Pope Leo’s been spotted wearing an Apple Watch—yes, seriously—and the internet has thoughts. We dive into the surprising tech-savvy side of the new pontiff. Meanwhile, his stunning new floral coat of arms is blooming in the Vatican Gardens, featuring hundreds of plants arranged like a mosaic. And in a story that’s part bureaucracy, part patriotism, the Pope updates his Peruvian ID card… without leaving the Vatican. It's a global pope with local roots—and a smartwatch. Unlock an ad-free podcast e...
Jun 04, 2025•7 min
Want an official apostolic blessing from the Pope? We’ll walk you through the Vatican’s process—yes, there's an online form, and yes, it involves parchment. Plus, Pope Leo XIV’s early moves in Rome reveal who he’s meeting, who he’s not, and what he really thinks about Church reform. Then we shift to Chicago, where the White Sox are honoring their most surprising fan: the Pope. With a tribute at Rate Field and a special papal message, it's a South Side celebration with some serious liturgical fla...
Jun 03, 2025•8 min
We track down the Pope’s most important Villanova memories—including whether he ever yelled “Go Birds!” While he kept his Wawa order private, friends recall a humble man who prayed daily, loved Philly, and maybe even secretly rooted for the Eagles. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visit ...
Jun 02, 2025•10 min
The Vatican's liturgical planning office has announced Pope Leo Fourteen's worship calendar for June, featuring papal celebrations each Sunday alongside significant religious observances.The month commences with the Holy Father leading worship in Saint Peter's Square today at ten-thirty in the morning, celebrating the Jubilee gathering for Families, Children, Grandparents, and Senior Citizens. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you lov...
Jun 01, 2025•8 min
World class cyclists will meet Pope Leo the Fourteenth and circle Vatican City on Sunday before beginning the final stage of the Giro d'Italia, a multistage bicycle race that concludes in Rome.This professional competition, which began in Albania on May ninth, ranks among the top three most significant international multistage races globally, alongside the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana. The race features twenty one stages, primarily taking place throughout Italy.The final stage of the o...
May 31, 2025•7 min
Pope Leo the Fourteenth’s sartorial choice is more than just fashion; his iconic red and white silk socks are crafted by Gammarelli, a tailor to the papacy since 1798. As the first American pope, Leo also embraces his Peruvian roots, with Peru announcing the creation of a "Paths of Pope Leo" tourism route. Meanwhile, Pope Leo addresses the Roman Curia, calling them to collaborate in unity and preserve the Church’s historical memory. His address blends humor, gratitude, and vision for the future ...
May 30, 2025•9 min
Pope Leo the Fourteenth congratulates SSC Napoli on their fourth Serie A title, emphasizing the value of teamwork over individual accolades. During a light-hearted audience at the Vatican, the Pope shares jokes and blessings with the victorious team. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTENING. For Spotify or other players, visi...
May 29, 2025•8 min
The Vatican’s postal service has launched an inaugural stamp collection to honor Pope Leo the Fourteenth, showcasing images from his first appearance on the balcony and his first Mass. The collection of four stamps celebrates the historic beginning of his papacy in 2025. Additionally, Pope Leo’s ceremonial declaration of becoming a Roman marks a symbolic milestone in his role as bishop of Rome. From addressing city officials to honoring his predecessors, Pope Leo's journey continues with profoun...
May 28, 2025•9 min
Before he became Pope Leo XIV, he was just Bob Prevost from Chicago. The New York Times explores his humble upbringing, early doubts about priesthood, and deep-rooted faith shaped in a now-vanished Catholic neighborhood. A portrait of spiritual formation that began with baseball, boarding school, and a vow of purpose. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app wh...
May 27, 2025•11 min
Gayle King shares her front-row experience at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass, joined by Oprah and Maria Shriver. The trio’s cries of “Chicago!” got a reaction from the first American Pope himself. A joyous moment, captured on video, that reflects the energy and emotion of this historic day. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app which seays UNINTERRUPTED LISTE...
May 26, 2025•10 min
As an American citizen, Pope Leo XIV may owe U.S. taxes on his Vatican salary—experts estimate six figures annually. We break down the surprising financial implications of an American pope, from IRS forms to foreign account disclosures. Plus: Pope Leo calls on Eastern Catholics to preserve their ancient traditions and renew the Church with faith, mysticism, and a powerful plea for global peace. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you lo...
May 25, 2025•10 min
Pope Leo XIV’s dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru raises legal and theological questions: Can an American be pope without losing their passport? Experts weigh in on nationality law, tax implications, and the meaning of “functional citizenship” in Vatican City. We also explore how Leo’s Peruvian ministry shaped his papacy and what that means for the future of the global Church. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free...
May 24, 2025•10 min
Pope Leo XIV channels the spirit of Leo XIII and embraces his new role with warmth, hope, and historical vision. We explore his plans for healing divisions within Christianity and his unexpected pop culture moment: being recognized by his personal trainer. Also: the privilege of wearing white at papal events, and why Queen Letizia stood out during Leo’s inauguration. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple u...
May 23, 2025•10 min
In his first major public address, Pope Leo XIV—America’s first pontiff—pleads for urgent humanitarian relief in Gaza, calling the crisis an “existential burden” on children and the elderly. At the same time, his rise is transforming his quiet hometown of Dolton, Illinois, where locals hope to preserve his childhood home as a historic site. Meanwhile, diplomatic ripples reach Washington as Leo’s brother visits the Oval Office and Vice President JD Vance shares details of high-level talks on peac...
May 22, 2025•9 min
Pope Leo XIV might be the leader of the Catholic Church, but in Chicago, he's also a die-hard White Sox fan. In this episode of White Smoke, we cover the moving ceremony at Guaranteed Rate Field where the Sox honored their most famous fan with a mural in Section 140—the very seat he once shared with his late friend Ed Schmit. Executive VP Brooks Boyer confirms the Pope has a standing invite to throw out a first pitch... or even take an at-bat. We also follow the Pope's recent Vatican meetings, i...
May 21, 2025•8 min
Pope Leo XIV welcomes U.S. Vice President JD Vance for their first in-person meeting since the papal election, following Leo’s call for Catholic mediation in global conflicts. The two discuss Ukraine, diplomacy, and shared values. Plus: the Pope reaffirms Church teaching on marriage and immigration, and we revisit the incredible story of a Chicago couple married by “Father Bob” before he became pope. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player ...
May 20, 2025•9 min
Pope Leo the Fourteenth, the first American pontiff, officially began his papacy with a historic Mass at Saint Peter’s Square attended by over 200,000 faithful. In this episode, we recount the powerful symbolism, dignitary visits—including Vice President JD Vance—and the Pope’s call for global peace in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar. We explore the sacred rituals of the Fisherman’s Ring and the pallium, the Pope’s emotional homily, and what this moment means for the Catholic Church and its future. A...
May 19, 2025•11 min
Following his installation Mass, Pope Leo the Fourteenth hits the ground running. Explore the new pontiff’s early schedule and bold agenda—from his evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues to his surprising prioritization of artificial intelligence. Also in this episode: a look at his Marian-Augustinian coat of arms and what his motto reveals about his spiritual philosophy. It’s a new era in the Vatican—and it’s only just begun. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our...
May 18, 2025•9 min
On the eve of his inauguration, we hear from Pope Leo’s brother, who just wants to mow the lawn and drink a beer. Plus, three close friends from Illinois share heartfelt memories and reveal what it’s like when your buddy becomes pontiff. From surprise selfies to deep-dish debates, this episode captures the humanity behind the papal headlines ahead of Sunday’s formal Mass. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Ap...
May 17, 2025•10 min
Chicago’s South Side is embracing Pope Leo the Fourteenth like a hometown MVP. Meet the fan behind the viral Pope jersey and hear how White Sox merch is flying off the shelves. Then, the Kelce brothers weigh in on Leo’s rise from the streets of Chicago to the Vatican—and stir some Catholic controversy. Plus, Pope Leo meets with Opus Dei and faces scrutiny over past abuse cases. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! ...
May 16, 2025•7 min
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, continues making headlines with a Vatican tennis meeting with Jannik Sinner, record-breaking trading card sales surpassing NBA stars, and his brother Louis Prevost's controversial Facebook posts. Get complete coverage of the Pope's social media debut, surprise visit to Augustinian brothers, and family dynamics that have the world talking. From Chicago to the Vatican, discover how Pope Leo XIV is reshaping papal tradition while his brother's provocative s...
May 15, 2025•7 min
John Prevost, the Pope's brother was speaking to reporters, when his phone kept buzzingOne reporter shared "That device kept buzzing incessantly during our whole talk. John mentioned there was also a tablet going off somewhere downstairs - said it could be his brother calling."When John finally excused himself to check the basement tablet, he discovered what every sibling dreads: multiple missed calls. "Good grief," he muttered, staring at the screen. "He's been trying to reach me for two solid ...
May 14, 2025•8 min
What transpired within the sealed confines of the Sistine Chapel offers fascinating insights into papal politics. According to sources close to the conclave, Cardinal Parolin initially led the voting through Thursday lunchtime, accumulating between forty-five and fifty-five votes - a substantial showing but still far from the eighty-nine votes required for the necessary two-thirds majority. Cardinal Prevost trailed behind with thirty-four to forty-four votes during these early ballots. However, ...
May 13, 2025•7 min
Newly elected Pope Leo the Fourteenth delivered an impassioned plea against warfare during his initial Sunday appearance at Vatican City, urging international leaders to pursue peaceful resolutions. Addressing ongoing global hostilities, the recently chosen Catholic leader advocated for permanent reconciliation in Ukraine, demanded humanitarian pauses in Gaza, and expressed satisfaction regarding Saturday's diplomatic breakthrough between India and Pakistan. The pontiff described feeling "profou...
May 12, 2025•8 min
As Pope Leo XIV prepares for his first public Angelus blessing, we explore the legacy behind his chosen name. From Leo the Great to Leo the Thirteenth, what does “Leo” signal about his vision for the papacy? We unpack the theological weight and symbolic power of one of the Church’s oldest names—and what it might reveal about this quiet, humble American pope. Plus: fresh insight from his brother, who says, “He won’t stay silent for long.”
May 11, 2025•11 min
Villanova University erupted with pride as alumnus Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV. In this episode, we explore the campus reaction, his Villanova roots, and how Knicks fans are reading divine signs in the playoffs. Also: the surprising sports debate shaking Chicago—was the new pope really a Cubs fan or a Sox man? And farewell to the surprise social media stars of the conclave… the Vatican seagulls.
May 10, 2025•9 min
In his first official Mass as pope, Pope Leo XI, America’s first-ever pontiff—stunned the Vatican with a homily delivered in American English inside the Sistine Chapel. We recap the historic service, explore early signs of his pastoral style, and hear from those who know him best, including family and Vatican insiders. Plus: what his choice of simple black shoes may say about his approach to power. Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player yo...
May 09, 2025•8 min
The day after any papal election is a blur of prayer, protocol, and logistics. But it’s also the beginning of a delicate transition. Pope Leo the Fourteenth inherits not just the white cassock, but an intricate network of expectations—spiritual, political, and bureaucratic. So what comes next? First, the ceremonial obligations. He will celebrate Mass in the Sistine Chapel with the cardinal electors who chose him. This is more than a tradition. It’s a public act of unity and a signal that the Chu...
May 09, 2025•7 min
It was just after six p.m. Vatican time when white smoke rose from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel and the bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica began to ring. Thousands gathered in the square below, erupting in cheers. Nuns wept. Tourists cheered. And somewhere inside the Apostolic Palace, the new pope was changing into his white cassock. Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago had just been elected as the two hundred sixty-seventh pope of the Roman Catholic Church. And with that, he became the first Ame...
May 08, 2025•8 min
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo the 14th, has made history as the first American to lead the Catholic Church in its 2,000-year existence. Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1955, the 69-year-old pontiff brings a unique background as both an American and Peruvian citizen, creating a bridge between North and South American Catholic traditions at a crucial time for the global church. Growing up in Chicago, young Robert experienced a vibrant Catholic upbringing. His family home...
May 08, 2025•7 min
