Daniel P. Horan

The next pope will need to be a spiritual leader who is himself unafraid, and offers Christians — and all people of good — hope in the face of fear, writes columnist Dan Horan.

Listen: Heidi, Daniel and David look back on the papacy of Pope Francis. They discuss what comes next, including the conclave. Then they look ahead to consider how Francis' legacy might be carried forward in the next papacy. 

Expanding our reflection on the significance of Christ's resurrection beyond our own individual, familial or even species interests to include all of God's creation invites us to see the world more like God sees it.

Co-hosts discuss the Trump administration's tariffs, and how pastors can emphasize climate change. Heidi interviews Stephanie Clary, NCR's environment editor, about the 10th anniversary of the pope's environmental encyclical.

The scarcity mindset is governed by fear and self-interest, but a theology of abundance more closely aligns with the life, ministry and preaching of Jesus Christ in the Gospels.

Podcast panelists discuss recent actions of the Trump administration that violate civil rights and challenge judicial oversight.

While Douthat and I disagree on many things, we can both affirm that there is something "more" to our lives and the universe than generally meets the eye or that can be explained purely by empirical analysis. 

Listen: This Francis Effect episode features a discussion on the Trump administration's threats to education. Heidi Schlumpf interviews Rev. Angela Denker about Christian nationalism.

Dan Horan proposes that it's time for Republicans to ditch the elephant and adopt the rhinoceros as mascot.

Listen: Daniel, Heidi, and David look at the GOP's recent attacks on Medicaid, and join their prayers with the world for the health of Pope Francis. Heidi interviews NCR's Shannon Evans about Lenten spirituality.

As those in power who seek only their own interest and gain continue seeking to instill panoptical fear so that the fearful preemptively do their bidding, those Christians who are tempted to succumb to this dynamic must remember who we are and in whom we place our ultimate trust.

Listen: Co-host and NCR senior correspondent Heidi Schlumpf moderates a roundtable of four theologians as they react to President Trump's first month back in the Oval Office.

Listen: Heidi, Daniel and David discuss how attacks on USAID affect charities and NGOs; they look at the vice president's theological comments; Heidi interviews Charlene Howard, the new executive director of Pax Christi USA.

Listen: Heidi, Daniel and David talk about the first week of the second Trump administration. Also, they look at the 2025 Academy Awards, and Heidi interviews Fr. Thomas Reese about his life in Catholic journalism.

What we need today are mature disciples who anchor themselves in the practice of prayer, writes Dan Horan.

Listen: Heidi, Daniel and David discuss how Catholics can prepare for the Trump administration; they talk about Cardinal McElroy's appointment as DC's new archbishop; and Heidi interviews Dylan Corbett of Hope Border Institute.

Keeping in mind the need to care for and pace oneself for the long haul, columnist Dan Horan says there are three areas of resistance that seem worthwhile and constructive.

Daniel P. Horan reflects on the benefits reaped and lessons learned through his exit from Twitter/X.

In an address to a gathering of theologians at the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis spoke about the importance of theology. Dan Horan shares his takeaways.

Francis Effect podcast: In this episode, NCR's senior correspondent Heidi Schlumpf interviews the publication's Vatican correspondent, Christopher White, about what might be coming next for the Francis papacy.