This heartwarming episode of The Patrick Madrid Show featured Therese, an 8-year-old listener from L.A., who dials in with three beautifully curious questions about how a Pope is elected. Patrick’s response blends clarity, charm, and catechesis, making this a must-listen for Catholics of all ages. 1. How often does each cardinal vote? Therese kicks off …
Ever wondered what happens behind the red curtains of a papal conclave? In a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick offered listeners a behind-the-scenes look that felt like a backstage pass to one of the Church’s most sacred processes. Responding to a thoughtful question from John in Tampa about the “politics” of the …
Ever wondered what happens behind the red curtains of a papal conclave? In a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick offered listeners a behind-the-scenes look that felt like a backstage pass to one of the Church’s most sacred processes. Responding to a thoughtful question from John in Tampa about the “politics” of the …
With the Church preparing for a new conclave, Norbert from Wisconsin Rapids called in to The Patrick Madrid Show asking for clarity on a timely topic: What’s the difference between a Cardinal Bishop, Cardinal Priest, and Cardinal Deacon? Patrick delivered a clear breakdown. 1. Cardinal Bishops – The Senior Statesmen 2. Cardinal Priests – Rome’s …
On The Patrick Madrid Show, Monica called in with a great question from her 12-year-old: “Is the papal conclave truly blind the whole way through?” Patrick explained that the process of electing a pope is secure, sacred, and surprisingly hands-on. Each cardinal in the Sistine Chapel sits at a small desk and writes a name …
When Pope Francis passed away, many listeners—like John from Illinois—began wondering: Who's in charge now? On The Patrick Madrid Show, Patrick answered that very question with clarity, history, and a touch of humor. When the pope dies, the Vatican doesn’t shut down completely—but it does hit “pause mode.” Most major functions of the Apostolic See …
The Industrial Revolution changed more than just how goods were made. It changed how people worked, how they lived, and even how they saw themselves. Although it may seem like a distant chapter in a history textbook, the questions raised during the Industrial Revolution are similar to the questions we wrestle with today: What is …
For people across Eastern Europe, the Cold War was a time of disconnection, anxious whispers, and uncertainty. Countries within the Eastern Bloc, behind the ‘iron curtain,’ had no guarantee of sovereignty. This was highlighted by the Prague Spring uprising in 1968, which was ruthlessly put down by the Red Army. Soviet hegemony was clear. These …
In 2013, the first member of the Society of Jesus, Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, was elected to ascend to the Chair of Peter and took the name Francis. A member of an order once doubted and subject to suspicion by the Vatican became the Pope. This event is significant in a broad view of Church history, …
The most recent conclave comes on the heels of a very rare event in the history of the Papacy: two popes living at the same time. As the papacy is a sacred office typically carried out until death, it is rare that two legitimate popes’ lifetimes overlap. Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to resign is one …
