Pope Leo, the first American pope, is making headlines around the world, and this show breaks down every story in plain, easy terms. From his travels and his biggest moments to his surprise lung cancer diagnosis and recovery, we cover the news, the people around him and what it all means. No theology degree required. New episodes whenever there’s news from the Vatican.
Pope Leo is in hospital, but the work of the Church continues. Who handles Vatican business, which decisions wait and who takes his place at public events? White Smoke goes inside the practical arrangements and follows the prayers for his recovery, from Rome and Fatima to the Peruvian city he once called home.
This episode of White Smoke explains how the Catholic Church and Vatican continue operating while Pope Leo recovers from lung cancer surgery. It covers the Pope’s continuing authority, the role of Vatican officials, decisions expected to await his return and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s assignment to lead a scheduled Mass. It also explores prayers for the Pope around the world and the traditions associated with Saint Peregrine, patron saint of people with cancer, and Saint Bernardine of Siena, associated with lung and breathing illnesses.
Questions this episode answers
- Does the Pope remain in charge while he is in hospital?
- Who manages the Vatican’s daily work during his recovery?
- Which decisions are expected to wait for his return?
- Who fills in for his public duties?
- What does the dean of the College of Cardinals do?
- Why do Catholics pray to Saint Peregrine and Saint Bernardine of Siena?
- How are communities around the world responding to the Pope’s illness?
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14 Oct 2026
Pope Leo Has Cancer. What Happens Next?
A cancer diagnosis, a successful operation and questions still unanswered. Pope Leo is recovering after surgeons removed a tumor from his lung. In White Smoke, we explore the reasons for cautious optimism, the personal weight of his family’s cancer history and his unusually candid decision to tell the world himself.
This episode examines Pope Leo’s lung cancer diagnosis, surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital and expected recovery. It explains what the Vatican has disclosed about his lung adenocarcinoma, why outside specialists are cautiously optimistic and what remains unknown about further treatment. The episode also covers his family’s experience with cancer, his public announcement and the possible implications for his planned South America trip.
Questions this episode answers
- What type of cancer was found in Pope Leo’s lung?
- What surgery did he undergo, and how did it go?
- Why are outside doctors cautiously optimistic?
- What remains unknown about whether he needs further treatment?
- How did his announcement depart from the Vatican’s tradition of secrecy about papal health?
- What does his recovery mean for his schedule and planned travel?
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus (http://caloroga.supportingcast.fm/). No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
We now have Merch! (https://caloroga.com/merch) FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there’s free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.com
Get more info from Caloroga Shark Media (https://caloroga.com) and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com
21 Dec 2025
42. The Antichrist Popes
For over a thousand years, reformers and revolutionaries have identified papal authority with the biblical Antichrist. From medieval monks to Protestant reformers to modern conspiracy theorists, critics have found in corrupt popes the fulfillment of apocalyptic prophecies about ultimate evil.
Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus (http://caloroga.supportingcast.fm/). No plug-ins needed!
Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories’ with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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16 ratings
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