The Prayerful Posse: Pope Leo’s China Strategy and His New Direction

In this episode of The Prayerful Posse, Raymond Arroyo is joined by Fr. Gerald Murray, Robert Royal, and Vatican journalist Diane Montagna to unpack Pope Leo XIV’s surprising move in China. The Pope has appointed a formerly underground bishop to serve in Fuzhou—with the approval of the CCP. Is this a continuation of the Vatican’s secretive China deal, or the start of a new direction? The panel discusses the implications for the underground Church and the future of Catholicism in China. Then, Diane brings new insights into the fallout surrounding Fr. Marko Rupnik. With the disgraced artist’s mosaics finally being scrubbed from Vatican sites, is Pope Leo beginning to clean house? The conversation turns to justice, accountability, and what Rupnik’s long-standing protection says about the past—and the future—of Church leadership. The Posse also reacts to the quiet removal of Archbishop Zanchetta and Pope Leo’s heartfelt call for priests to live lives of credibility and integrity. Finally, a fiery debate erupts over immigration, ICE raids, and how Church leaders are responding. Have some bishops blurred the line between mercy and lawlessness? The team explores how to balance justice with compassion in a time of national crisis. Plus: a viral papal moment with a bucket hat–wearing bishop proves Pope Leo’s got both reverence and media savvy. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations: Arroyo Grande, available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, and everywhere you listen, watch & stream.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.