Spe Salvi Institute Podcast

A Vision for Europe: Exploring the Legacy of John Paul II and Robert Schuman

What unites a saint-pope from Poland and a French statesman now on the path to sainthood? In this thoughtful episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa speak with Georgia Giholy about her Catholic Herald article on the new exhibition in Warsaw that brings together the legacies of St. John Paul II and Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers.

Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope & Catholic Social Teaching in the Age of AI

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into the remarkable election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope — a native of the South Side of Chicago and a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan. But this papacy is more than historic; it’s deeply symbolic and theologically rich.
They explore:
Why the name “Leo” matters: a conscious link to Pope Leo XIII, architect of modern Catholic Social Teaching through Rerum Novarum.
What Leo XIV’s roots in Chicago and his Augustinian spirituality reveal about his vision for the Church.
How his first address to the cardinals cites Benedict XVI’s Spe Salvi.
The urgent new challenges posed by artificial intelligence to human dignity, labor, and community — and what Leo XIV might teach the world about navigating them faithfully.
 
This is a wide-ranging conversation about Leo XIV, the South Side of Chicago, Catholic social teaching, and what it means for the Church to lead with both pastoral realism and eschatological hope in the 21st century.

Pope Francis: A Critical Appreciation with Nathan Pinkoski

In this insightful episode of the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa welcome Nathan Pinkoski, Senior Fellow at the Center for Renewing America and columnist for Compact Magazine. In this discussion, Pinkoski delves into his recent article, "Pope Francis’s Managerial Revolution", offering a nuanced critique of Pope Francis's papacy.​
Pinkoski explores how Pope Francis embraced a managerial approach to Church governance, characterized by an emphasis on process over doctrine, strategic ambiguity, and a focus on optics and media messaging. He argues that this shift has led to a form of leadership that prioritizes administrative processes and symbolic gestures, potentially at the expense of doctrinal clarity and personal responsibility.​
The conversation examines key themes such as the implementation of synodality, the restructuring of Vatican communications, and the broader implications of managerialism within the Church. Pinkoski provides a critical appreciation of Pope Francis's leadership style, assessing both its intentions and its impact on the Catholic Church's direction in the 21st century.​
Read the full article: Pope Francis’s Managerial Revolution: https://www.compactmag.com/article/pope-franciss-managerial-revolution/
Subscribe to the Spe Salvi Institute Podcast for more in-depth discussions on theology, philosophy, art, film, culture, and contemporary issues facing the Church.

"Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard" with Trevor Cribben Merrill and Sam Sorich

On this week’s episode of the "Spe Salvi Institute Podcast," Andrew and Bobby chat with Trevor Cribben Merrill (producer) and Sam Sorich (producer and director) to discuss their compelling new documentary, "Things Hidden: The Life and Legacy of René Girard."
We encourage listeners to view the documentary for content before listening to the podcast episode: https://youtu.be/L-vB1HaBsog?feature=shared 
René Girard stands as one of the most insightful thinkers of the late 20th century, and Trevor and Sam illuminate precisely why Girard's ideas remain profoundly relevant today.

The Legacy of St. John Paul II: A 20-Year Retrospective

April 2, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the death of St. John Paul II. In commemoration of this great saint, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa reflect on his life and enduring legacy—particularly his engagement with Europe. They also explore the Christian Humanism expressed in his writings and its relevance for our time.

Henri de Lubac and the Legacy of Vatican II with Fr. Robert P. Imbelli

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa sit down with Fr. Robert Imbelli to discuss his recent article in Catholic World Report, "Henri de Lubac: Pilgrim of Hope, Witness to Jesus Christ." Fr. Imbelli shares his experiences as a seminarian in Rome during Vatican II and reflects on its lasting legacy. We explore Henri de Lubac’s Christo-centric vision, the influence of Joachim of Fiore, Louis Bouyer’s insights on the mystical, and so much more.
Join us for a rich conversation on theology, tradition, and the enduring impact of Vatican II.

JD Vance’s Warning to Europe: The Threat From Within

In this episode, Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa dive into Vice President JD Vance’s provocative speech at the 2025 Munich Security Conference, where he challenged Europe’s leaders on free speech, immigration, and internal threats—while sidestepping Ukraine and Russia. They unpack the significance of Vance’s concern about “the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.” Plus, they explore how his Catholic faith and the concept of Ordo Amoris (the “order of love”) might shape his worldview, influencing his call for a reset in transatlantic relations.

Travels in Radical Christianity with Roy Peachey

Roy Peachey joins Robert Mixa and Andrew Petiprin to discuss his new book Travels in Radical Christianity which explores various communities, movements, and religious orders that seek to live out the radicality of the Gospel. Additionally, they discuss Roy’s work on Catholic education and practical ways to transform it step by step.

Michel Houellebecq’s “Annihilation” with Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill

In his provocative new novel Annihilation, celebrated and controversial French author Michel Houellebecq brings readers to a France in 2027, grappling with economic collapse and moral decline. In this episode, novelists Joshua Hren and Trevor C. Merrill join the podcast to dive into Houellebecq’s darkly insightful world, exploring why he is hailed as one of the most perceptive writers of our time.

Józef Tischner’s Philosophy of Drama with Artur Rosman

Józef Tischner, a Polish priest, philosopher, and chaplain for the Solidarność trade union, remains a relatively unknown figure outside of Poland. However, thanks to Artur Rosman’s translation of his major work, The Philosophy of Drama, Tischner’s profound insights are beginning to reach a broader audience.
As a student of Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II), Tischner grappled deeply with the complexities of the human condition, particularly as they unfolded in 20th-century Poland. His philosophy is marked by a remarkable depth and an immunity to superficiality, making him a significant yet underappreciated thinker.
Join Andrew Petiprin and Robert Mixa as they explore Tischner’s ideas, discovering his unique perspective on life, suffering, and solidarity for the first time.