The Reformanda Initiative

Leonardo De Chirico, Reid Karr, Clay Kannard

The Reformanda Initiative Podcast. Listen as we analyze and discuss Roman Catholic theology and practice from an Evangelical perspective. | Twitter: @ReformandaRome | Facebook: @ReformandaInitiative | Online: www.reformandainitiative.org |

  • 37 minutes 13 seconds
    94. Mater Popoli Fidelis, i.e. The Note

    In this episode we discuss the recent Vatican document published by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding Mary (Mater Popoli Fidelis) and her title of "Co-redemptrix". How should evangelicals think through this and respond to it? We also discuss Leonardo’s October Vatican File that concerns recent remarks Pope Leo made concerning Mary, and that are therefore relevant to this discussion.

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    7 November 2025, 10:00 am
  • 39 minutes 5 seconds
    93. Dilexi Te - Pope Leo’s first Magisterial Document

    In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV’s first Magisterial document, an Apostolic Exhortation titled "Dilexi te," which focuses on the Roman Catholic Church’s mandate to care for the poor. We highlight the theological concerns the document presents for an evangelical reader. We also briefly discuss our recent trip to Istanbul for a conference that commemorated the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed.

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    31 October 2025, 10:00 am
  • 43 minutes 49 seconds
    92. Tell Your Catholic Friends

    In this episode, we sit down with Leonardo to talk about his newest book, Tell Your Catholic Friends: How to Have Gospel Conversations With Love (B&H Books, 2025). Together we explore why these conversations matter, how to approach them with clarity and compassion, and what it looks like to point friends and family to the hope of the gospel. Tell Your Catholic Friends is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Audible.

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    10 September 2025, 8:00 am
  • 52 minutes 5 seconds
    91. The Jubilee of Youth

    In this episode, we discuss the Jubilee of Youth, a Roman Catholic event held in Rome, Italy, from July 29 to August 3, 2025, which attracted nearly 1 million youth from around the world. Much of what has been shared on social media by the Catholic Church is attractive to young evangelicals who are led to believe they can find the answer to their disillusions with faith and church in the Roman Catholic Church. But what is the real message of the Jubilee of Youth? Join us as we respond to this question.

    Episode resource:

    https://vaticanfiles.org/en/2025/08/vf245-jubilee-of-youth/

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    15 August 2025, 2:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 34 seconds
    90. We believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church

    In this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert (Certainty 4 Eternity) about the new book he co-edited with Leonardo, The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words. We discuss his chapter contribution, which unpacks the clause of the Nicene Creed “We believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic church,” noting how Roman Catholics and Evangelicals share these words, but do not share the theological interpretation of them.

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    26 July 2025, 11:00 am
  • 46 minutes 13 seconds
    89. Concerns with the Roman Catholic Trinitarian Framework

    In this episode we (Leonardo and Reid) discuss problematic aspects of the Roman Catholic understanding of the Trinitarian framework, using Leonardo’s chapter in the newly released book “The Nicene Creed: The Nature of Christian Unity and the Meaning of Gospel Words”, of which Leonardo and Reformanda Initiative Fellow Mark Gilbert are editors. This book (and this conversation) coincides  with the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. The book can be purchased here: https://matthiasmedia.com/collections/latest/products/the-nicene-creed and is available on Kindle.

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    8 July 2025, 9:00 am
  • 51 minutes 30 seconds
    88. Does Rome Teach a False Gospel?

    In this episode, we are joined by Reformanda Initiative fellow Robbie Bellis, who walks us through this delicate and essential question using Galatians 1 as a case study. Can Galatians 1 and Paul's anathemas be applied to the Roman Catholic Church and its gospel?

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    2 July 2025, 5:00 am
  • 41 minutes 39 seconds
    87. Checking In on Pope Leo XIV

    In this episode Leonardo De Chirico and Reid Karr discuss the first few weeks of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy. What is defining his papacy and where does he seem to be going theologically? More importantly, how can evangelicals be theologically responsible in assessing the pope as he speaks and uses gospel sounding words? Join us to hear how we respond to these questions and others.

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    29 May 2025, 4:00 pm
  • 35 minutes 53 seconds
    86. Pope Leo XIV: Habemus Papam... or Habemus Problem?

    White smoke has risen, a new pope has taken the balcony, and the world is watching. But what should evangelical Christians make of it all? In this episode, we unpack what we know about the newly elected pope Leo XIV—his background, theology, and early signals—and explore how his papacy fits into the broader story of Roman Catholicism. What does his election mean for the gospel, the global church, and our Catholic neighbors? Join us as we cut through the incense and get to the substance.

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    9 May 2025, 1:00 pm
  • 45 minutes 39 seconds
    85. Is Rome a True Church? Wrestling with History, Reformers, and Rome Today

    In this episode, we speak with Matthew Johnston, Fellow at the Reformanda Initiative, to ask the big question: Is Rome a true church? Together, we explore the historic Reformed answer to this question, trace how the Reformers engaged with Rome in their own day, and discuss how things might look different—or surprisingly similar—after the Council of Trent, Vatican I, the Marian dogmas, and Vatican II.

    What would Calvin say if he walked into Rome today? And how should we, standing on the shoulders of the Reformation, faithfully answer in our time?

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    28 April 2025, 2:00 pm
  • 41 minutes 28 seconds
    84.⁠ ⁠After Pope Francis: Facing the Truth about His Legacy

    In this episode, we examine the implications of Pope Francis's death and openly discuss the future direction of the Roman Catholic Church. As evangelicals committed to biblical clarity, we ask if evangelicals should look for silver linings in a papacy that has distorted gospel truth. Join us as we courageously explore why honest critique matters.


    Episode notes:

    https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/pope-francis-roman-church-legacy/


    https://evangelicalfocus.com/europe/30881/francis-the-latin-american-pope-who-sought-the-evangelical-embrace-died

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    22 April 2025, 7:00 pm
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