When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony after his election in 2025, he echoed the risen Christ’s first words after the Resurrection: “Peace be with you.” On The Inner Life, Fr. Tom McCarthy reflected on how that message has shaped Pope Leo’s papacy from the very beginning.

“Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you,’ because the people were not at peace,” Fr. McCarthy explained. “They were scared to death.” In the same way, Pope Leo speaks directly into a world marked by conflict, fear, and restlessness.

Fr. McCarthy described the Holy Father as “a man of peace” whose witness goes beyond politics or diplomacy. Whether visiting troubled regions or walking alongside people of other faiths, Pope Leo continually points people back to Christ, the true source of peace.

Patrick Conley noted how fitting this message is during the Easter season. Christians are “resurrection people,” called to live with hope and share Christ’s peace with others. Pope Leo’s words remind Catholics that peace begins inside us before it can transform the world around us.

Fr. McCarthy also emphasized an often-overlooked part of the Pope’s example: rest. “If you’re going to evangelize, if you’re going to be a peacemaker, you need to rest,” he said. Just as Jesus withdrew to pray, Christians today must step away from constant busyness to be renewed by God’s presence.

That renewal begins most powerfully in the Eucharist. Fr. McCarthy encouraged listeners to spend time at Mass and in Adoration, allowing Jesus to quiet anxious hearts and restore true peace.

As Patrick concluded, “You can’t expect peace exteriorly if we don’t have peace interiorly.”

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

When Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony after his election in 2025, he echoed the risen Christ&rsquo;s first words after the Resurrection: &ldquo;Peace be with you.&rdquo; On The Inner Life, Fr. Tom McCarthy reflected on how that message has shaped Pope Leo&rsquo;s papacy from the very beginning.
&ldquo;Jesus said, &lsquo;Peace be with you,&rsquo; because the people were not at peace,&rdquo; Fr. McCarthy explained. &ldquo;They were scared to death.&rdquo; In the same way, Pope Leo speaks directly into a world marked by conflict, fear, and restlessness.
Fr. McCarthy described the Holy Father as &ldquo;a man of peace&rdquo; whose witness goes beyond politics or diplomacy. Whether visiting troubled regions or walking alongside people of other faiths, Pope Leo continually points people back to Christ, the true source of peace.
Patrick Conley noted how fitting this message is during the Easter season. Christians are &ldquo;resurrection people,&rdquo; called to live with hope and share Christ&rsquo;s peace with others. Pope Leo&rsquo;s words remind Catholics that peace begins inside us before it can transform the world around us.
Fr. McCarthy also emphasized an often-overlooked part of the Pope&rsquo;s example: rest. &ldquo;If you&rsquo;re going to evangelize, if you&rsquo;re going to be a peacemaker, you need to rest,&rdquo; he said. Just as Jesus withdrew to pray, Christians today must step away from constant busyness to be renewed by God&rsquo;s presence.
That renewal begins most powerfully in the Eucharist. Fr. McCarthy encouraged listeners to spend time at Mass and in Adoration, allowing Jesus to quiet anxious hearts and restore true peace.
As Patrick concluded, &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t expect peace exteriorly if we don&rsquo;t have peace interiorly.&rdquo;
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

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Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Peace (The Inner Life)

What kind of man personally calls his bank after becoming pope?

According to Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Pope Leo XIV does exactly that.

Joining Drew on The Drew Mariani Show, Fr. Tom shared a story that has already spread across the internet because it perfectly captures the humility of the new Holy Father. A longtime Augustinian who has known Pope Leo since the 1980s, Fr. Tom described him as “one of the most peaceful men you will ever meet.”

A few months into his papacy, Pope Leo reportedly called his Chicago bank to update his phone number. Rather than asking an assistant to handle it, he made the call himself.

After answering security questions, the bank employee informed him that policy required him to appear in person.

“He said, ‘Well, I really can’t do that right now,’” Pope Leo said.

When he finally explained, “Would it matter to you if I told you that I’m Pope Leo?” the employee assumed it was a prank and hung up.

The story made Drew laugh, but it also revealed the humility of the Holy Father, who took it upon himself to perform a menial task while assuming one of the most important roles on earth.

“What I just love about the story is how human Pope Leo is,” Fr. Tom said. “He’s like us, but he’s called by God and he’s following God’s call.”

The conversation also touched on what some are calling the “Leo effect.” Fr. Tom explained that interest in the Augustinian order has surged since Pope Leo’s election. Young men are learning about the order, visiting communities, and discerning religious life.

“Because Pope Leo is an Augustinian, people look us up,” Fr. Tom said. “They like what they see.”

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

What kind of man personally calls his bank after becoming pope?
According to Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Pope Leo XIV does exactly that.
Joining Drew on The Drew Mariani Show, Fr. Tom shared a story that has already spread across the internet because it perfectly captures the humility of the new Holy Father. A longtime Augustinian who has known Pope Leo since the 1980s, Fr. Tom described him as &ldquo;one of the most peaceful men you will ever meet.&rdquo;
A few months into his papacy, Pope Leo reportedly called his Chicago bank to update his phone number. Rather than asking an assistant to handle it, he made the call himself.
After answering security questions, the bank employee informed him that policy required him to appear in person.
&ldquo;He said, &lsquo;Well, I really can&rsquo;t do that right now,&rsquo;&rdquo; Pope Leo said.
When he finally explained, &ldquo;Would it matter to you if I told you that I&rsquo;m Pope Leo?&rdquo; the employee assumed it was a prank and hung up.
The story made Drew laugh, but it also revealed the humility of the Holy Father, who took it upon himself to perform a menial task while assuming one of the most important roles on earth.
&ldquo;What I just love about the story is how human Pope Leo is,&rdquo; Fr. Tom said. &ldquo;He&rsquo;s like us, but he&rsquo;s called by God and he&rsquo;s following God&rsquo;s call.&rdquo;
The conversation also touched on what some are calling the &ldquo;Leo effect.&rdquo; Fr. Tom explained that interest in the Augustinian order has surged since Pope Leo&rsquo;s election. Young men are learning about the order, visiting communities, and discerning religious life.
&ldquo;Because Pope Leo is an Augustinian, people look us up,&rdquo; Fr. Tom said. &ldquo;They like what they see.&rdquo;
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Why Would the Bank Hang Up on the Pope? (The Drew Mariani Show)

During a recent broadcast of the Family Rosary Across America, Fr. Rocky and Maggie welcomed several callers whose intentions quickly turned into a celebration of marriage, family, and God’s providence.

First on the line were siblings Penley, Payton, and Parker from Hilmar, California. Payton called with a heartfelt prayer intention: thanksgiving for his parents’ 20th wedding anniversary. Fr. Rocky and Maggie rejoiced with the family, celebrating two decades of faithful marriage and the witness it offers to their children.

The conversation then took an unexpected and joyful turn when Maggie shared that the day was also her own wedding anniversary. She and her husband were celebrating three years of marriage after meeting during the Walk to Mary pilgrimage four years earlier.

Then came another surprise.

A caller named Phil from Plymouth, Wisconsin, explained that he too was celebrating an anniversary connected to the Walk to Mary. After attending the pilgrimage, he met his Brazilian fiancée just days later. He called in asking for prayers of thanksgiving for their relationship and continued prayers for her visa approval.

Phil also thanked Relevant Radio for helping introduce his fiancée to the prayers of the Catholic Faith. “She’s come a long way listening to you guys,” he said warmly.

Fr. Rocky joyfully summed up the moment: “This is your anniversary, it’s Maggie’s anniversary, and it’s the Family [Rosary] Across America family anniversary.”

What began as a few prayer intentions became a beautiful reminder that God works through family, friendship, prayer, and even unexpected encounters. Through the Holy Rosary, listeners across the country continue to share not only their struggles, but also their joy, celebrating the blessings God is pouring into their lives.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

During a recent broadcast of the Family Rosary Across America, Fr. Rocky and Maggie welcomed several callers whose intentions quickly turned into a celebration of marriage, family, and God&rsquo;s providence.
First on the line were siblings Penley, Payton, and Parker from Hilmar, California. Payton called with a heartfelt prayer intention: thanksgiving for his parents&rsquo; 20th wedding anniversary. Fr. Rocky and Maggie rejoiced with the family, celebrating two decades of faithful marriage and the witness it offers to their children.
The conversation then took an unexpected and joyful turn when Maggie shared that the day was also her own wedding anniversary. She and her husband were celebrating three years of marriage after meeting during the <a href="https://walktomary.com/">Walk to Mary</a> pilgrimage four years earlier.
Then came another surprise.
A caller named Phil from Plymouth, Wisconsin, explained that he too was celebrating an anniversary connected to the Walk to Mary. After attending the pilgrimage, he met his Brazilian fianc&eacute;e just days later. He called in asking for prayers of thanksgiving for their relationship and continued prayers for her visa approval.
Phil also thanked Relevant Radio for helping introduce his fianc&eacute;e to the prayers of the Catholic Faith. &ldquo;She&rsquo;s come a long way listening to you guys,&rdquo; he said warmly.
Fr. Rocky joyfully summed up the moment: &ldquo;This is your anniversary, it&rsquo;s Maggie&rsquo;s anniversary, and it&rsquo;s the Family [Rosary] Across America family anniversary.&rdquo;
What began as a few prayer intentions became a beautiful reminder that God works through family, friendship, prayer, and even unexpected encounters. Through the Holy Rosary, listeners across the country continue to share not only their struggles, but also their joy, celebrating the blessings God is pouring into their lives.
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Anniversary Prayers and Unexpected Blessings (Family Rosary Across America)

Why does Scripture so often warn about the influence of women? On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon offered his thoughts on the extraordinary power God has entrusted to women throughout salvation history.

Fr. Simon explained that modern culture often misunderstands strength. “We live in an age which tries to deny the strength of women,” he said. While society tends to celebrate traditionally masculine achievements, he reminded listeners that women possess a unique and irreplaceable gift: the ability to carry life.

“A woman can do something that I will never ever be able to do,” Fr. Simon reflected. “I cannot carry life in my own body.”

From that gift flows something larger than biology alone. Fr. Simon spoke about the unique role women often play in creating a home, a place of safety, love, and stability. While fathers are essential, he noted that women frequently possess a remarkable ability to sustain and nurture family life through hardship and sacrifice.

Drawing from ancient rabbinic teaching, he recalled that woman was created from Adam's rib, from a man’s side “that they might walk together.” That rib which became the source of woman was the very rib that protects the heart of man.

Motherhood, both physical and spiritual, remains one of the most powerful realities in the world. That power can lead people toward goodness, faith, and holiness. “Women can bring men into the faith,” he said, “and women can drag them out.”

That, he explained, is why Scripture speaks so strongly about the influence of women. Great power carries great responsibility.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

Why does Scripture so often warn about the influence of women? On Father Simon Says, Fr. Richard Simon offered his thoughts on the extraordinary power God has entrusted to women throughout salvation history.
Fr. Simon explained that modern culture often misunderstands strength. &ldquo;We live in an age which tries to deny the strength of women,&rdquo; he said. While society tends to celebrate traditionally masculine achievements, he reminded listeners that women possess a unique and irreplaceable gift: the ability to carry life.
&ldquo;A woman can do something that I will never ever be able to do,&rdquo; Fr. Simon reflected. &ldquo;I cannot carry life in my own body.&rdquo;
From that gift flows something larger than biology alone. Fr. Simon spoke about the unique role women often play in creating a home, a place of safety, love, and stability. While fathers are essential, he noted that women frequently possess a remarkable ability to sustain and nurture family life through hardship and sacrifice.
Drawing from ancient rabbinic teaching, he recalled that woman was created from Adam's rib, from a man&rsquo;s side &ldquo;that they might walk together.&rdquo; That rib which became the source of woman was the very rib that protects the heart of man.
Motherhood, both physical and spiritual, remains one of the most powerful realities in the world. That power can lead people toward goodness, faith, and holiness. &ldquo;Women can bring men into the faith,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and women can drag them out.&rdquo;
That, he explained, is why Scripture speaks so strongly about the influence of women. Great power carries great responsibility.
<hr>
The best way to listen to the&nbsp;Best of the Week&nbsp;is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out&nbsp;<a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Pope Leo XIV’s Call to Peace (The Inner Life)

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