Catholic Answers Live

This is an encore episode, originally aired on October 1, 2025.  “Can the Hierarchy Change Itself?” This episode delves into the complexities of Church authority and reform, addressing questions such as whether the Church still uses canon priests and how to trust the hierarchy. We also explore intriguing topics like Pope Leo’s blessing of ice and the implications of a heretical pope according to Bellarmine. Questions Covered: 02:55 – Does that Church still set up canon priests to assist and convey messages for bishops? 06:57 – Does the Church hierarchy have the authority to change the Church hierarchy? 15:05 – I’m returning to the Church but I’m having a hard time trusting the hierarchy. 24:09 – Why should we conform to a magisterium who has abandoned Christ? 37:55 – Are you familiar with Pope Leo blessing the block of ice and the whole significance behind that? 48:30 – When Robert Bellarmine said that there can be a heretical pope, what did he mean by that?

This is an encore episode, originally aired on October 1, 2025 “Does God Want Organized Religion?” In this episode, we explore the role of organized faith and its significance, along with questions like why Protestants should respect the Pope and how a priest can absolve sin. We also delve into the historical presence of bishops and the continuity of apostolic authority, providing a comprehensive look at these vital topics. Questions Covered: 05:01 – Does God Want An Organized Religion? 13:37 – How do I explain to protestants why they should at least respect the pope? 17:38 – How can a priest absolve a person from sin if he is also only a man? 29:05 – What are biblical or historical proofs that bishops were present from the beginning and not an addition in the 4th century? 42:00 – How would we address someone who agrees that Jesus gave authority to his apostles but disagrees that it was passed on? 47:49 – I’m distressed with the pope. How can I have any confidence in the Church? I need guidance.

Questions Covered: 01:35 – Was Jar-Jar a Sith lord?  05:55 – How did the Home Alone dad afford that house and trip?  12:35 – What are your thoughts on embryo adoption?  15:40 – What do you think is the best argument against utilitarianism and what are some good resources to refute this normative theory? What book or resource do you think provides the best defense of natural law ethics?  22:07 – Hi Trent. How do I approach a friend who believes many of our dogmas, but feels like he’s growing spiritually in his charismatic church, so he feels no need to change?  29:08 – Do you have any recommendations on trying to evangelize family members who are atheists?  32:52 – Hi Trent! What does Pope Leo’s statement on not using the title of Mary as co-redemptrix mean for the direction of the Church? Why was that statement important? As a new convert, I am unsure of the importance of the “Mater Populi Fidelis,” and I wondered if you could help me understand.  39:53 – How’s Laura?  46:03 – Hi, Trent. What do you think a pastor of a parish can do to keep his college-bound parishioners from straying from the Catholic faith? 

Topics Covered: 05:45 – Revival of anti-Semitism 10:44 – Defining anti-Semitism 28:45 – “perfidious” 34:26 – The Catholic teaching 38:28 – “May his blood be upon us” scripture quote. 48:26 – Anti-Semitism and political instability

Cy’s Wishes you all a Merry Christmas and shares some updates at Catholic Answers.