JD Flynn and Ed Condon resigned their positions at Catholic News Agency at the end of 2020 to pursue other projects. We're suspending this podcast, as we continue our search for new leadership. In the meantime, check out our award-winning podcast CNA Newsroom: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/podcast/cna-newsroom Thanks for listening.

CNA Editor's Desk

Thank You

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the Catholic news you need to know this week. Then, they debate the top 5 Christmas movies of all time. Time stamps and show notes: 10:00 - Courts weigh in on church closures due to COVID restrictions https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/supreme-court-overturns-ny-church-restrictions-brooklyn-bishop-says-religion-essential-during-pandemic-99008 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/supreme-court-vacates-ruling-on-colorado-church-restrictions-93626 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/dc-catholic-archdiocese-sues-over-christmas-mass-restrictions-81401 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-salvatore-cordileone-says-san-francisco-mass-restrictions-are-mocking-god-72251 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pelosi-misspoke-on-san-francisco-mass-attendance-spokesman-claims-89753 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/madison-diocese-says-it-will-sue-over-religious-restrictions-68440 20:00 - The United States remains divided over the presidential election 25:15 - Davey Flynn’s cameo 26:10 - How could the Church hierarchy be responding to this moment in time? The Jericho March https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-archbishop-gregory-says-he-wont-deny-biden-communion-how-will-catholics-respond-51669 51:50 - Charleston bishop cleared by Vatican over abuse claim https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-bishop-charleston-cleared-by-vatican-over-abuse-claim-30169 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-dolan-conducting-vos-estis-investigation-into-brooklyn-bishop-31970 59:20 - Vatican congregation issues new norms for ecclesiastical institutions of higher education https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-congregation-issues-new-norms-for-ecclesiastical-institutions-of-higher-education-87865 1:12:00 - JD and Ed’s top Christmas movies

The one with Davey

CNA’s DC Editor Ed Condon gives a brief overview of the week’s top stories. Time stamps and show notes: 1:00 - US bishops’ doctrine committee weighs in on hymns sung at Mass https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/all-are-welcome-not-a-welcome-hymn-at-mass-usccb-committee-says-54933 5:15 - Vatican upholds Knoxville bishop’s COVID restriction https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-upholds-bishop-over-reception-of-communion-on-tongue-77862 12:00 - Vatican dismisses abuse allegation against Charleston bishop https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-bishop-charleston-cleared-by-vatican-over-abuse-claim-30169 17:00 - President-elect Joe Biden taps California Attorney General Xavier Becerra to lead the Department of Health and Human Services https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pro-life-leaders-react-to-bidens-extreme-hhs-pick-38767 19:00 - Our interview with Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-zen-jimmy-lai-arrest-is-part-of-campaign-of-political-intimidation-99940

Ed’s Quick Takes on the Week's News

https://www.foodandwine.com/news/real-story-huge-chunk-cheese-sat-white-house-year 12:35 - Is baptism by American Sign Language possible? https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-baptisms-administered-in-name-of-the-community-are-invalid-27618 19:40 - Can priests be given permission to celebrate four Masses in one day? 31:35 - A Catholic marries a non-Catholic in a non-Catholic ceremony. They get divorced. Does the Catholic need an annulment? 39:50 - Why is the baptism of those who are 14 and older reserved to the diocesan bishop? 42:40 - Are there rules in canon law for the coronation of royals? 51:20 - What is the canonical effect of a lack of faith in godparents? 53:50 - My diocese is undergoing the process of parish incorporation. How does the bishop retain authority over each parish, if they all have civil, nonprofit status? 1:05:10 - If permanent deacons are members of the clerical state, why are they exempt from the requirement of celibacy? 1:13:00 - Ed plays a round of ‘Name that canon!’

It’s Canonical Big Block of Cheese Day!

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon return this week to talk about the US Bishops’ Fall General Assembly, the latest ‘Vos estis’ investigation, and a surprising lawsuit in Rome. Time stamps and show notes: 1:52 - USCCB Fall General Assembly https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/usccb-fall-general-assembly-2020 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-gomez-biden-will-support-policies-against-fundamental-catholic-values-88644 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-catholic-bishops-congratulate-biden-as-president-elect-44702 38:16 - California Bishop Cantu under Vatican 'Vos estis' investigation https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/california-bishop-cantu-faces-vatican-investigation-17520 51:05 - Cardinal Becciu seeks damages over 'groundless' Italian media reports https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-angelo-becciu-seeks-damages-over-groundless-italian-media-reports-37582

The Problem with Tribalism

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the long-awaited “McCarrick Report,” and Ed throws a baseball at a door. (5:18) The McCarrick Report: http://www.vatican.va/resources/resources_rapporto-card-mccarrick_20201110_en.pdf https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-nj-bishops-gave-vatican-inaccurate-information-before-mccarricks-washington-appointment-84734 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-when-one-mother-had-to-speak-up-88192 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/we-need-to-look-this-evil-in-the-eye---clergy-abuse-survivors-respond-to-mccarrick-report-44786 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/theodore-mccarrick-report-pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-sexual-abuse-52828 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/did-mccarrick-use-charitable-fund-to-settle-abuse-claim-91595 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/the-mccarrick-reports-provocative-tale-of-a-kgb-encounter-and-an-fbi-request-28740 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-american-catholics-urge-truth-and-transparency-78449 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/theodore-mccarrick-report-what-was-in-cardinal-john-oconnors-letter-14746 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/jpii-biographer-says-pathological-mccarrick-lied-to-the-pope-77113 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-documents-tragic-chapter-in-churchs-life-usccb-president-says-38908 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-catholics-shocked-saddened-scandalized-and-angered-us-bishops-say-89592 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-catholics-shocked-saddened-scandalized-and-angered-us-bishops-say-89592 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/cardinal-omalley-pope-francis-will-publish-vatican-mccarrick-report-soon-40701 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-after-mccarrick-report-embracing-the-cross-95084

The McCarrick Report is here

Editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the news, including the still-contested general election in the US; the McCarrick Report, which is expected to be released next week; a little-noticed canon law change related to religious orders; take another deep dive into Vatican finances; and more. (1:10) Ed criticizes JD’s fashion choices (6:40) The general election: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/election-not-yet-resolved-with-critical-catholics-issues-hanging-in-the-balance-93989 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/election-night-2020-5-things-you-need-to-know-64148 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-where-was-the-joe-biden-wave-on-election-day-31021 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/post-election-shift-in-us-house-could-hamper-democrats-abortion-lgbt-goals-90315 (18:39) Pope Francis transfers financial administration out of Secretariat of State: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-transfers-financial-administration-out-of-secretariat-of-state-58860 (35:23) McCarrick report due next week: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-due-for-release-next-week-38076 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mccarrick-report-could-be-black-eye-for-catholic-church-cardinal-dolan-says-57079 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-announces-publication-date-of-long-awaited-mccarrick-report-51435 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/abuse-survivor-all-catholics-will-be-grieving-when-mccarrick-report-is-released-39098 (52:22) A little-noticed canon law change related to religious orders: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-requires-bishops-to-have-vatican-permission-to-establish-new-diocesan-religious-institutes-29719 (1:02:03) Vatican finances, part 2: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/searches-carried-out-on-key-figures-in-vatican-financial-scandal-22694 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/uk-lawsuit-gives-details-on-vaticans-controversial-london-building-12825 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/lawyer-downplays-suspended-vatican-officials-role-in-london-property-deal-21698 (1:08:26) JD has won several wagers against Ed since election night. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/oregon-decriminalizes-hard-drugs-other-states-legalize-medical-recreational-marijuana-25409 (1:18:25) Brief preview of the upcoming USCCB meeting: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/usccb-set-to-convene-virtual-assembly-six-days-after-mccarrick-report-77856 (1:20:06) Andrew Walther, RIP https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/andrew-walther-president-of-ewtn-news-dies-on-all-saints-day-90586 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/an-extraordinary-legacy-of-service---friends-remember-andrew-walther-11820 (1:21:08) Please pray for JD’s dad

A Toast to Transparency

In this week’s episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss Halloween; an Islamist attack in a church in Nice, France; give an update on the Vatican financial scandal; and much more. Stick around for a fan-requested game at the end: “Airport Code or Religious Order?" (1:10) Is Halloween good or bad? Also: do they celebrate Halloween in England? (15:52) Vatican financial scandal update - Pope Francis discusses Vatican finances in a new interview https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-says-more-action-coming-in-fight-against-vatican-corruption-43150 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/italian-security-consultant-cecilia-marogna-freed-from-jail-until-vatican-extradition-request-decided-57972 (29:08) Islamist attack this week in a church in Nice, France: (*Correction: the basilica is not Nice’s cathedral.) https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/two-dead-in-knife-attack-inside-french-basilica-46692 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/nice-basilica-terrorist-attack-who-were-the-victims-51034 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/nice-attack-pope-francis-prays-for-victims-of-terrorist-attack-at-french-basilica-68988 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-bishops-join-pope-francis-in-prayer-and-mourning-after-nice-attack-94342 (33:46) Poland Supreme Court’s abortion ruling: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/polish-court-declares-abortion-in-cases-of-fetal-abnormalities-unconstitutional-61988 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/polish-president-duda-welcomes-landmark-abortion-ruling-34439 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/bishops-call-for-peaceful-dialogue-amid-protests-of-poland-abortion-ruling-30639 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amid-protests-polish-president-backs-abortion-for-fatal-fetal-abnormalities-95089 (48:32) Game: “Airport Code or Religious Order?" http://sulpicians.org/

Airport Code or Religious Order?

In this week’s episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss a documentary film that appears to show footage of Pope Francis giving his support to same-sex civil unions. They also talk about the Vatican’s recent renewal of the controversial China deal; an extended plenary indulgence; and much more. (2:51) Pope Francis’ comments on same-sex civil unions in the new documentary “Francesco”: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-calls-for-civil-union-law-for-same-sex-couples-in-shift-from-vatican-stance-12462 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/questions-emerge-regarding-pope-francis-statement-on-same-sex-civil-unions-47666 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/argentine-archbishop-and-pope-francis-advisor-says-civil-union-not-mistranslated-in-documentary-95995 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/what-did-pope-francis-say-about-civil-unions-a-cna-explainer-57625 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-homosexuality-comments-heavily-edited-in-documentary-no-vatican-comment-on-civil-union-88210 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/francesco-director-receives-film-award-in-vatican-gardens-80573 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mexican-broadcaster-televisa-vatican-held-back-popes-words-on-same-sex-civil-unions-in-2019-interview-76337 (58:10) Catholic Social Services in Philadelphia Supreme Court case, coming soon: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/christian-adoption-agency-in-ny-receives-temporary-protection-from-court-57192 (59:26) The renewal of the Vatican/China deal: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-and-china-renew-provisional-agreement-on-appointment-of-bishops-38737 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/where-chinas-bishops-stand-as-the-sino-vatican-deal-is-renewed-25725 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/taiwan-foreign-ministry-catholics-in-china-are-facing-serious-challenges-73202 (1:03:16) Father Michael McGivney to be beatified soon: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/knights-of-columbus-announce-novena-ahead-of-founders-beatification-75769 (1:03:30) The Church has extended a plenary indulgence through November: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/vatican-extends-plenary-indulgence-for-the-dead-throughout-november-16577

What’s up (with the) doc

In this week’s episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of prospective Justice Amy Coney Barrett; an Italian ‘security consultant’ with links to the Vatican financial scandal, who was arrested this week; and a mystery surrounding the burning of an altar in New Orleans after a “demonic” desecration. Subscribe to CNA Newsroom: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/podcast/cna-newsroom (8:43) The beatification of Carlo Acutis continues to attract great interest: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/tags/carlo-acutis (9:09) Supreme Court confirmation hearings: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amy-coney-barrett-hearings-today-healthcare-and-anti-catholicism-take-center-stage-47079 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/barrett-hearings-today-barrett-faces-questions-on-abortion-catholic-faith-race-and-religious-freedom-37399 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amy-coney-barrett-hearings-today-harris-says-hearings-illegitimate-barrett-questioned-on-abortion-religious-liberty-62358 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pro-life-no-apologies-no-partiality-amy-coney-barrett-praised-on-day-3-of-hearings-37671 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amy-coney-barrett-hearings-day-4-witnesses-praise-judges-outstanding-competence-26105 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/amy-coney-barrett-to-get-senate-committee-vote-oct-22-69944 (26:55) Italian ‘security consultant’ with links to Vatican financial scandal arrested: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/reports-say-woman-working-for-becciu-received-600000-euros-from-vatican-secretariat-of-state-12655 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/security-consultant-linked-to-vaticans-becciu-scandal-arrested-62265 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/italian-security-consultant-appeals-extradition-to-vatican-over-financial-crimes-58547 (41:43) Who is Cardinal Farrell?: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-what-does-cardinal-farrells-promotion-say-about-the-mccarrick-report-11994 (52:41) A mystery in the Archdiocese of New Orleans related to the burning of an altar (and a challenge for listeners): https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-orleans-priest-defiles-altar-with-pornographic-filmmaking-arrested-for-obscenity-48530 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/archbishop-aymond-new-orleans-priests-desecration-of-altar-demonic-29763 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/louisiana-church-reconsecrated-after-demonic-desecration-details-about-fr-travis-clark-emerge-81031

The Reversal of JD Flynn

In this week’s episode, editors JD Flynn and Ed Condon discuss the pope’s new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti; they also talk about Carlo Acutis, the newest millennial saint; and another relatively new saint, Cardinal John Henry Newman; two tragic stories out of New Orleans; and more. (1:30) Carlo Acutis beatification Oct.10: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/date-set-for-beatification-of-catholic-computer-programming-teen-carlo-acutis-22071 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/millennials-and-gen-z-catholics-love-carlo-acutis-heres-why-27150 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/carlo-acutis-love-for-the-homeless-highlighted-on-eve-of-beatification-45189 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/who-was-carlo-acutis-a-cna-explainer-19684 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/tomb-of-carlo-acutis-is-opened-for-veneration-ahead-of-beatification-29642 (14:16) St. John Henry Newman on his feast day: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/lead-kindly-light---pope-francis-names-newman-a-saint-78656 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/blessed-john-henry-newman-to-be-canonized-in-october-13-80392 (19:28) Two stories of tragedy in New Orleans: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-orleans-priest-defiles-altar-with-pornographic-filmmaking-arrested-for-obscenity-48530 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/new-orleans-priest-removed-for-abuse-sent-messages-to-high-school-student-21205 (39:14) The pope’s new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20201003_enciclica-fratelli-tutti.html https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/fratelli-tutti-pope-francis-calls-for-unity-in-new-encyclical-19783 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/fratelli-tutti-pope-francis-presents-new-encyclical-in-angelus-address-94193 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/us-bishops-welcome-profound-and-beautiful-fratelli-tutti-74683 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/does-fratelli-tutti-change-church-teaching-on-the-death-penalty-62241 (1:04:13) Ed hates when politicians address people as “folks."

That’s all, folks

In this bonus episode of CNA Editor’s Desk, JD and Ed discuss an explosive, “big if true" story that emerged over the weekend involving Cardinals George Pell and Angelo Becciu. Further reading: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-cardinal-becciu-is-accused-of-setting-up-pell-but-facts-are-few-12832 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/analysis-what-we-dont-know-about-the-becciu-pell-allegations---yet-23385

BONUS: Did Becciu pay off Pell’s accusers?

Welcome to CNA Editor's Desk, a podcast from Catholic News Agency. Every week our editors sit down together and discuss what you need to know about the week's news and what's going on in the Church. This podcast is a spinoff of "CNA Newsroom"— if you enjoyed our bonus episodes before, you'll love Editor's Desk! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and be sure to also subscribe to our companion podcast, CNA Newsroom: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/podcast/cna-newsroom

hubhopper

CNA Editor's Desk

hubhopper