Roundtable: Pope Leo XIV, AI ethics, sexual abuse crisis reforms, Vatican–China relations

We pause our usual “Inside the Vatican” weekly format to continue the conversation from America Media’s subscriber-only Conclave Debrief event this past Monday, June 9. Hosts Colleen Dulle, Gerard O’Connell, and producer Ricardo da Silva respond to subscriber questions about Pope Leo XIV and the recent conclave. Gerard compares this conclave with the 2013 election of Pope Francis, highlighting what made it unique. Colleen shares her firsthand experience covering a conclave live from the Vatican for the first time, while Ricardo reflects on the surprising surge in secular media coverage and growing interest in the papacy both in the U.S. and at St. Peter’s. They also answer questions about Pope Leo’s early warnings on artificial intelligence, the urgent need for structural reforms to address the sexual abuse crisis with a focus on survivors, and how his background may shape Vatican-China diplomacy going forward. Find full show notes and related links on our ⁠website⁠ Support our podcast—become a ⁠⁠⁠digital subscriber to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices