Into the Truth

Episodes

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  How Protestants & Atheists Are Encountering Mary | Margarita Mooney Clayton 22.10.2026 1h 7m

  Why are Protestants and spiritual seekers encountering Mary in unexpected ways? How can an encounter with the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, lead people closer to Jesus Christ and transform their understanding of the Christian faith?In this episode of 'Into the Truth', Pierpaolo Finaldi speaks with Margarita Mooney Clayton, author of 'When Mary Calls: Surprising Encounters with the Mother of God', about the surprising ways Mary is touching lives, deepening faith and drawing Christians closer to Christ.📚 When Mary Calls: https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Mary-Calls-Surprising-Encounters/dp/1631440926Discover our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our channel: https://bit.ly/4cZfJeqFind us on Substack: https://livingcatholictruth.substack.com Margarita Mooney Clayton is a sociologist, author, founder of the Scala Foundation and associate professor at Princeton Theological Seminary. Drawing on the stories in her book, she explores how Protestants, spiritual seekers, artists and Christians from different backgrounds are discovering Mary and rethinking her place in the life of the Church. Some have experienced unexpected encounters with Mary that have deepened their faith, while others have been led towards the Catholic Church or developed a new appreciation for Marian devotion.
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  The Catholic Britain We Lost: Reformation, Nature & Modernity | Bonnie Lander Johnson 01.10.2026 1h

  What happened to Catholic Britain? In this episode of Into the Truth, Pierpaolo Finaldi speaks to author and academic Bonnie Lander Johnson about the Catholic world that existed before the Reformation, what was lost as Britain entered modernity and how we lost our connection to the natural world.Discover our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our channel: https://bit.ly/4cZfJeqFind us on Substack: https://livingcatholictruth.substack.com Bonnie Lander Johnson is the author of Vanishing Landscapes, a fascinating exploration of land, plants, agriculture, the commons, monasteries and the changing relationship between human beings, nature and God. She explains how the Reformation transformed not only religious life, but also the way people understood land, property, work, community and the natural world.
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  Is Faith Rational? God, Science, Jesus & the Catholic Church | Canon Marcus Holden 11.09.2026 30m

  Can we prove that Christianity is true?In this special live episode of the Into the Truth podcast, Pierpaolo Finaldi is joined by Canon Marcus Holden at the Evangelium Conference to discuss his new book, Apologetics for Evangelisation, co-authored with Fr Andrew Pinsent.Canon Marcus explains why Catholic apologetics matters today and how Catholics can respond to some of the deepest questions about faith: Does God exist? Is faith rational? Can science point us towards God? Who was Jesus Christ? Is the Resurrection historically credible? And if Christ is real, why do we need the Catholic Church?They also explore the growing interest in Christianity among young people, the problem of suffering, the relationship between science and religion, and why the Church should have confidence in making the case for the Catholic faith.Apologetics is not about being defensive or winning arguments. It is about giving a reason for the hope that is within us and helping people encounter the truth of Jesus Christ.#Catholic #Catholicism #Christianity #CatholicApologetics #Apologetics #JesusChrist #God #CatholicChurch #FaithAndReason #ScienceAndFaith
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  Why Children Might Be More Open to God Than We Think | Greg Finn 04.09.2026 48m

  With Catholic schools, Catholic children and families facing a rapidly changing culture, how can we pass on the Catholic faith to the next generation? And what does it really mean to evangelise children and help them encounter Jesus?In this episode of Into the Truth, Pierpaolo Finaldi speaks to Greg Finn, former Catholic school teacher and founder of the Mark 10 Mission, about Catholic education, children's faith and the challenge of evangelising Generation Alpha.Discover our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our channel: https://bit.ly/4cZfJeqFind us on Substack: https://livingcatholictruth.substack.com For more about Mark 10 Mission, check out their channel  @themark10mission Website: www.themark10mission.co.uk
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  “God Calls Us to Make Beautiful Things” | Fr Patrick van der Vorst on How Art Can Point to Heaven 19.08.2026 46m

  In this episode of ‘Into The Truth’, Pierpaolo Finaldi is joined by Fr Patrick van der Vorst, founder of Christian Art, to explore the deep connection between beauty, sacred art, and the Catholic faith. They discuss why beauty is more than a matter of personal taste, how art can point us toward God, and why creating beautiful things can be part of our vocation as Christians.
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  “England has Always been Catholic” | The Coming Third Spring with Monsignor John Armitage 12.08.2026 36m

  In this live episode of 'Into The Truth', recorded at WeBelieve Festival 2026, Fr John sits down with Monsignor John Armitage to explore the extraordinary story of Catholicism in England – from its conversion and persecution to its great moments of renewal.Drawing on 'The Conversion of England', a new publication bringing together the works of Cardinal Vaughan and Cardinal Wiseman, with a foreword by Monsignor Armitage, the discussion looks back at the defining moments that have shaped the English Church and asks what they might tell us about its future. Subscribe to Catholic Truth Society for more British Catholic formation contentDiscover our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our channel: https://bit.ly/4cZfJeqFind us on Substack: https://livingcatholictruth.substack.com 📚 Buy _The Conversion of England_ here: https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/the-conversion-of-england/ Thank you to our friends at WeBelieve Festival  | Discover more about them here: https://www.webelievefestival.com/ And thank you to Fr John Church of  DominicanFriarsinBritain  for stepping in to host!
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  Why Most Catholics Get Evangelisation Wrong | Caitlin West 05.08.2026 52m

  How can Catholics evangelise in a world where many people no longer believe in God, identify as atheists or agnostics or feel that they have already rejected Christianity?In this episode of 'Into The Truth', Pierpaolo is joined by speaker, podcaster and founder of Crash Course Catholicism, Dr Caitlin West. They discuss Caitlin's experiences of growing up Catholic in suburban Australia, how Catholics can share their faith with atheist friends without pushing them away and why prayer is the foundation of every effective evangelist.In a culture where many people are searching for meaning, purpose and truth, Catholics are called to share the Gospel with both courage and compassion. Evangelisation is not about watering down the Catholic faith, but about presenting the truth of Christianity in a way that is human, beautiful and lived out through authentic witness.Caitlin shares her experience of speaking with people who do not share her beliefs, including atheists and those who are sceptical of religion. She explains why respectful conversations, lasting relationships and trust are often essential before someone is ready to explore the Catholic faith.
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  Nina Power: Why Young Men Feel Lost Today | Christianity & The Manosphere 23.07.2026 52m

  In this episode, Pierpaolo Finaldi is joined by Nina Power, journalist and author of 'What Do Men Want?' Nina explores why many men feel alienated by modern culture, why the rise of the manosphere cannot simply be dismissed without asking deeper questions, and what we might be missing about the frustrations driving young men towards these online spaces.
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  The Catholic Midwife of Auschwitz | The Incredible True Story of Stanisława Leszczyńska 10.07.2026 44m

  Discover the extraordinary true story of Stanisława Leszczyńska, the Catholic Midwife of Auschwitz, a Polish midwife whose faith, courage and compassion brought hope into one of the darkest places in human history.Dr Gosia Brykczynska's book, 'The Real Midwife of Auschwitz: The Life of Stanisława Leszczyńska' is available now from CTS.Get the book here: https://bit.ly/4vQtC5v
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  Scott Hahn: Why Atheists and Protestants Are Becoming Catholic 18.06.2026 1h 3m

  Scott Hahn is on the pod! In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr Hahn joins Pierpaolo to discuss the surprising rise in conversions to the Catholic Church, the growing interest in Christianity and the Bible among young people and the signs of a genuine Catholic revival in the UK, Ireland and the USA.In this episode, they talk about conversion, The Bible, Pope Leo's AI encyclical and the family as the first society. Scott Hahn books from CTS: https://bit.ly/4vjcnd7
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  Pope Leo's Guide to Resisting AI's Culture of Power | Magnifica Humanitas Roundtable 3 12.06.2026 35m

  In this final episode of our roundtable discussion on Magnifica Humanitas, the team explore how we can each live out Pope Leo's calls to resist the Culture of Power and build a Civilisation of Love.You can get Pope Leo's new encyclical on AI from CTS now: https://bit.ly/4dQbjFMSupport our online ministry: www.ctsbooks.org/donateFind our books: www.ctsbooks.orgIn this concluding episode of our deep-dive discussion on Magnifica Humanitas, the team explore Chapter 5 and the conclusion of the encylical.In this conversation, the team discuss Pope Leo XIV's critique of the 'culture of power,' the dangers of technocracy, the ethics of AI in modern warfare,and the importance of rebuilding a 'Civilization of Love.' They examine his practical guidance on the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT, the formation of conscience, responsible technology use and the urgent need to educate children and young people in an increasingly digital world.
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  Disarming AI: Pope Leo XIV's Warning for Humanity | Magnifica Humanitas Roundtable | Part 2 04.06.2026 46m

  In this second instalment of the 'Magnifica Humanitas' Roundtable, we continue our exploration of Pope Leo XIV's encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, focusing on Chapters 3 and 4: Technology and Dominance and The Safeguarding of Humanity.You can get Pope Leo's new encyclical on AI from CTS nowAs artificial intelligence continues to reshape society, Pope Leo XIV offers one of the most significant Catholic intervention yet on the promises and dangers of AI. Rather than asking whether the Church is simply for or against technology, 'Magnifica Humanitas' asks a deeper question: does technology serve the human person or will it come to dominate humanity?In this discussion, the team examine the Pope's striking call to 'disarm AI' and consider what this means in practice. They explore the concentration of power in the hands of a small number of technology companies and tech bros, the challenges of AI governance and accountability, the rise of autonomous systems and the growing influence of algorithms on human decision-making. They also discuss the dangers of techno-feudalism, the role of international co-operation in regulating AI and the ethical questions raised by artificial intelligence in both civilian and military contexts.The conversation also turns to some of the deepest themes of Catholic Social Teaching. Drawing on the principles of the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity, the panel reflect on Pope Leo XIV's insistence that efficiency and technological power are not ends in themselves. Human dignity, authentic relationships, meaningful work and the flourishing of communities must remain at the centre of any technological future.They also discuss Pope Leo's critique of transhumanism and the temptation to reduce the human person to intelligence, productivity, or data processing. The encyclical challenges us all to remember that what makes us human is not simply our ability to calculate or optimise, but our capacity for friendship, love, sacrifice, responsibility and communion with others. These are realities that cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence, no matter how sophisticated the technology becomes.
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  What Pope Leo Really Said About AI | Magnifica Humanitas Roundtable | Part 1 30.05.2026 44m

  What does Pope Leo really say about Artificial Intelligence in 'Magnifica Humanitas'? Why did the Pope choose AI as the subject of his first encyclical? And Is Artificial Intelligence a threat to human dignity? Welcome to this CTS Roundtable discussion on 'Magnifica Humanitas', Pope Leo’s groundbreaking encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, technology and the future of humanity. You can get Pope Leo's new encyclical on AI from CTS now: https://bit.ly/4dQbjFMSupport our online ministry: www.ctsbooks.org/donateFind our books: www.ctsbooks.orgIn this Roundtable, Pierpaolo is joined by Sr Carino Hodder OP, Prof Jacob Phillips, and Fr Peter Wygnanski, to explore Pope Leo’s response to the AI revolution and to examine what Catholic Social Teaching can contribute to one of the defining debates of the twenty-first century. As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform society, economics, education, communication, warfare and human relationships, the discussion asks whether AI will serve authentic human flourishing or contribute to a new technocratic culture that undermines human dignity.Drawing on theology, philosophy, Scripture, and the Church’s social doctrine, the conversation unpacks Pope Leo’s central themes, including the dignity of the human person, freedom, responsibility, the common good, technological progress, transhumanism, AI ethics, automation, and the moral limits of emerging technologies. The panel reflects on Pope Leo’s striking use of the biblical image of the Tower of Babel, his warning against treating technology as humanity’s salvation, and his call to build a society rooted in truth, solidarity, justice and peace.They also explore the influence of St Augustine on Pope Leo’s vision, the dangers of technocratic power, the growing role of algorithms in public life, the ethics of Artificial General Intelligence and the challenge of ensuring that technological innovation remains at the service of the human person.About Magnifica HumanitasMagnifica Humanitas is Pope Leo’s landmark encyclical on Artificial Intelligence, technology, and the dignity of the human person. Building on the rich tradition of Catholic Social Teaching, Pope Leo addresses one of the most urgent questions of our age: how should humanity respond to the rapid rise of AI?Rather than offering a simple endorsement or rejection of Artificial Intelligence, Pope Leo examines AI through the lens of Christian anthropology, human dignity, freedom, responsibility, and the common good. Drawing on Scripture, Catholic theology, and the social doctrine of the Church, Magnifica Humanitas challenges the modern assumption that technological progress alone can solve humanity’s deepest problems.A central theme of the encyclical is the contrast between the biblical image of the Tower of Babel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Pope Leo argues that society faces a choice: to use technology as a tool for domination, control, and the concentration of power, or to place technological innovation at the service of authentic human flourishing, solidarity, justice, and peace.The encyclical explores the ethical implications of AI in areas such as education, employment, economics, warfare, governance, communication, and human relationships. It warns against technocratic ideologies, transhumanism, and attempts to redefine humanity through technology, while affirming the unique value of every human person created in the image of God.At its heart, Magnifica Humanitas is a call to recover a truly human vision of progress. In an era increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence, Pope Leo reminds the world that humanity cannot be reduced to data, efficiency, or computation. The future must be guided not only by technological innovation but by wisdom, moral responsibility, and a renewed understanding of what it means to be human.
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  Catholic Revival in Britain? Inside the WeBelieve Festival 27.05.2026 40m

  Is the Catholic Church becoming resurgent in the UK? Why are more young people exploring the faith? What role do beauty, truth, holiness, liturgy, music and unity play in renewing Catholic life today? Is Britain witnessing a revival in the Catholic Church? In this episode, John Withers, Director of the WeBelieve Festival, talks about the growing renewal of Catholic life in the UK and the future of Christianity in Britain.Discover our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our channel: https://bit.ly/4cZfJeqFind out more about WeBelieve Festival https://www.webelievefestival.com/WeBelieve Festival on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webelievefest/From packed Catholic festivals and renewed interest in the saints to Eucharistic devotion, pilgrimage, beauty, liturgy, and evangelisation, this conversation explores why so many people — especially young adults — are rediscovering the Catholic faith. They discuss the idea of a “Third Spring” of Catholicism in England, inspired by John Henry Newman, and ask whether the Church in the UK is entering a new era of spiritual renewal and missionary confidence.John Withers shares the vision behind the WeBelieve Festival, a major Catholic event bringing together Catholics from across England and Wales for worship, prayer, catechesis, music, culture, and community. The discussion also explores the history of Catholic emancipation, the role of the Guild of Our Lady of Ransom, the importance of Catholic unity, and how festivals and shared experiences can strengthen faith and inspire evangelisation.This episode covers:- The revival of the Catholic Church in the UK- Catholic renewal and evangelisation- Why young people are returning to Christianity- Catholic festivals and pilgrimage culture- The role of beauty, truth, and goodness in evangelisation- St John Henry Newman and the 'Third Spring'- Catholic identity in Britain today- Eucharistic adoration and spiritual renewal- Catholic culture, music, and sacred art- The future of Christianity in England and Wales
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  Pope Leo, AI & the New Industrial Revolution | Catholic Social Teaching & Political Unravelling 15.05.2026 54m

  What does Catholic Social Teaching have to say about AI, capitalism, work, family and the future of society? In this episode, Jenny Sinclair, founder of Together for the Common Good, talks Pope Leo XIV, Rerum Novarum, the new industrial revolution and why Catholic Social Teaching may be more relevant now than ever before.As artificial intelligence transforms work, relationships, politics, and even our understanding of what it means to be human, the Church’s social teaching offers a powerful framework rooted in human dignity, the common good, subsidiarity, solidarity and the vocation of work._________________________________________________________________________Subscribe to ‪‪Into The Truth for more British Catholic formation contentFind our books: www.ctsbooks.orgSupport our online ministry: www.ctsbooks.org/donateFind out more about Together For The Common Goodhttps://togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/__________________________________________________________________________Topics include- Pope Leo XIV and the legacy of Leo XIII- Rerum Novarum explained- AI and the future of work- Catholic teaching on capitalism and socialism- Human dignity in the age of technology- Family breakdown and individualism- Social media, loneliness, and the “culture of indifference”- Catholic responses to political polarization- How to build a “civilization of love”
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  What Tolkien Believed | Catholicism in The Lord of the Rings | LIVE Podcast 05.03.2026 50m

  What did JRR Tolkien believe? And how did his Catholic faith inform his great work, 'The Lord of the Rings'? These questions are explored at length in this live podcast and book launch for Fr Michael Halsall's new book, ‘A Light from the Shadows: The Spiritual Heart of JRR Tolkien'. The book is available now from CTS.You can get Fr Michael's book here: https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/a-light-from-the-shadows/About Fr MichaelFr Michael Halsall is a priest of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, and presently serves as Episcopal Vicar for Vocations & Formation, covering England, Scotland, and Wales. His recent book - 'Creation and Beauty in Tolkien's Catholic Vision' - explores the philosophical themes in Tolkien's crafted creation narratives, alongside those of the Christian tradition. His newest book is, ‘A Light from the Shadows: The Spiritual Heart of JRR Tolkien'.About the bookThis is not a biography of JRR Tolkien. But, ‘no author writes in a vacuum’ (as the author of this book, Fr Michael Halsall reminds us), so there are abundant biographical details in this considered commentary on the demonstrably Catholic framework of Tolkien’s writings: his experiences as a scholar, an army officer, and a husband and father. All these facets of a life are keys to unlocking Tolkien’s perspective on his own work.
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  How the Creed Changed the World | 1700 years of the Nicene Creed | James Matthew Wilson 11.12.2025 41m

  Get the book here: https://www.ctsbooks.org/product/praying-the-nicene-creed/This year, we celebrate 1700 years of the Nicene Creed! Why is the Creed important? What did it do for Christianity and the world? And how can we pray it today?James Matthew Wilson, author of, 'Praying the Nicene Creed, ' joins the podcast to explore how Dante led him to faith, how the Creed answers our search for meaning, how love is the heart of reality, why God became man, how to understand salvation in the light of the Creed, and much more.
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  Sr Carino & Mary Harrington: Mary, Feminism & the Dignity of Women | Rosary Shrine Lecture 2025 27.11.2025 1h 8m

  The Rosary Shrine Lecture 2025, 'Our Lady: Preacher of Human Dignity', delivered by Sr Carino with a response from Mary Harrington. This lecture was live broadcast by Radio Maria England. With thanks to the Rosary Shrine for allowing CTS to film their annual lecture. You can discover their ministry here: https://rosaryshrine.co.uk/In her lecture, Sr Carino Hodder OP explores what Mary teaches us about the dignity of all human beings, through the thought of St Pope St John Paul II.What does it mean to be a woman and what does it mean to be a human person? In an age which seems unable to answer fundamental questions about the nature and identity of the human person, what can Mary teach us about how we can present this fundamental truth of human dignity anew to the modern world?In her response, renowned British journalist Mary Harrington explores Mary through the joyful mysteries of the rosary, a series of stories that highlight the dignity and mystery of motherhood.
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  Finding God in Grief & Bereavement | Mortality, Purgatory and Praying for the dead 13.11.2025 52m

  When we lose someone we love, life can feel deeply changed. How do we find God in this experience of grief?When Br Giovanni Castellano's father died suddenly, he soon found himself writing. It wasn't long until he had written a whole book of his spiritual reflections on grief.In this episode, Piero and Br Giovanni explore a Catholic understanding of what happens when we die, how to find God in grief, purgatory, CS Lewis's experience of grief and why we should pray for the dead.
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  Newman, Doctor of the Church | St John Henry Newman on How God Speaks to us 01.11.2025 41m

  Today, St John Henry Newman is declared a Doctor of the Church! This has only happened to 38 people in the history of the Church, so why Newman? What did he contribute to the Catholic Church? What did he help us to understand about the life of faith?In this episode, Piero talks to Fr George Bowen, who was instrumental in Newman becoming a saint and in him becoming a Doctor of the Church.Together, they explore what Newman told us about how God speaks to us, how doctrine develops, how his work on conscience inspired resistance to the Nazis and how he lived his life in pursuit of truth.