The Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is underway in Rome. This week, we welcome Luke Hansen, S.J., a former associate editor at America and special correspondent for the synod, to discuss why the synod is so significant. Since the start of the synod on Oct. 6, Luke has been reporting on the ground. He has written on indigenous leaders sharing their experiences with bishops in Rome, ministries for women in the Amazon and the possibility of ordaining married men.


We talk to Luke about why Catholics all around the world should care about the synod, Pope Francis’ involvement at the gathering, the influence of laypeople and more. (You can find all of Luke’s reporting and all of our coverage on the synod here.)

In Signs of the Times, we talk about Pope Francis going viral on Twitter, and how he is asking us to stop being hypocrites; New York’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio squaring off in the latest edition of Cabrini-Gate; the $3,000 “Jesus Shoes” that sold out in 24 hours; a church bingo scandal in New Jersey; and, finally, how Democratic presidential candidates discussed faith at a CNN town hall.

Feel free to send us your questions, concerns, cocktail recipes or join us for discussion on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. You can help other listeners find the show by leaving us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

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— Olga

Links from the show:

Pope gives New Orleans Saints unexpected boost on Twitter

Pope at Mass: Learn to point the finger at yourself, to be freed of hypocrisy

Cuomo Swoops In On Columbus Day, Says State Will Help Build Mother Cabrini Statue

$3,000 Nike sneakers that are filled with HOLY WATER and blessed by a priest sell out just minutes after the ‘Jesus shoes’ were released

Church bingo players charged with cheating

Democratic presidential candidates talk faith at CNN Equality Town Hall

What you need to know about the 2019 Synod on the Amazon

What’s on tap?

Post-wedding detox: Pedialyte from Zac’s wedding gift bag