Heidi Schlumpf

"I like writing about goodness," Mark Shriver said in an NCR interview, where he talked about his new book celebrating "tiny acts of love," as well as about his thoughts on President Biden and Pope Francis.

NCR Connections: We can't help but look back and acknowledge so much grieving, so much suffering, so much loss.

Listen: This episode focuses on the strange path to COVID-19 relief, the conflicting messages of the bishops regarding vaccines and the recent papal visit to Iraq.

NCR Connections: When Pope Francis travels to Iraq March 5-8, it will be the first coverage of a papal trip Heidi Schlumpf will oversee as editor — but not the first one for Vatican correspondent Joshua McElwee.

Listen: In this episode, hosts talk about the recent effects of winter storms on Texas and the re-establishment of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships by the Biden administration. Plus, a discussion with Jesuit Fr. Jim McDermott.

NCR Connections: Like everything else in this pandemic year, Ash Wednesday will not be the same.

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.

NCR Connections: When you see opinion polls, you can't say that U.S. Catholics who are progressive have been "suppressed." But now one of the most public faces of Catholicism in this country will match those majorities.

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.

NCR Connections: As we move into a presidential administration that does not disparage — or openly threaten — the media, our job remains to tell the truth, uncover what may be hidden and hold the powerful accountable.

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.

NCR Connections: Coronavirus, the politicizing of coronavirus, heightened focus on police brutality, Black Lives Matter reaching flood stage, Pope Francis' Fratelli Tutti, an election for "the soul of the nation" — we look back on a year of sacrifice and reckoning.

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.

NCR Connections: The bishops, collectively at least, also have a history of blaming the media, most notably when journalists uncovered sexual abuse of children and the related coverup by bishops.

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.

NCR Connections: As NCR editor, I can assure you that my job is to pursue the truth, not "sell the news." And in the journalistic ethical tradition, we protect sources from the powerful, not the powerful themselves.

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

NCR Connections: Throughout his career, Tom Fox has never been afraid to write, publish or defend the tough story. We at NCR aspire to live up to his lifelong example as he retires — for the third time.

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.

NCR Connections: As a friendly reminder — and for suggested sharing — we offer this roundup of recent helpful articles and columns that counter the narrative that to be Catholic means you must vote Republican and for Donald Trump.