Luke is joined by Dr. Sebastian Ostritsch to talk about the development of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, its formal condemnation in 2024 by the German bishops’ conference, and expectations ahead of elections in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.

German bishops pictured during their Sept. 23-26, 2024, plenary meeting in Fulda. © Deutsche Bischofskonferenz/Marko Orlovic.

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Ed is so happy!

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Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Shaleta rejects a plea deal. Pope Leo asks the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes to cover its Rupnik mosaics. Then, Ed unpacks Russia’s misinformation campaign this week against the Holy See.

JD plays a round of Russia ‘Greater or Lesser?’

Photo- Bishop Emanuel Shaleta. Credit: Chaldean Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego.

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Some good news for Pillar reader (in a good way) Trevor Williams.

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JD asks what the evolution of artificial intelligence demands of canon law?

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Ed is joined by Lord David Frost, CMG, to talk about his decision to become Catholic and his role as an non-affiliated member of the House of Lords.

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Sometimes a whale is just a whale.

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This week, Australian Bishop Christopher Saunders was convicted of sexual abuse and English Bishop David Oakley had a preliminary hearing in his trial related to sexual abuse. JD and Ed talk about the cases and why Pope Leo hasn’t removed Oakley from his position.

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JD and Ed talk about two big pieces of news from while Ed was on vacation. JD talks about the bankruptcy case in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, that has caught his attention.

Then, Ed plays a round of papal travel trivia.

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We all missed Ed.

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