Patrick tackles the firestorm ignited by Donald Trump’s public swipe at Pope Leo, bringing listeners voices that clash over the Pope’s right to speak on moral controversies and the tangled connection between faith and politics. Deep disagreement erupts, questions about political allegiance, the selective defense of life, mistrust stoked by social media, and whether prayer can soothe a fractured Catholic community swirl through the episode. The air feels charged; who actually holds spiritual authority, Trump or the Pope? Who is your Pope?

 

• Jenny - I think Trump was way out of line. These are not our values, but I do think that the Pope has gone beyond the pale. (03:10)
• Gail - I think Pope Leo has no business getting in politics. I am very upset. (10:50)
• Ed – Politics get in the way of our faith. It scares me how people are thinking. The Pope is here for peace and the love of God. (26:48)
• Cindy - As Catholics, we need to show compassion and forgiveness to the President. (28:48)
• Fred - I think justice, peace and self-defense need to be discussed. What would the Pope do if someone could nuke Europe? Is the Pope ready for an assault on the Vatican? (32:27)
• Mphasa - As a Catholic, regarding this situation, I feel grateful and hopeful that the Church is indeed the Church and the Pope is directed by the Holy Spirit. (37:41)
• Carmen - I hope the Pope would invite Trump over and initiate peace. I don't like this path we are going down. (39:33)
• Peggy - Nobody has talked about Trump posting a picture himself as Jesus. That is blasphemy. (41:23)
• Dan - This could be a tremendous teaching moment. I hope the Pope and Trump could meet and work through differences and highlight areas of agreement. Best way towards peace is finding common ground. (45:24)
• Michael - I don't think Pope Leo or President Trump are wrong. Trump is trying to create peace. This is a holy war going on since Jacob and Esau. Could this be our best chance at peace? The media is siding with the pope because they hate Trump. (48:36)