Dr. Matthew Bunson of EWTN News calls in to talk with Gus about a number of Catholic news items, including the Catholic Church’s response to the Texas floods mostly through Catholic Charities and local churches. They also chat about Pope Leo XIV’s arrival in Castel Gandolfo for summer vacation and how there are rumors that he’s working on his first encyclical. The also discuss a Synod update for the first time in a while as the Vatican yesterday announced new guidelines for the Synod on Synodality's implementation. Also, Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis’ canonization dates has been moved to September 7th. Meanwhile, the incorrupt remains of the former are currently on display until August 4th for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome.
Later, Gus talks about how the town of Castel Gandolfo in Rome in celebrating because for the first time since Pope Benedict XVI, a pope is vacationing there. Tourism is its chief industry and it’s been the traditional vacation spot for popes for centuries. He invites listeners to call in and talk about their mass habits when they’re on vacation.
Gus also covers a few more news items of Catholic interest, including how in the wake of the Dobbs decision, which sent the issue of abortion back to the states, the State of South Carolina reported a 63% drop in abortions. The state passed the Fetal Heartbeat Act in 2023, which prevents abortions when a heartbeat is detected and is defunding Planned Parenthood by removing its Medicaid program. Gus also reads and reflects on USCCB President Archbishop Timothy Broglio’s statement on the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which isn’t altogether positive.
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