The Pillar Podcast

Luke Coppen is joined by Spanish journalist Yago de la Cierva to talk about his experience planning a papal visit. Cierva was general coordinator of Pope Leo XIV’s trip to Spain in June 2026 and executive director of World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid.
Megaevents of the Catholic Church: Logbook for organizers and communicators
This conversation was recorded in September 2026.
This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by Sunday School, The Pillar’s bible study podcast. Each week, biblical scholar Scott Powell unpacks the readings you will hear at Sunday Mass.
Find Sunday School wherever you get your podcasts, or by visiting pillarcatholic.com/sunday-school
Pope Leo greets crowds during his visit to France. Credit: Vatican Media.



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JD’s most American take.
Don't miss this gala, Philadelphia!
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JD and Ed deliver the promised Detroit trivia game. Pope Leo XIV kicked off his 12-day trip to South America today. JD and Ed talk about what they expect from the pope’s planned stops.
Then, the practice of publishing lists of “credibly accused” clerics is back in the news. JD and Ed talk about the practice and how it could be improved.
Immerse yourself in Sacred Scriptures through the eyes of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church at Christendom College Graduate School of Theology, where you can earn a graduate certificate in Sacred Scripture or pursue your Master’s in Theology with the Sacred Scripture concentration.
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JD seeks some advice.
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JD and Ed debate recent comments by Algeria’s Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco’s recent comments about the Catholic Church’s relationship with Muslim and Jewish believers.
This episode of The Pillar Podcast is brought to you by The Lamp, the only magazine for Catholics seeking intelligent, witty, and clear-eyed commentary on the world.
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe