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Episode details

Radio Ulster,17 May 2026,57 mins

Pope Leo’s First Year, Star Wars Spirituality

Sunday Sequence

Available for 29 days

This week marks one year since Pope Leo’s installation. Officially known as the “Mass for the Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome” the ceremony drew hundreds of thousands to Rome while millions watched on TV. One year on how is the Pope doing in the wake of high profile disagreements with the Trump Presidency. Audrey talks to papal biographer Austen Ivereigh, Catholic Theologian Dr Anna Rowlands and Elise Ann Allen, Senior Correspondent with Crux Magazine in Rome. Closer to home we hear from Father Martin Magill and Rev Steve Stockman who, through their work with the 4 Corners Festival, have met both Pope Francis and Pope Leo. This week the latest movie in the Star Wars Universe is released. Audrey talks to Rev Professor David Wilkinson, Astrophysicist, Methodist Minister and Star Wars fan about the religious imagery that runs through the movies.

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