White Smoke - Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis

Before he became Pope Leo XIV, he was just Bob Prevost from Chicago. The New York Times explores his humble upbringing, early doubts about priesthood, and deep-rooted faith shaped in a now-vanished Catholic neighborhood. A portrait of spiritual formation that began with baseball, boarding school, and a vow of purpose.

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Gayle King shares her front-row experience at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass, joined by Oprah and Maria Shriver. The trio’s cries of “Chicago!” got a reaction from the first American Pope himself. A joyous moment, captured on video, that reflects the energy and emotion of this historic day.

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As an American citizen, Pope Leo XIV may owe U.S. taxes on his Vatican salary—experts estimate six figures annually. We break down the surprising financial implications of an American pope, from IRS forms to foreign account disclosures. Plus: Pope Leo calls on Eastern Catholics to preserve their ancient traditions and renew the Church with faith, mysticism, and a powerful plea for global peace.

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Pope Leo XIV’s dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru raises legal and theological questions: Can an American be pope without losing their passport? Experts weigh in on nationality law, tax implications, and the meaning of “functional citizenship” in Vatican City. We also explore how Leo’s Peruvian ministry shaped his papacy and what that means for the future of the global Church.

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Pope Leo XIV channels the spirit of Leo XIII and embraces his new role with warmth, hope, and historical vision. We explore his plans for healing divisions within Christianity and his unexpected pop culture moment: being recognized by his personal trainer. Also: the privilege of wearing white at papal events, and why Queen Letizia stood out during Leo’s inauguration.

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In his first major public address, Pope Leo XIV—America’s first pontiff—pleads for urgent humanitarian relief in Gaza, calling the crisis an “existential burden” on children and the elderly. At the same time, his rise is transforming his quiet hometown of Dolton, Illinois, where locals hope to preserve his childhood home as a historic site. Meanwhile, diplomatic ripples reach Washington as Leo’s brother visits the Oval Office and Vice President JD Vance shares details of high-level talks on peace in Gaza and Ukraine. From Vatican Square to the South Side of Chicago, this is a new era for the papacy—and for American influence on the global stage.

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Pope Leo XIV might be the leader of the Catholic Church, but in Chicago, he's also a die-hard White Sox fan. In this episode of White Smoke, we cover the moving ceremony at Guaranteed Rate Field where the Sox honored their most famous fan with a mural in Section 140—the very seat he once shared with his late friend Ed Schmit. Executive VP Brooks Boyer confirms the Pope has a standing invite to throw out a first pitch... or even take an at-bat. We also follow the Pope's recent Vatican meetings, including his surprise visit to the Dicastery for Bishops and his potential role as host for Ukraine-Russia peace talks. Faith, family, baseball, and diplomacy—only on White Smoke.


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Pope Leo XIV welcomes U.S. Vice President JD Vance for their first in-person meeting since the papal election, following Leo’s call for Catholic mediation in global conflicts. The two discuss Ukraine, diplomacy, and shared values. Plus: the Pope reaffirms Church teaching on marriage and immigration, and we revisit the incredible story of a Chicago couple married by “Father Bob” before he became pope.

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Pope Leo the Fourteenth, the first American pontiff, officially began his papacy with a historic Mass at Saint Peter’s Square attended by over 200,000 faithful. In this episode, we recount the powerful symbolism, dignitary visits—including Vice President JD Vance—and the Pope’s call for global peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. We explore the sacred rituals of the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium, the Pope’s emotional homily, and what this moment means for the Catholic Church and its future. Also: What past papal coronations can teach us about the evolving nature of the Vatican’s most sacred traditions.

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Following his installation Mass, Pope Leo the Fourteenth hits the ground running. Explore the new pontiff’s early schedule and bold agenda—from his evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues to his surprising prioritization of artificial intelligence. Also in this episode: a look at his Marian-Augustinian coat of arms and what his motto reveals about his spiritual philosophy. It’s a new era in the Vatican—and it’s only just begun.

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