White Smoke - Pope Leo XIV the American Pope

On Father’s Day, Pope Leo offers a heartfelt message about the sacred role of fatherhood, shaped by his own memories and spiritual insights. Drawing from personal conversations with his dad and his years in ministry, the pontiff challenges fathers to raise their children with integrity and love. Plus: Meet Mildred Camacho—the Peruvian woman who can proudly say the Pope is her godfather. Their life...

Pope Leo may be in Rome, but Chicago is throwing him the party of the year at Rate Field. As thousands gather to honor their hometown hero, we revisit the now-iconic moment he was spotted at the 2005 World Series—an image that has become near-mythic. From thin-crust pizza to goat stew and a hot dog without ketchup, Pope Leo’s culinary tastes tell the story of a South Side kid turned global shepher...

Centuries after the brutal fall of the Knights Templar on a Friday the 13th, Pope Leo revisits their legacy in light of his own anti-corruption stance and commitment to religious justice. We explore the eerie historical roots of the superstition and how Leo’s calls for transparency and protection of the vulnerable echo through history. Plus: Mexico formally invites Pope Leo to visit—what could tha...

Pope Leo draws inspiration from the blind beggar Bartimaeus, urging the faithful to embrace vulnerability and cry out for healing in times of despair. His moving message, delivered at the General Audience, connects spiritual low points to Christ’s redemptive love. Later, the pontiff makes a bold foreign policy move by appointing Bishop Lin Yuntuan in China under the Vatican’s contested 2018 agreem...

Pope Leo emphasizes the need for a unified Easter date among Christian denominations, echoing a centuries-old goal first addressed by the Council of Nicaea. His message for ecumenical dialogue resonates globally, showing progress toward greater Christian unity. Meanwhile, a new proposal in Springfield suggests commemorative license plates to fund a statue honoring Pope Leo at the Illinois statehou...

Pope Leo’s upcoming virtual message to thousands at Rate Field in Chicago has generated overwhelming excitement, selling out tickets in minutes. His address will coincide with a grand military parade in Washington, highlighting contrasting expressions of power—spiritual guidance versus military might. Pope Leo’s commitment to human dignity and migration continues to challenge political narratives,...

For nearly 70 years, papal succession has followed a predictable rhythm: revolutionary disruptors followed by steady caretakers. From John XXIII's Vatican II bombshell to Francis's field hospital church, each pope has either shaken up the system or maintained the status quo. Now Pope Leo XIV—the Villanova math major turned pontiff—faces the ultimate question: Will he be Francis's faithful caretake...

Sources indicate that senior Vatican State Department personnel have begun examining the practical ramifications of maintaining dual citizenship. These officials have reportedly initiated discussions about whether the pontiff should consider relinquishing his American passport. The ultimate authority for such a decision rests solely with Pope Leo. However, any formal renunciation would carry profo...

In Chicago, churches have filled up.  Will the enthusiasm last for the Chicago Pope? Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus . No plug-ins needed!  You also get 20+ other...

The Chicago White Sox may be dead last in the American League, but they've just gained the most powerful fan in the world. After Pope Leo XIV revealed his allegiance to Chicago's struggling baseball team, the White Sox are dreaming big—envisioning Vatican City as their newest farm system and St. Peter's Square as a potential ballpark. From Swiss Guard tryouts to gelato concessions, we explore this...

 Is that really Pope Leo in that rap photo? (No.) Is that 42-minute YouTube sermon actually him? (Also no.) In today’s episode, we unpack the rise of papal deepfakes and how AI is already warping Catholic media. We’ll explain what’s real, what’s not, and how the Church is responding. Plus, Pope Leo’s bold thoughts on artificial intelligence, why Vox is into it, and why Slate is mourning the loss o...

Pope Leo’s been spotted wearing an Apple Watch—yes, seriously—and the internet has thoughts. We dive into the surprising tech-savvy side of the new pontiff. Meanwhile, his stunning new floral coat of arms is blooming in the Vatican Gardens, featuring hundreds of plants arranged like a mosaic. And in a story that’s part bureaucracy, part patriotism, the Pope updates his Peruvian ID card… without le...

Want an official apostolic blessing from the Pope? We’ll walk you through the Vatican’s process—yes, there's an online form, and yes, it involves parchment. Plus, Pope Leo XIV’s early moves in Rome reveal who he’s meeting, who he’s not, and what he really thinks about Church reform. Then we shift to Chicago, where the White Sox are honoring their most surprising fan: the Pope. With a tribute at Ra...

We track down the Pope’s most important Villanova memories—including whether he ever yelled “Go Birds!” While he kept his Wawa order private, friends recall a humble man who prayed daily, loved Philly, and maybe even secretly rooted for the Eagles. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner...

The Vatican's liturgical planning office has announced Pope Leo Fourteen's worship calendar for June, featuring papal celebrations each Sunday alongside significant religious observances. The month commences with the Holy Father leading worship in Saint Peter's Square today at ten-thirty in the morning, celebrating the Jubilee gathering for Families, Children, Grandparents, and Senior Citizens. Un...

World class cyclists will meet Pope Leo the Fourteenth and circle Vatican City on Sunday before beginning the final stage of the Giro d'Italia, a multistage bicycle race that concludes in Rome. This professional competition, which began in Albania on May ninth, ranks among the top three most significant international multistage races globally, alongside the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana....

Pope Leo the Fourteenth’s sartorial choice is more than just fashion; his iconic red and white silk socks are crafted by Gammarelli, a tailor to the papacy since 1798. As the first American pope, Leo also embraces his Peruvian roots, with Peru announcing the creation of a "Paths of Pope Leo" tourism route. Meanwhile, Pope Leo addresses the Roman Curia, calling them to collaborate in unity and pres...

Pope Leo the Fourteenth congratulates SSC Napoli on their fourth Serie A title, emphasizing the value of teamwork over individual accolades. During a light-hearted audience at the Vatican, the Pope shares jokes and blessings with the victorious team. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banne...

The Vatican’s postal service has launched an inaugural stamp collection to honor Pope Leo the Fourteenth, showcasing images from his first appearance on the balcony and his first Mass. The collection of four stamps celebrates the historic beginning of his papacy in 2025. Additionally, Pope Leo’s ceremonial declaration of becoming a Roman marks a symbolic milestone in his role as bishop of Rome. Fr...

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. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our show...

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. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, has...

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. Un...

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. Unlock an ad-free...

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. Unlock an ad-free podcast expe...

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 b...