SHU Launches National Podcast on Pope Leo XIV

Catholic scholars at Sacred Heart University reflect on the American Pope’s first 100 days and the future of the Church

Sacred Heart University has launched a groundbreaking new podcast, Cor Ecclesiae (“Heart of the Church”), establishing itself as a national voice in Catholic thought during a transformative moment in Church history.

Hosted by Michael W. Higgins—professor emeritus and acclaimed papal biographer—the podcast features leading voices from SHU’s Catholic Studies program: Charles Gillespie, Michelle Loris and Daniel Rober. Together, they offer deep, timely insights into the papacy of Pope Leo XIV and the evolving role of the Church in the modern world.

The inaugural episode marks Pope Leo XIV’s 100th day as the leader of the Catholic Church and coincides with the release of a Sacred Heart University poll gauging public sentiment on the new pope. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Cor Ecclesiae delivers accessible, intellectually rich conversations for Catholics, scholars and the broader public.

“This is more than a podcast—it’s a platform for shaping the conversation around the future of the Church,” said Higgins. “Sacred Heart University is uniquely positioned to lead this dialogue, rooted in our Catholic intellectual tradition and commitment to public scholarship.”

The podcast emerged from internal roundtable discussions among SHU scholars following the death of Pope Francis and the historic conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. As the new pope begins to define his legacy, SHU’s experts offer insight into his leadership style, theological priorities and the Church’s global trajectory.

Highlights from Episode 1 of Cor Ecclesiae:

Charles A. Gillespie, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Catholic Studies and Co-director of the Pioneer Journey

“Pope Leo calls us not just to seek peace in conflict zones, but also in our everyday lives.” 

Michelle Loris, Ph.D., Psy.D.

Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences; Director of the Center for Catholic Studies

“[Pope Leo] is a bridge builder, and he wants dialogue. He wants encounter. He wants people to be synodal in the Church.”

Dan Rober, Ph.D.

Chair of the Department of Catholic Studies

“If Francis was the disruptor, Pope Leo is the stabilizer—carrying reform forward without burying it.” 

All featured scholars are available for media interviews. Visit SHU’s Papal Media Resources webpage for more information.