Kuuntele Avoiding Babylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1987412/open_sms] The Catholic Church stands at a crossroads unlike any we've seen in generations. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we dive deep into what's really happening behind the scenes of the upcoming papal conclave—and why it matters to every Catholic. With cardinals gathering in Rome, we're witnessing what appears to be two distinct visions of Catholicism struggling for control under one roof. We break down the likely papal candidates and why there seems to be no true conservative option among them. While most cardinals signal a willingness to loosen restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass regardless of who's elected, the deeper divisions within the Church may prove irreconcilable. We explore the apocalyptic dimensions of our current moment, examining whether the Church is truly experiencing its own passion and death before resurrection—as described in paragraph 675 of the Catechism—or if we're simply in another difficult period that will eventually pass. The COVID shutdowns of churches, worldwide sacramental disruptions, and increasing doctrinal confusion all point to something unprecedented unfolding before our eyes. Throughout our conversation, we maintain a commitment to speaking candidly about these challenges while remaining faithful to Catholic teaching. Unlike many Catholic commentators who seem reluctant to honestly assess Pope Francis' legacy, we're determined to examine the fullness of our situation without sugar-coating difficult truths. This independence allows us to bring you perspectives you won't hear in other Catholic media. Whether you're a traditional Catholic concerned about the direction of the Church, someone returning to the faith, or simply curious about what's happening in Rome, this episode provides crucial context for understanding this pivotal moment in Catholic history. Join us as we navigate these turbulent waters together, holding fast to the timeless truths that have sustained the Church through every crisis. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/abbateanthony?locale.x=en_US] Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/ Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition ******************************************************** Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.avoidingbabylon.com Merchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.com Locals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.com RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss SpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylon Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1987412/open_sms] As the Catholic Church stands at a crucial crossroads following Pope Francis's death, an unprecedented papal conclave takes shape. Unlike previous elections, today's College of Cardinals features a dramatically altered demographic landscape—European representation has dropped from 58% to 42%, with significant increases from Africa, South America, and Asia. Perhaps most striking is the unfamiliarity many cardinal electors have with one another, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and possibility. The stakes couldn't be higher as competing visions for Catholicism's future clash behind closed doors. Will the cardinals select a continuity candidate who maintains Francis's pastoral approach, or will they pivot toward a more traditional leader who might restore practices like the Latin Mass? Prominent contenders like Hungary's Cardinal Erdő, Africa's Cardinal Sarah, and Jerusalem's Cardinal Pizzaballa each represent distinct paths forward, with theological implications that will resonate throughout the global Church. Media influence looms large over these proceedings, with publications like The New York Times framing narratives that some observers view as attempts to shape the outcome. Meanwhile, recent converts to Catholicism watch with particular interest, having never experienced a pontiff who fully embraced traditional Catholic sensibilities. The generational divide among the faithful adds another layer of complexity—younger Catholics often gravitate toward ancient rituals and clear doctrinal positions, while Church leadership frequently focuses on issues that resonate with older generations. Despite Francis's efforts to decentralize Church leadership, many recognize that "Catholicism and Europe are inseparable," suggesting a European pope might best address the continent's faith crisis. As cardinals deliberate, they must balance competing priorities: healing divisions, addressing secular challenges, and determining whether the Church needs stability or transformation after a tumultuous decade. Whatever smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel—whether signaling radical change or careful continuity—this historic moment will shape Catholicism's trajectory for decades to come. Join us as we explore the personalities, politics, and profound theological questions surrounding this pivotal papal election. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/abbateanthony?locale.x=en_US] Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/ Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition ******************************************************** Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.avoidingbabylon.com Merchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.com Locals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.com RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss SpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylon Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1987412/open_sms] What happens when three distinct papal visions collide with the legacy of Vatican II? This riveting conversation explores how John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis each navigated the complex aftermath of the Council while shaped by their unique historical contexts. Most Catholics don't realize that both John Paul II and Benedict XVI were formed during the chaos of World War II and Soviet occupation—a trauma that influenced their cautious approach to implementing Vatican II. When John Paul II needed Communist permission just to attend the Council as a young bishop, it revealed the high stakes of Church politics in that era. These experiences created leaders who operated very differently than Francis, who represents a post-conciliar generation with its own vision. The discussion delves into sensitive territory that mainstream Catholic media often avoids: how personnel choices determined policy outcomes, how the sexual abuse crisis undermined trust in Church leadership, and why social media has transformed Catholic discourse. We explore why traditional liturgy appeals to younger Catholics despite restrictions, and how the upcoming conclave might determine whether the Church continues Francis's trajectory or returns to earlier interpretations. Most powerfully, the conversation acknowledges the painful reality that many faithful Catholics experienced crises of faith during Francis's papacy due to perceived doctrinal ambiguity—a perspective rarely voiced in polite Catholic circles. By understanding these complex dynamics, we gain insight into the divided state of contemporary Catholicism and what might lie ahead after Francis. Whether you're a traditional Catholic, a Vatican II enthusiast, or simply curious about Church politics, this conversation offers perspectives you won't hear in typical Catholic media. Join us for an honest, thoughtful exploration of how the past shapes our present and future Church. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/abbateanthony?locale.x=en_US] Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/ Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition ******************************************************** Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.avoidingbabylon.com Merchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.com Locals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.com RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss SpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylon Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1987412/open_sms] What happens when political movements capture the hearts of the faithful? Katherine Bennett of Catholic Unscripted joins Anthony to explore how easily Catholics can be swept along by political currents that promise relief from progressive agendas, yet ultimately distract us from our true center—Christ and His Church. The conversation delves into our modern tendency to seek messiahs in unlikely places. "I was being drawn too much by the political," Catherine admits, "and there was a danger that I was taking my eyes off Christ and His Church." This vulnerability affects many believers who, after feeling "battered by the progressive agenda," embrace political figures or movements without sufficient discernment. They explore how even opposition to transgender ideology can become a "false flag" that makes us accept other problematic developments simply because they come from "our side." Most striking is their examination of sacred architecture as a reflection of cultural priorities. Anthony shares his revelation visiting European cathedrals: "When you go into a grand cathedral, you are a peasant being welcomed into the kingdom... You're in the heavenly kingdom." This contrasts sharply with American cities dominated by skyscrapers—"monuments to money"—revealing where our contemporary worship truly lies. The traditional liturgy, they argue, properly orients us by "placing us rightly, in all humility, before our Lord" instead of approaching as equals. During this time of papal transition, both speakers express hope for healing among Catholics of goodwill despite differences. Their conversation offers a refreshing call to personal sanctity over political activism: "God will raise up the saints needed for this time, and that saint could be you or me." The path forward isn't found in carrying banners or saving the world through activism, but in faithful living of our unique vocations. What's your primary source of orientation in these confusing times? Join the conversation and rediscover what it means to place Christ at the center of everything. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/abbateanthony?locale.x=en_US] Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/ Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition ******************************************************** Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.avoidingbabylon.com Merchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.com Locals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.com RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss SpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylon Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon

Want to reach out to us? Want to leave a comment or review? Want to give us a suggestion or berate Anthony? Send us a text by clicking this link! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1987412/open_sms] Three Catholic commentators gather to examine what's at stake as the Church anticipates a new pontificate. Rather than simply handicapping papal candidates, they dive deeper - asking what Catholics can expect regardless of who steps onto the loggia. Looking back at the papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, they challenge nostalgic simplifications by acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses in these pontificates. Michael offers a counterbalance to popular narratives, noting problematic moments like Assisi interfaith gatherings alongside the doctrinal clarity these popes provided on moral issues. Mark reflects on how Benedict's theological precision offered stability during a formative period in his faith journey. The conversation pivots to a crucial insight that frames everything: "The faith isn't about the Pope. Faith is about your relationship with Christ and the sacraments." This perspective grounds their analysis of two potential post-conclave scenarios - either a return to doctrinal orthodoxy that triggers external persecution, or continued progressive momentum that maintains internal tensions. Either way, faithful Catholics must prepare for challenges. They explore whether a formal schism looms on the horizon, with Michael distinguishing between true schism and the theological divisions already evident. Mark notes how God continues working through seemingly desperate situations, pointing to unexpected growth in vocations and renewed interest in tradition among younger Catholics. As they consider whether current trials represent apocalyptic moments or simply another chapter in the Church's long history, the discussants agree on one certainty - personal holiness and penance remain essential regardless of ecclesiastical politics. The Church has died and risen repeatedly throughout history, and will continue to do so through divine providence and faithful witnesses who keep their lamps trimmed and burning through the darkness. Support the show [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/abbateanthony?locale.x=en_US] Sponsored by Recusant Cellars, an unapologetically Catholic and pro-life winery from Washington state. Use code BASED25 at checkout for 10% off! https://recusantcellars.com/ Also sponsored by Quest Pipe Co. Get your St Isaac Jogues pipe here: https://questpipeco.com/discount/Amish?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fst-isaac-jogues-limited-edition ******************************************************** Please subscribe! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsxnv80ByFV4OGvt_kImjQ?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.avoidingbabylon.com Merchandise: https://shop.avoidingbabylon.com Locals Community: https://avoidingbabylon.locals.com RSS Feed for Podcast Apps: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1987412.rss SpiritusTV: https://spiritustv.com/@avoidingbabylon Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/AvoidingBabylon