Podcast
The Reformanda Initiative
Hosted by Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard · EN
The Reformanda Initiative Podcast. Listen as we analyze and discuss Roman Catholic theology and practice from an Evangelical perspective. | X: @ReformandaRome | Facebook: @ReformandaInitiative | Online: www.reformandainitiative.org |
27episodes
Episodes
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93. Dilexi Te - Pope Leo’s first Magisterial Document
Oct 3100:39:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first Magisterial document, an Apostolic Exhortation titled "Dilexi te," which focuses on the Roman Catholic Church’s mandate to care for the poor. We highlight the theological concerns the document presents for an evangelical reader. We also briefly discuss our recent trip to Istanbul for a conference that commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.Support the show
Transcribe →92. Tell Your Catholic Friends
Sep 1000:43:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Leonardo to talk about his newest book, Tell Your Catholic Friends: How to Have Gospel Conversations With Love (B&H Books, 2025). Together we explore why these conversations matter, how to approach them with clarity and compassion, and what it looks like to point friends and family to the hope of the gospel. Tell Your Catholic Friends is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible.Support the show
Transcribe →91. The Jubilee of Youth
Aug 1500:52:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we discuss the Jubilee of Youth, a Roman Catholic event held in Rome, Italy, from July 29 to August 3, 2025, which attracted nearly 1 million youth from around the world. Much of what has been shared on social media by the Catholic Church is attractive to young evangelicals who are led to believe they can find the answer to their disillusions with faith and church in the Roman Catholic Church. But what is the real message of the Jubilee of Youth? Join us as we respond to this question.Episode resource:https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2025/08/vf245-jubilee-of-youth/Support the show
Transcribe →90. We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church
Jul 26, 202500:51:34Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert (Certainty 4 Eternity) about the new book he co-edited with Leonardo, The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words. We discuss his chapter contribution, which unpacks the clause of the Nicene Creed “We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church,” noting how Roman Catholics and Evangelicals share these words, but do not share the theological interpretation of them.Support the show
Transcribe →89. Concerns with the Roman Catholic Trinitarian Framework
Jul 8, 202500:46:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode we (Leonardo and Reid) discuss problematic aspects of the Roman Catholic understanding of the Trinitarian framework, using Leonardo’s chapter in the newly released book “The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words”, of which Leonardo and Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert are editors. This book (and this conversation) coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. The book can be purchased here: https://matthiasmedia.com/collections/latest/products/the-nicene-creed and is available on Kindle.Support the show
Transcribe →88. Does Rome Teach a False Gospel?
Jul 2, 202500:51:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative fellow Robbie Bellis, who walks us through this delicate and essential question using Galatians 1 as a case study. Can Galatians 1 and Paul's anathemas be applied to the Roman Catholic Church and its gospel?Support the show
Transcribe →87. Checking In on Pope Leo XIV
May 29, 202500:41:39Tap to summarizeIn this episode Leonardo De Chirico and Reid Karr discuss the first few weeks of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. What is defining his papacy and where does he seem to be going theologically? More importantly, how can evangelicals be theologically responsible in assessing the pope as he speaks and uses gospel sounding words? Join us to hear how we respond to these questions and others.Support the show
Transcribe →81. A Response to Gavin Ortlund's Video, "Are Catholics Christian? Why Protestants can say YES"
Jan 15, 202500:33:44Tap to summarizeIn 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=798sAnother very helpful response to Gavin from NeedGod.net:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0ne8-JUVnk&t=17sSupport the show
Transcribe →80. Young Life and Catholicism: Missteps in Explaining the Faith
Jan 10, 202500:39:25Tap to summarizeIn 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.htmlhttps://www.reformandainitiative.org/resources/why-praying-to-the-saints-is-not-like-asking-for-prayer-from-friendsExamples 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 MARYMaria, Mater gratiaeMary, 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. JOSEPHA 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 ANGELA 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
Transcribe →79. Discussing Pope Francis’s latest encyclical Dilexit Nos
Dec 13, 202400:47:12Tap to summarizeIn 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
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