The Social Doctrine of the Church: Historical Roots and Contemporary Importance (as of September 6, 2025)
Co-sponsored by En Route Books & Media (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/) and the International Catholic Jurists Forum (https://icjurist.org/). Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D., M.A., Director of ICJF, will co-moderate the podcast interviews.
Description: Pope Leo XIV’s choice of his papal name links him to Pope Leo XIII (r. 1878–1903)—whose 1891 encyclical, Rerum Novarum, was fundamental for the development of the social doctrine of the Church. The purpose of this podcast series is to examine the biblical and historical roots of Catholic social doctrine and to explore how this doctrine applies to some contemporary moral issues.
Note: The dates given are approximate time ranges. Specific dates and participants will be determined.
Interviews conducted by Michael Vacca and Robert Fastiggi
Podcast 1 (July 15, 2025): What is the social doctrine of the Church? What are the biblical and historical foundations? How has the Church’s social doctrine developed since Patristic and Medieval times? What are the key principles of Catholic social doctrine? Why is the Church’s social doctrine important for promoting justice and peace? — Interview with Prof. Joseph Capizzi, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies of the Catholic University of America:
https://trs.catholic.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-profiles/capizzi-joseph/index.html
Podcast 3: (July 29, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and the Role of Conscience: Interview with Michael Vacca, Esq by Robert Fastiggi.
Podcast 4: (August 6, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine, Human Dignity, and the Threat of Gender Ideology: Interview with Rev. Paul Sullins.
Podcast 5: (August 20): Catholic Social Doctrine and Issues of Equality and Non-discrimination: Interview with Prof. Jane Adolphe and Robert Fastiggi.
Podcast 6 (Sept. 10, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and Issues of Migration and National Integrity: Interview with John Klink.
Podcast 7 (Sept. 15–19, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and the Nature of Society: an interview with Msgr. Piotr Mazurkiewicz.
Podcast 8 (Sept. 29–Oct. 1, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine, Politics, and Religion: an interview with Prof. Michal Gierycz.
Podcast 9: (Oct. 6–Oct. 10, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and the Principle of Subsidiarity: an interview with Prof. Iain Benson.
Podcast 10 (Oct. 13–Oct. 17, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and the Family: an interview with Prof. Oana Gotia and/or Fr. Peter Ryan, S.J.
Podcast 11 (Oct. 27–Oct. 31, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine, Solidarity, and the International Community: an interview with Prof Jane Adolphe and/or Rev. Piotr Mazurkiewicz.
Podcast 12: (Nov. 10–Nov. 14, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and doctrinal development: the case of slavery: interview with Prof. Joseph Capizzi.
Podcast 13 (Nov. 17–21, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and Creation: the Environment, Laudato Si’, and Climate Issues—Interview with Riccardo Cascioli.
Podcast 14 (Nov. 24–26, 2025): Catholic Social Doctrine and Synodality in Light of the Implementation of the 2023–2024 Synod on Synodality: Interview with Robert Fastiggi.
Synods and Synodality: History, Purpose, and Current Controversies
Co-sponsored by En Route Books & Media (https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/) and the International Catholic Jurists Forum (https://icjurist.org/). Dr. Robert Fastiggi and Michael Vacca, J.D., M.A. will co-moderate the podcast interviews.
Description: The 2023 and 2024 Synods on Synodality have generated both interest and controversy. This seven-part series explores the role of Church synods (or councils) in Catholic history; the different types of synods (e.g. local, regional, ecumenical); and why the recent synods under Pope Francis have generated so much controversy. The final two podcasts will explore possibilities for the future of the Church. The podcasts will be scheduled for Wednesday evenings from January 15, 2025 to February 26, 2025. Most begin at 7 PM EST except for the February 12, 19, and 26 podcasts (see indicated times).
1. (Jan. 15, 2025): What is a Church synod or council? How does the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 serve as a prototype? What is the difference between a local diocesan synod, a regional provincial synod, a national synod, and an ecumenical synod or council? How are we to understand the Synod of Bishops begun by Paul VI after Vatican II? What were some good and not so good local synods in Church history? Interview with Dr. Robert Fastiggi: 7 PM EST.
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2. (Jan. 22, 2025): What is an ecumenical council? How do we know that a council is ecumenical? Why does the Catholic Church accept 21 councils as ecumenical but the Eastern Orthodox only accept the first 7? What have been some of the most important ecumenical councils in Catholic Church history? Interview with Dr. Robert Fastiggi: 7 PM EST.
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3. (Feb. 6, 2025): How does Synodality work within the Eastern Catholic Churches? How do these synods enjoy authority without compromising the authority of the Roman Pontiff? Is Eastern Catholic synodality a possible motivation for Pope Francis’s desire to promote synodality in the Catholic Church today? Interview with Fr. Deacon Robert Kelsko of EWTN, Fr. Daniel Dozier, Pastor of St. George the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, Olympia, WA, Fr Michael Winn, LTh and Fr Deacon Anthony Dragani, PhD.,and possibly Fr. Marcus Shammami, Chaldean Catholic priest of the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle Southfield, MI).
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4. (Feb. 5, 2025): The Synod of Bishops from Paul VI through Benedict XVI: What topics have been discussed? What documents of note have been issued as a result of these Synods? Interview with Dr. Eduardo Echeverria of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, Michigan). 7 PM EST.
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5. (Feb. 12, 2025): The Synods of Synodality under Pope Francis. Why have some of the Synods generated so much controversy? What documents have resulted from these Synods? How are we to understand synodality? What are some highlights of the final document of the Synods on Synodality? What parts might need further clarification and development? How will synodality influence the Church’s future? Interview with Sr. Bernadette Reis, FSP, who has worked for the Holy See, and Dr. Pedro Gabriel, author of The Orthodoxy of Amoris Laetita; 3 PM EST/ 8 PM in Portugal (where Dr. Gabriel lives).
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6. (Feb. 19, 2025): Interview with Edward Pentin, who will discuss his College of Cardinals Report (time to be determined)
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7. (Apr. 9, 2025): Interview with author George Weigel, who will discuss what he believes is needed for revitalization and renewal in the Catholic Church.