Catholic Answers Live

Jimmy Akin, a senior apologist and investigative podcaster, dives deep into the fascinating world of Marian apparitions. He explains how the Church classifies these supernatural events, clarifying that Catholics aren't required to believe in every approved apparition. Akin evaluates notable cases like Father Michel Rodrigue and discusses the credibility challenges surrounding his dramatic claims. He also recounts the history of La Salette and Medjugorje, analyzing their backgrounds, approvals, and the impact of ongoing Vatican investigations.

The hosts reflect on a year marked by cultural shifts, starting with the decline of movie theater attendance amidst the streaming surge. They dive into the groundbreaking impact of weight-loss drugs and the broader implications for society. The discussion shifts to the global crisis of trust in institutions, touching upon rising populism. Migration is examined through a Catholic lens, balancing rights and responsibilities. Finally, AI is highlighted as a defining story of the year, exploring its effects on jobs and spirituality.

Dive into a year-end Flannel Panel where the hosts tackle whether Catholics won the internet by 2025. They discuss Carlo Acutis as the Patron of the Internet and analyze Matt Fradd's move to The Daily Wire. There's a lively debate on adapting Catholic voices for secular media and concerns around anti-Semitism in collaborations. The show highlights growth signs for Catholicism, recent conversions, and the strengths of immigrant devotion contrasted with catechesis gaps. A spirited discussion concludes on the internet's power to correct misconceptions.

Cy Kellett, Edgar Lujano, and Todd Aglialoro examine the defining Church and cultural developments of 2025, beginning with the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, following the death of Pope Francis. They also discuss why the Church’s vast charitable work is so often overlooked, the surprising rise of Christianity among young people, and debates surrounding a potential Person of the Year. The episode closes with a sobering look at growing threats to religious freedom in the West and the rapid expansion of euthanasia and assisted suicide as one of the most urgent moral crises facing society. Questions Covered: 03:30 – The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, following the death of Pope Francis 29:30 – The Church’s charitable work remains massively underreported 36:00 – The rise of Christianity among the young 45:15 – Person of the Year Discussion 49:13 – Threats to religious freedom in Western countries 51:34 – The rapid spread of euthanasia and assisted suicide, perhaps the most urgent moral crisis Catholics are not talking about enough.

Cy Kellett, Edgar Lujano, and Todd Aglialoro review and analyze some of the most important Catholic and Church-related developments of 2025, including Pope Leo XIV’s meeting with King Charles III, the Archdiocese of New York’s major settlement fund for clergy abuse claims, and the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality with its focus on inclusion. They also examine the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon, explaining what these events reveal about the direction of the Church and its engagement with the world. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 4:43 – Pope Leo XIV meets King Charles III 19:05 – The Archdiocese of New York announces a $300 million fund to settle clergy abuse claims 29:41 – The Synod on Synodality concludes, emphasizing inclusion 40:48 – Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural trip to Turkey and Lebanon

This is an encore episode, originally aired on October 1, 2025.  “Can the Hierarchy Change Itself?” This episode delves into the complexities of Church authority and reform, addressing questions such as whether the Church still uses canon priests and how to trust the hierarchy. We also explore intriguing topics like Pope Leo’s blessing of ice and the implications of a heretical pope according to Bellarmine. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:55 – Does that Church still set up canon priests to assist and convey messages for bishops? 06:57 – Does the Church hierarchy have the authority to change the Church hierarchy? 15:05 – I’m returning to the Church but I’m having a hard time trusting the hierarchy. 24:09 – Why should we conform to a magisterium who has abandoned Christ? 37:55 – Are you familiar with Pope Leo blessing the block of ice and the whole significance behind that? 48:30 – When Robert Bellarmine said that there can be a heretical pope, what did he mean by that?

This is an encore episode, originally aired on October 1, 2025 “Does God Want Organized Religion?” In this episode, we explore the role of organized faith and its significance, along with questions like why Protestants should respect the Pope and how a priest can absolve sin. We also delve into the historical presence of bishops and the continuity of apostolic authority, providing a comprehensive look at these vital topics. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:01 – Does God Want An Organized Religion? 13:37 – How do I explain to protestants why they should at least respect the pope? 17:38 – How can a priest absolve a person from sin if he is also only a man? 29:05 – What are biblical or historical proofs that bishops were present from the beginning and not an addition in the 4th century? 42:00 – How would we address someone who agrees that Jesus gave authority to his apostles but disagrees that it was passed on? 47:49 – I’m distressed with the pope. How can I have any confidence in the Church? I need guidance.

In this engaging conversation, Trent Horn, a Catholic apologist and author, tackles a variety of intriguing topics. He debunks the Jar Jar Sith theory and critiques the financial aspects of 'Home Alone.' Trent discusses the complexities of embryo adoption and presents compelling arguments against utilitarianism. Additionally, he shares strategies for evangelizing unbelieving family members and offers insights into addressing friends growing in other faiths. His thoughts on the significance of church dogmas and youth engagement in the faith are equally enlightening.

In this discussion, Trent Horn, a Catholic apologist and author, delves into the alarming resurgence of anti-Semitism globally and in the Church. He clarifies the distinction between legitimate criticism of Judaism and harmful prejudice. Horn investigates the historical roots of anti-Semitism, especially among young Catholics, and discusses how nostalgia for pre-Vatican II traditions can exacerbate anti-Jewish sentiments. He also provides insights on the Church's teachings regarding God's love for Jews and offers practical advice to combat modern anti-Semitism.

Cy’s Wishes you all a Merry Christmas and shares some updates at Catholic Answers.