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Episode 1

A Dozen Popes

Feat. Shannon Wimp Schmidt

October 8, 2025 | 1 hr.

Shannon Wimp Schmidt joins Katie to explore the significance of the papacy, highlighting key teachings and defining moments from the past twelve popes—from Leo XIII at the turn of the twentieth century to Leo XIV today. Together they trace how the papacy has evolved through the personalities, styles, and themes each pope brought to their encyclicals and homilies, showing how the Lord continues to guide his Church.

In the end, they consider a personal question: What role does the pope play in our individual faith journeys today?

Shannon Wimp Schmidt is the content director of the ecumenical youth ministry collaboration TENx10, coauthor of Fat Luther, Slim Pickin’s: A Black Catholic Celebration of Faith, Tradition, and Diversity, cohost of the Plaid Skirts and Basic Black podcast, and a founding member of Catholics United for Black Lives.

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