Professor Mathew Schmalz speaks to Lester Kiewit about the intensifying public clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo, exploring what may be driving the confrontation at a political and psychological level. The discussion looks at growing pressure on Trump amid the Iran conflict and economic strain, divisions within his MAGA base, and why his response appears increasingly reactive. Schmalz also explains the significance of references to the Avignon Papacy, and what alleged US pressure on the Vatican could mean symbolically and geopolitically. The conversation further considers the implications for Vice President J.D. Vance, who faces scrutiny as a Catholic in an administration openly attacking the Pope, as well as the broader reaction from Christian communities to Trump’s increasingly provocative rhetoric and imagery.

 

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. 

This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. 

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Professor Mathew Schmalz speaks to Lester Kiewit about the intensifying public clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo, exploring what may be driving the confrontation at a political and psychological level. The discussion looks at growing pressure on Trump amid the Iran conflict and economic strain, divisions within his MAGA base, and why his response appears increasingly reactive. Schmalz also explains the significance of references to the Avignon Papacy, and what alleged US pressure on the Vatican could mean symbolically and geopolitically. The conversation further considers the implications for Vice President J.D. Vance, who faces scrutiny as a Catholic in an administration openly attacking the Pope, as well as the broader reaction from Christian communities to Trump&rsquo;s increasingly provocative rhetoric and imagery.
&nbsp;
Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show.&nbsp;
This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team&rsquo;s ability to spot &amp; share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don&rsquo;t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily.&nbsp;
Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast &ndash; from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news.&nbsp;
Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit.&nbsp;
Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk <a href="https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk">https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk</a>&nbsp;
For more from the show go to <a href="https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT">https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT</a> or find all the catch-up podcasts here <a href="https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i">https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i</a>&nbsp;
Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters <a href="https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5">https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5</a>&nbsp; &nbsp; Follow us on social media&nbsp; &nbsp; CapeTalk on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk">https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk</a>&nbsp; CapeTalk on TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk">https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk</a>&nbsp; CapeTalk on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/">https://www.instagram.com/</a>&nbsp; CapeTalk on X: <a href="https://x.com/CapeTalk">https://x.com/CapeTalk</a>&nbsp; CapeTalk on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567">https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk</a>

Join Lester Kiewit every weekday for an authentic Cape Town wake-up call. The show gets Cape Town as close to the story as possible, from high-profile interviews to did-you-hear watercooler conversations. The show is enlightening and accessible, inclusive and thought-provoking. It helps listeners navigate the (sometimes hectic) business of life.

Some highlights include the daily Editorial segment at 6:10 and the flagship #LesterTester on Fridays at 8:35. The WorldView favourite Adam Gilchrest shares his take on the biggest global stories daily at 7:45am. Tune in daily for the ‘Hood Hang-out at 7:55am.

#CoffeeDate is a regular outside broadcast that happens on the first Monday of the month, starting in November. Each #Coffeedate is broadcast from a different community, featuring the voices and opinions of residents, ward councillors, local celebs, community leaders and you, the listener.

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit, Monday to Friday 06:00 to 9:00 on 567 medium wave (AM) or streaming online at www.capetalk.co.za

#GMCT with @lesterkk @CapeTalk #JoinTheConversation

Follow Lester on Twitter: @lesterkk Twitter and Facebook: @CapeTalk

Join Lester Kiewit every weekday for an authentic Cape Town wake-up call. The show gets Cape Town as close to the story as possible, from high-profile interviews to did-you-hear watercooler conversations. The show is enlightening and accessible, inclusive and thought-provoking. It helps listeners navigate the (sometimes hectic) business of life.
Some highlights include the daily Editorial segment at 6:10 and the flagship #LesterTester on Fridays at 8:35. The WorldView favourite Adam Gilchrest shares his take on the biggest global stories daily at 7:45am. Tune in daily for the ‘Hood Hang-out at 7:55am.
#CoffeeDate is a regular outside broadcast that happens on the first Monday of the month, starting in November. Each #Coffeedate is broadcast from a different community, featuring the voices and opinions of residents, ward councillors, local celebs, community leaders and you, the listener.
Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit, Monday to Friday 06:00 to 9:00 on 567 medium wave (AM) or streaming online at www.capetalk.co.za
#GMCT with @lesterkk @CapeTalk #JoinTheConversation
Follow Lester on Twitter: @lesterkk Twitter and Facebook: @CapeTalk

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit

Trump vs the Pope, pressure, power, and a presidency under strain

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5dcefa8e-00a9-4595-8ce1-a4ab0080f142/clips/2dd37da5-2db9-4b23-ba5d-b42c00686595/transcript