Before He Was Pope: The Human Life of St. Peter – Dr. Robert Shaffern - 07/31/2026

Bo Bonner talks with historian Dr. Robert Shaffern, professor of history at the University of Scranton, about his new book Peter of Galilee: Shepherd of the Early Church (Angelico Press). Shaffern explains what drew him back to Peter's story after decades of interest — including choosing "Peter" as his own confirmation name — and why he wanted to portray Peter as a working man with a business, a family, and elderly relatives to care for before he ever became the "Rock" of the Church. Drawing on Scripture, the Apostolic Fathers, and early Christian sources, Shaffern discusses how Peter's ordinary, human failings — and his imitation of Christ's own gentle leadership — shaped the early Church and continue to offer a model for living the faith today. Learn more from Angelico Press: https://angelicopress.com/   #SaintPeter #FirstPope #AngelicoPress #CatholicHistory #EarlyChurch #CatholicBiography #CatholicPodcast     Credits: Produced, Edited, and Mixed by Ayden Pugh, Alexia Baker, and Brady Grimm. ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Catholic Morning Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode — and if this one was worth your time, please leave us a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating. It takes ten seconds and it's the single best way to help more people find the show. 🎧 LISTEN LIVE Catch The Catholic Morning Show live, weekday mornings on Iowa Catholic Radio. Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations LINKSYou can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here! More from Iowa Catholic Radio:Sunday Dive with Katie PatrizioMan Up! with Joe StopulosCatholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie NelsonThe Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud MarrBe Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce RiebeBe Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián MoncadaMaking it Personal with Bishop William JoensenFaith and Family Finance with Gregory WaddleThe Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos Liturgy & DevotionsThe Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick SmithThe Daily Mass from St. Francis of AssisiThe Daily Mass from St. Pius XThe Daily Mass from St. TheresaSunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint JohnWant to support your favorite show? Click Here Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.