Why Catholics Have a Pope

Why Catholics Have a Pope

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Fr. Mike Schmitz Reacts to "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery"

Fr. Mike jumps into the mystery of Knives Out, not to solve the murder but to understand the truest mission of the priesthood. In the midst of Hollywood's fascination with Catholicism, they've often had trouble capturing an honest representation of Catholics. However, Fr. Mike ex ...  Show more

Fr. Mike Reflects on 5 Years of The Bible in a Year

2026 marks the 5th anniversary of Bible in a Year! Over the past five years, the Lord has taken this podcast to extraordinary places -- reaching listeners in more than 150 countries, becoming the #1 podcast in the U.S., and remaining the #1 religious podcast in the world, even fi ...  Show more

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Day 123: The Pope
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Who is the Pope? Today, we focus on the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church as the Vicar of Christ and pastor of the entire Church. The Catechism teaches us that the institution of the papacy dates back to that powerful moment in the Gospel when Jesus changed Simon’s name to ...  Show more

The Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven
Search the Scriptures Live

Did the early Church understand the words of Christ to Peter as giving unique powers or special privileges to Peter? How, when and why did the Roman Church develop its theology of papal supremacy? What did the early Fathers say about the keys to the kingdom of heaven? 

On This Rock I Will Build My Church
Search the Scriptures Live

Peter's acknowledgment of the true identity of Jesus, led to him receiving a new name and a blessing. The Catholic Church has used this verse to support its papal supremacy doctrine. Is Peter the Rock on which the Church is built, or is it something or someone else? 

Day 77: The Kingdom of God
The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike explores Jesus’ mission of establishing the kingdom of God on earth, and who belongs in the kingdom of Heaven: all people. We see how Jesus identifies himself with the poor, lowly, and those who the world says are not important. If we do not welcome them, we cannot enter ...  Show more