Prayerful Posse: Why Are the Young Returning to Church? And the US Bishops Get Political

The US Bishops’ fall meeting takes center stage this week as the Posse unpacks the emotional immigration debate, the growing political tone of the conference, and the influence of federal funding on the USCCB’s advocacy. Raymond, Father Gerald Murray, and Robert Royal examine what was said—and what wasn’t—about legality, pastoral language, and the concerns of ordinary Catholics.

The trio also tackles the continuing doctrinal confusion in the Church, from renewed appeals to the “spirit of Vatican II” to the widening gap between long-standing teaching and new pastoral practices. They dig into the Charlotte altar-rail controversy, Germany’s liturgical theatrics, and the scandal surrounding the confirmation of an openly gay, civilly “married” TV anchor in New York.

In Rome, Pope Leo has called a rare January consistory, which may signal the true start of his pontificate. The Posse explores what this gathering could mean, alongside new research showing Millennials and Gen Z returning to church in greater numbers, hungry for clarity, reverence, and stability.

The episode closes with a sober look at the resurgence of anti-Semitism and the moral confusion fueling it—a reminder of why truth, courage, and fidelity remain essential in turbulent times.

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