Ave Maria in the Afternoon – April 22, 2025 – Hour 1

Author: Bryant Schoenle Published on: April 22, 2025 Published in: Ave Maria in the Afternoon

We continue our look at the life and legacy of Pope Francis. Robert Whaples discusses his economic vision, Daniel Gallagher shares his memories of working in the Vatican when Benedict XVI resigned, and Marcus examines Pope Francis’ relationship with the American church.

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Marcus' Monologue: Pope Francis and the American Church

During his papacy, Pope Francis frequently seemed to criticize the Church in America. This comes from a worldview that was formed in his early days in Argentina. Marcus has more.

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Pope Francis’ Economic Vision

From day one, Pope Francis’s fervent support for the poor was a central theme of his papacy. But his comments on economic policies often caused a stir, especially in the West. What value does a religious perspective offer in addressing moral, political, and economic problems? Robert Whaples joins us.

robert whaples — Dr Robert Whaples is editor of the Independent Review and professor of economics at Wake Forest University. He is the co-editor of Is Social Justice Just and the editor of Pope Francis and the Caring Society. He also hosts the Modern Economic Issues lecture series at the Great Courses.

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“Pope Francis encouraged and challenged Catholics”

Pope Francis’ papacy spanned over a decade. He was an admired spiritual leader for many and at times a figure of some controversy in his manner of carrying out the ministry of the successor of St Peter, the Vicar of Christ. Mark Brumley weighs in on his legacy.

mark-brumley — Mark Brumley is president of Ignatius Press, one of the nation’s largest Catholic publishers and distributors of videos and music. He is also the executive producer of several documentaries, including The Story of the Nativity, Lost Gospels or False Gospels, and Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?. He is the former director of Communications and of the Office for Social Ministries of the Diocese of San Diego.

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Was Pope Benedict ``Forced`` to Resign?

Since Pope Benedict’s resignation, some have claimed that he was “forced” out of the papacy and that Francis’ papacy was illegitimate. Daniel Gallagher worked at the Vatican’s Secretary of State from 2007-2017, including during the resignation of Benedict XVI and election of Pope Francis. He joins us.