The Pillar Podcast

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Ft. Wrestling Chat.
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JD and Ed briefly recap their time at last week’s conference for the Canon Law Society of America. They talk about Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis and what it might mean for his pontificate. Then, they talk about Bishop Erik Varden’s essay addressing Amoris Laetitia.
Laetitiae Amor, by Bishop Erik Varden
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Pope Leo XIV, pictured on Sept. 7, 2025. Credit: © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.


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JD is joined by Father James Martin to talk about his work with Catholics who identify as gay, his new memoir, and more.
Then, Fr. Martin plays a round of bridges ‘Yes or No?’
This conversation was recorded July 8, 2026.
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Show notes:
Work in Progress: Confessions of a busboy, dishwasher, caddy, usher, factory worker, bank teller, corporate tool, and priest by Father James Martin



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.pillarcatholic.com

Many choices are being made.
Are you a paying subscriber?
* Visit pillarcatholic.com/listen on your phone
* Check the top right corner of the webpage to ensure you are logged into your Substack account.
* Tap ‘set up podcast’ next to The Pillar Podcast
Having issues? Email our producer Kate at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com

Ed’s choice of news this week! He and JD talk about a curial snub and Pope Leo XIV’s meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of Amoris laetitia.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Credit: Claude Truong-Ngoc/wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe