In this episode, we speak with Matthew Johnston, Fellow at the Reformanda Initiative, to ask the big question: Is Rome a true church? Together, we explore the historic Reformed answer to this question, trace how the Reformers engaged with Rome in their own day, and discuss how things might look different—or surprisingly similar—after the Council of Trent, Vatican I, the Marian dogmas, and Vatican II.

What would Calvin say if he walked into Rome today? And how should we, standing on the shoulders of the Reformation, faithfully answer in our time?

Support the show

In this episode, we examine the implications of Pope Francis's death and openly discuss the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church. As evangelicals committed to biblical clarity, we ask if evangelicals should look for silver linings in a papacy that has distorted gospel truth. Join us as we courageously explore why honest critique matters.

Episode notes:

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/pope-francis-roman-church-legacy/

https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/30881/francis-the-latin-american-pope-who-sought-the-evangelical-embrace-died

Support the show

Is Roman Catholicism simply weighed down by extra layers (accretions)—or has something deeper gone wrong? In this episode, we engage with Leonardo De Chirico’s Vatican File #238, where he challenges the idea that Catholic doctrine merely suffers from removable "accretions." We ask the crucial question: Does stripping away tradition uncover the Gospel, or has the original message been fundamentally altered? Join us as we examine the difference between doctrinal development and deformation—and why it matters.

Episode Resource

https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2025/03/vf238-no-longer-accretio/ 

Support the show

Join us in this episode as we discuss the possibility of an upcoming conclave in the Catholic Church with the declining health of Pope Francis. We also discuss the recent Netflix film of the same title and how it bears on reality. We also discuss the recent rise and popularity of Roman Catholic apologists seeking to appeal to confused and disillusioned evangelicals and how evangelicals should think about them.

Support the show

In this episode, we respond to Gavin Ortlund's recent video, "Are Catholics Christian? Why Protestants can say YES."

Episode notes:
Gavin Ortlund's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P2wnd8FGyU&t=798s

Another very helpful response to Gavin from NeedGod.net:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0ne8-JUVnk&t=17s

Support the show

In this episode, we critically examine Young Life’s approach to Roman Catholicism through their article, "What Do Catholics (Really) Believe?" We’ll unpack the theological missteps and discuss the implications of their stance for gospel clarity. Additionally, we’ll dive into one of our own recent articles exploring the Roman Catholic practice of praying to Mary and the saints. Is it truly equivalent to asking friends to pray for you, or does it point to deeper theological concerns? Join us as we navigate these important topics from an Evangelical perspective, holding fast to the truth of the gospel.

Episode resources:
https://younglifeleaders.org/2022/04/what-do-catholics-really-believe.html

https://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/why-praying-to-the-saints-is-not-like-asking-for-prayer-from-friends


Examples of prayers to Mary, Joseph and Guardian Angels from Rome's 1999 edition of the official "Manual of Indulgences. NORMS AND GRANTS. Apostolic Penitentiary." Translated into English from the fourth edition (1999) of Enchiridion Indulgentiarum: Normae et Concessiones.

PRAYERS TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Maria, Mater gratiae

Mary, Mother of grace and Mother of mercy, shield me from the enemy and receive me at the hour of my death. Memorare, O piissima Virgo Maria Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.(Liturgy of the Hours, Ordinary for Night Prayer)

PRAYERS IN HONOR OF ST. JOSEPH
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who invoke St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with a duly approved prayer (e.g., Ad te, beate Ioseph). Ad te, beate Ioseph:

To you, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the helpof your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities. O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be kind to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness. As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness, and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven. Amen.

PRAYERS TO ONE’S GUARDIAN ANGEL
A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who devoutly invoke the care of their guardian:

Angele Dei, Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom his love entrusts me here, enlighten and guard, rule and guide me. Amen.

Support the show

In this episode we discuss Pope Francis’s latest encyclical that discusses the heart of Christ and the Roman Catholic devotion of the Sacred Heart. Leonardo’s latest VF provides the framework for our discussion.

Episode resources:
https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/12/vf235/ 

Support the show

In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s latest Vatican File in which he discusses Dan Strange’s 5 Magnetic Points and how they are helpful in having gospel conversations with Roman Catholics. Leo’s Vatican File is an excerpt from his upcoming book (May 2025) Tell Your Catholic Friend: How to Have Gospel Conversations with Love.

Episode Links:

Vatican File 234: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/11/vf234/

Webinar Dec 16 2024: https://foclonline.org/webinar/bible-really-our-only-authority

Book pre-order: https://www.amazon.com/Tell-Catholic-Friend-Leonardo-Chirico/dp/B0DGBTY2PQ/

Support the show

In this episode we discuss with Reformanda Initiative Fellow Matthew Johnston what it means to be catholic and who is catholic. Is, for example, the pope Catholic? Are evangelicals catholic? That depends. Listen in to understand why.

Support the show

In this episode we discuss Leonardo’s most recent Vatican File that discusses Jubilee. Jubilee is an excellent case of same words, different worlds. We find the word in the Bible, and is used with regularity in Roman Catholicism, but the meanings are very different. Join us as we discuss the theology and practice of Jubilee.

Episode notes: https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2024/10/vf233/ 

Support the show