426. The American Pope: Leo XIV, Trump, and the New Vatican Soft Power
In this episode of The Big Picture, Patrick speaks with leading religious and political journalist Catherine Pepinster to examine the soft power, geopolitics, and spiritual influence of Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost).
Episode Highlights
The Rise of Pope Leo XIV: How the Augustinian friar and for...
The Making of a Missionary Pope: The Journey of Leo XIV
From his Chicago roots and Augustinian formation near Philadelphia to decades of missionary service in Peru and leadership in Rome, four places helped shape Robert Prevost into Pope Leo XIV. This special report explores the people, experiences, and communities that formed his global vision and pr...
Two Pregnant Swirlies: Friday, May 9th, 2025
Cardinal Robert Prevost Announced as Pope Leo XIV (PEOPLE) (24:24) Hoda Kotb on ‘list’ to take over Kelly Clarkson’s talk show after ‘Today’ exit (Page Six) (30:33) Lea Michele admits to ‘fractured’ relationship with ‘Glee’ cast after mean-girl criticism (Page Six) (33:49) Julia Fox strips dow...
What? Relationships Outperform Algorithms?
Cal becomes curious when he hears about a book that proves just that. He learns from The New Social Code that the most successful people aren't the ones who get the most social media likes – but the ones who have three or four powerful human connections. Authors Greg Pryor and Michael Arena show ...
The story of Pope Leo XIV — Kwema seeks to reduce workplace violence
On today's show, we hear about a new book from two NPR reporters that details the story of Robert Prevost’s journey to becoming Pope Leo XIV. Plus, we learn a new Bentonville-based product can help people feel safe at work. We also get pop culture recommendations from April Wallace.
Don’t Miss This Stunning New Pope Leo XIV Biography
There aren’t many people on Earth more famous than the Pope. It can be easy to think that there’s not much new to learn about a person with that level of fame. But we think you’ll learn something on literally every page of a new biography of Pope Leo XIV, which is titled “American Pope: Leo XIV’s...
Two Pregnant Swirlies: Friday, May 9th, 2025
Cardinal Robert Prevost Announced as Pope Leo XIV (PEOPLE) (24:24) Hoda Kotb on ‘list’ to take over Kelly Clarkson’s talk show after ‘Today’ exit (Page Six) (30:33) Lea Michele admits to ‘fractured’ relationship with ‘Glee’ cast after mean-girl criticism (Page Six) (33:49) Julia Fox strips dow...
New book explores origins of first 'American Pope,' co-founder; Chicano Park co-founder
A new book, "American Pope: Leo XIV's Road from the South Side of Chicago to Vatican City," traces the life journey of Robert Prevost, from his humble beginnings on the south side of Chicago, to becoming the leader of the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV.
The book's authors, Scott Detrow and Dani...
Religion: Pope Leo XIV, So Far
It’s been a successful summer for Robert Prevost — one of Chicago’s most distinguished citizens.His essay on artificial intelligence was released in paperback to enthusiastic reviews. It was described by one prominent commentator as “beautifully written, hugely significant, speaks truth to power....
From Illinois to Rome, how we got an ‘American Pope’
NPR’s Daniel Burke and Scott Detrow spent a year researching the backstory of how an altar boy from Illinois became the leader of the global Catholic Church.
To do that, they talked with more than a hundred people on six continents about Robert Prevost — from his childhood in Dolton, to seminary...
