no matter the headlines.

🙏 Special thanks to this episode’s sponsor, Truthly. Use code gottabesaints for a free trial at truthly.ai

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