Today, Explained – Episode: Conclave (2025) Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Today, Explained
• Host/Author: Vox
• Description: Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King guide listeners through the most important stories of the day.
• Episode: Conclave (2025)
• Release Date: April 22, 2025

Introduction to Conclave 2025

In this episode of Today, Explained, host Sean Rameswaram delves into the significant event of Conclave 2025, the Catholic Church’s process for electing a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis. Featuring insights from Catherine Kaleidos, a research associate at the Institute of Orthodox Christian Studies in Cambridge, the discussion navigates the complexities of the Church's current state and the potential directions it may take under new leadership.

The Global Shift in the Catholic Church

Catherine Kaleidos outlines the broader context within which Conclave 2025 takes place. She highlights a pivotal moment of transition for the Catholic Church, marked by:

• Demographic Changes: The Church faces declining membership in Western Europe and North America but is experiencing substantial growth in the Global South, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

  “The Catholic Church, like Christianity writ large, is in demographic trouble in Western Europe and North America, yet it is growing exponentially in Asia, Africa, Latin America...” (02:13)

• Cultural Tensions: The Church is grappling with internal divisions between progressives and traditionalists. In Western regions, progressive stances on gender and sexuality are causing friction, leading to declining adherence. Conversely, more conservative views in the Global South are fostering growth.

  “Most every bit of good data we have about why people leave the Catholic Church... is largely centered around these issues of gender and sexuality.” (04:07)

Influence of Pope Francis on the Conclave

A critical factor in the upcoming conclave is the significant influence of Pope Francis, who appointed approximately 80% of the current cardinal electors. This has effectively shaped the demographic and ideological landscape of the conclave.

“Pope Francis has now appointed 80% of the cardinal electors.” (06:03)

Kaleidos draws a parallel between these appointments and political maneuvers, likening it to "packing the Supreme Court."

“Is that the papal equivalent of, like, trying to pack the Supreme Court? Yeah, a little bit.” (06:22)

Contenders for the Papacy

The discussion identifies several frontrunners for the next pope, representing various factions within the Church:

1. Cardinal Robert Serra (Guinea):

   • Profile: A staunch traditionalist with strong views on gender and liturgical practices.
   • Appeal: Garners support from traditionalist Catholics seeking a return to the papal models of Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul II.

   “Cardinal Robert Serra... is a very traditionalist cardinal, a very traditionalist theologian and pastor.” (07:33)

2. Cardinal Jose Mendoza (Portugal):

   • Profile: Represents the progressive camp, advocating for greater inclusion of women and LGBT individuals.
   • Prospects: While progressive, his relatively young age (59) makes his election less likely in the immediate conclave.

   “Cardinal Jose Mendoza... is very progressive, I think, in the ways that we sort of think about progressiveness.” (07:33)

3. Cardinal Louis Tagale (Philippines):

   • Profile: Considered the favorite, he is seen as a moderate akin to Pope Francis, combining theological moderation with pastoral openness.
   • Significance: As a Filipino, his election would reflect the growing influence of the Global South within the Church.

   “Cardinal Louis Tagale from the Philippines... is the inspired choice.” (09:48)

4. Cardinal Pier Battista Pizzabala:

   • Profile: Known for outspoken views on geopolitical issues, such as the conflict in Gaza.
   • Challenges: His controversial stances may disqualify him from consideration.

   “Cardinal Pier Battista Pizzabala... his very outspoken position on the conflict in Gaza would probably disqualify him.” (10:57)

Implications of the New Papacy

Kaleidos discusses the potential outcomes based on the likely selection of Cardinal Tagale:

• Continuation of the Franciscan Model: Emphasizes humility, mercy, and adaptability to regional contexts, allowing the Church to reconcile ideological differences.

  “If we have Cardinal Tagale become the next pope, it is a sort of continuation of the Franciscan model.” (12:10)

• Liturgical Reforms: Ongoing changes from Vatican II will likely persist, fostering flexibility in liturgical practices to accommodate diverse cultural contexts.

  “Liturgical reforms... no pope is going to be able to unring that bell.” (13:19)

Canonization of St. Carlo Kutis: The First Millennial Saint

Transitioning from the conclave, host Sean Ramis introduces Michael Digiovinay, a professor of anthropology, who discusses the canonization of St. Carlo Kutis, the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint.

Background of St. Carlo Kutis:

• Early Life: Born in London to Italian parents, Carlo was raised by nannies from Ireland and Poland, instilling in him a profound sense of religiosity despite his parents’ lack of active practice.

  “He was raised by nannies... who were the ones that were religious.” (17:10)

• Relatability: Carlo is portrayed as a relatable figure, dealing with everyday struggles such as bullying, self-esteem issues, and a love for popular culture, including playing Halo and Pokémon.

  “He was a religious but down to earth kid... played Halo.” (19:01)

Miracles Attributed to St. Carlo:

1. Healing of Matthias:

   • Incident: A five-year-old boy with an annular pancreas, a condition causing severe malnutrition.
   • Miracle: After Carlo’s intercession, Matthias reportedly consumed a full meal without adverse effects, and medical explanations could not account for the change.

   “They were taken... and when he went home, apparently he ate a whole steak and french fries and didn't throw up.” (20:11)

2. Recovery of a Costa Rican Student:

   • Incident: A female student suffered a traumatic brain injury from a bicycle accident.
   • Miracle: After her mother prayed at Carlo’s sarcophagus in Assisi, the student miraculously awakened from her coma.

   “When she got back to Florence, apparently her daughter was awake.” (21:16)

Significance of Canonization:

• Symbolism: Carlo embodies the modern, relatable saint that aligns with Pope Francis’s vision of humility and mercy.

  “He really epitomizes all of the messaging that Pope Francis has done... being humble, being merciful.” (23:37)

• Impact: Carlo’s sainthood bridges traditional and contemporary Catholic values, appealing to younger generations and reinforcing the Church’s adaptability.

  “Mother Teresa is more along the lines of who Carlo is and more along the lines of what the message of what saints should be that Francis gives us.” (23:30)

Conclusion

The episode of Today, Explained masterfully navigates two pivotal developments within the Catholic Church: the influential Conclave 2025 and the groundbreaking canonization of St. Carlo Kutis. Through expert analysis and engaging discussions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the Church's current transformation and its implications for the future.

Notable Quotes:

• “The Catholic Church... is in demographic trouble in Western Europe and North America, yet it is growing exponentially in Asia, Africa, Latin America...” – Catherine Kaleidos (02:13)

• “Cardinal Robert Serra... is a very traditionalist cardinal, a very traditionalist theologian and pastor.” – Catherine Kaleidos (07:33)

• “Cardinal Louis Tagale from the Philippines... is the inspired choice.” – Catherine Kaleidos (09:48)

• “If we have Cardinal Tagale become the next pope, it is a sort of continuation of the Franciscan model.” – Catherine Kaleidos (12:10)

• “He really epitomizes all of the messaging that Pope Francis has done... being humble, being merciful.” – Michael Digiovinay (23:37)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the Conclave (2025) episode of Today, Explained, providing listeners with a clear and comprehensive overview of the topics covered.