Daniel P. Horan

Listen: In this episode, hosts discuss Sr. Nathalie Becquart's recent appointment, how they are preparing for Lent, and what they are doing these days for distractions.

Faith Seeking Understanding: Lately I have been turning to the words of St. Óscar Romero as an oasis of authentic pastoral wisdom in the desert of American ecclesial leadership.

Listen: In this episode, hosts explore the subtle Catholicism of the Biden inauguration, the back-and-forth between Archbishop José Gomez and Cardinal Blase Cupich, and the brief but ominous life of the 1776 Report.

Faith Seeking Understanding: The government is not intended to prioritize "individual liberties" over communal flourishing, as so many right-leaning Americans wish, nor is the state intended by the church's teaching to be a hegemonic force for sectarian norms and partisan preferences.

Listen: In this bonus episode of "The Francis Effect," NCR executive editor Heidi Schlumpf, Franciscan Fr. Dan Horan, David Dault process the attack on the Capitol and the rhetoric that led to this.

Faith Seeking Understanding: St. Angela of Foligno was someone that women and men, lay and religious, sought out for insight — both spiritual and practical. She makes for a great wisdom figure in our own time, too.

Faith Seeking Understanding: I believe that one of the best guides for reflecting on the humanity of God is a not-too-well-known spiritual treatise by St. Bonaventure, the medieval Franciscan theologian and doctor of the church.

Listen: This episode of "The Francis Effect" podcast features discussion about the new COVID-19 vaccine, the rift among bishops concerning President-elect Joe Biden, and the joy of the Christmas season.

Faith Seeking Understanding: The incoming Biden administration is offering us a small sliver of pro-life hope when it comes to climate change, which should be supported and celebrated by Catholics.

Listen: This episode of "The Francis Effect" podcast includes talk of some last-minute surprises from the bishops, the grassroots nature of sainthood, and why this year it might be OK to put up your tree as early as you want.

Faith Seeking Understanding: Like so many other people, I am struggling to be grateful this Thanksgiving. I have brought to prayer these concerns, my laments, moments edging near despair.

The Francis Effect podcast: Election fallout, the McCarrick report, and the promise of a COVID-19 vaccine

Faith Seeking Understanding: Electing Biden and Harris is a significant starting point, but it is only the beginning of the work of healing a broken nation that has perhaps not seen such division since the end of the Civil War.

Faith Seeking Understanding: For Christians seeking to move forward toward reconciliation and peace after the 2020 election, we have to avoid cynicism, preserve memory and restore a sense of our shared humanity.

Listen: NCR's Heidi Schlumpf has joined "The Francis Effect" podcast for its new season as a co-host with Franciscan Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault. The podcast is available on NCR's site and various podcast apps.

Faith Seeking Understanding: Few Catholic leaders or public figures in the United States are talking about 2020's toll on mental health. But the Australian bishops offer an incredible contribution.

Listen: NCR's Heidi Schlumpf has joined "The Francis Effect" podcast for its new season as a co-host with Franciscan Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault. The podcast is available on NCR's site and various podcast apps.

Faith Seeking Understanding: Trump's obsession with being perceived as "manly" and "tough" has increased erratic behaviors and irresponsibility that is literally toxic, since it exposes others to a deadly disease.

Listen: NCR's Heidi Schlumpf has joined "The Francis Effect" podcast for its new season as a co-host with Franciscan Fr. Dan Horan and David Dault. The podcast will be available on NCR's site and various podcast apps.

Faith Seeking Understanding: Living like Jesus means prioritizing relationship above all else, and in many ways the Franciscan tradition has, as the pope acknowledged, shaped the focus of this social teaching.