Beyond Rome is a podcast that seeks to reconnect Catholics with their Hebraic and Christian roots in the Near East. Hosted by Simone Rizkallah, she and her guests explore a variety of topics related to religion and culture in the West and why the Near East matters for a healthy Church and world. Beyond Rome looks beyond the West to understand what makes the Catholic Church truly universal.
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42. Bonus Episode | Why Antisemitism is Moral Pornography by Mary Eberstadt (00:16:09)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. My Brother’s Keeper: Christians and the New Antisemitism by Mary Eberstadt, Founding Member of the Coalition of Catholics Against Antisemitism Support Philos Catholic
41. Bonus Episode | We Are Spiritual Semites: The Witness of Cardinal John O’Connor with Sister Maris Stella (00:55:12)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. A biographical and theological reflection on O’Connor’s legacy and what it means for the Church today. Cardinal John O’Connor, Archbishop of New York from 1984 to 2000, was one of the most courageous and compassionate voices for Catholic-Jewish reconciliation in the post–Nostra Aetate era. A Navy chaplain turned prince of the Church, O’Connor combined pa...
40. Bonus Episode | Why Should I Care About Jewish-Catholic Relations? (00:57:02)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. For many Catholics and Jews today, the idea of “interreligious dialogue” can feel abstract, irrelevant, or even suspect. And yet, at the heart of the Church’s renewed relationship with the Jewish people is something far deeper than diplomacy: a shared spiritual history, a wounded past, and a prophetic call to walk together in truth. This candid panel wil...
39. Bonus Episode | The Gifts and the Calling Are Irrevocable: Toward a Catholic Zionism with Dr. Gavin D’Costa (00:57:20)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. This presentation explores the theological foundations of “minimalist Catholic Zionism”—a position grounded in fundamental Catholic doctrinal assertions about God’s covenant with the Jewish people. Built upon four essential building blocks, this framework maintains that the Jewish covenant is irrevocable, applies to Jews today, includes the promise of the ...
38. Bonus Episode | The Transmission of Anti-Semitism in Immigrant Communities with Luma Simms (00:25:41)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing conversations from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. This talk from Luma Simms explores the often-overlooked reality of how anti-Semitic attitudes are carried into the West through immigrant communities—both Muslim and Christian. Drawing on personal experience and a Catholic lens, Luma addresses the cultural and theological roots of anti-Semitism among Middle Eastern Christians and highlights how Western Chr...
37. Bonus Episode | Nostra Aetate at 60 — and Beyond with George Weigel (00:28:08)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the opening keynote address from our conference, Called to Friendship: Nostra Aetate at 60. Given by George Weigel, this keynote address illustrates Pope St. John Paul II as one of the greatest exemplars of Catholic-Jewish friendship and offers us ways to combat antisemitism today. This opening keynote by George Weigel reflects on the profound spiritual dimensions of Catholic-Jewish relations through the lens of Pope John Paul II’s ...
36. Holy Land, Political Territory, or Theological Promise? (00:48:20)
In this episode, host Simone Rizkallah speaks with Father Thomas Joseph White, O.P., Rector of the Angelicum and contributor to the new book Catholic‑Jewish Engagements on Israel: Holy Land, Political Territory, or Theological Promise? They discuss his chapter, “The State of Israel and the Holy See: A Theological and Ethical Perspective,” which offers a Catholic case for support of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Fr. White draws on natural law principles to explore how Catholic mor...
35. A Hidden Legacy: Cardinal O’Connor, the Sisters of Life, and Jewish-Catholic Friendship (00:33:19)
In this episode, I sit down with Sr. Maris Stella of the Sisters of Life to discuss the remarkable life and witness of Cardinal John O’Connor — a champion of life, a bridge-builder with the Jewish people, and a spiritual father who left a lasting mark on the Church in America. Spoiler: after his death, it was discovered that his mother was Jewish and his grandfather a rabbi! While serving as a Naval Officer, Sister Maris Stella had a profound experience of God’s love in the Eucharist that ope...
34. Why Israel Matters (00:56:03)
In this episode, Simone Rizkallah sits down with Dr. Gerry McDermott to discuss his influential book Israel Matters: Why Christians Must Think Differently about the People and the Land. Together, they explore: Why many Christians misunderstand Israel and the promises of God, the persistence of supersessionism (replacement theology) and why it matters for today, Biblical foundations for Israel’s enduring role, including Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 6:16, and insights from French Roman Catholic–...
33. Minimalist Catholic Zionism (00:55:00)
Simone interviews Dr. Gavin D’Costa about his groundbreaking work in Jewish-Catholic dialogue and the emerging idea of minimalist Catholic Zionism — a theological approach that affirms God’s enduring covenant with the Jewish people while engaging questions of land, justice, and peace. They explore: How Vatican II transformed Catholic-Jewish relations.Why the land of Israel is central to Jewish identity and faith.How justice for Palestinians fits into a Catholic Zionist framework.The role of e...
32. From Leftist to Catholic: Fighting for the Family (00:56:58)
Welcome to Season 2! This week Simone Rizkallah is joined by Peter Wolfgang, an orthodox Catholic from a Jewish family. They discuss the religious and political landscape of the Church, the world, and the Near East—what to be aware of and what to do, particularly as American Catholics. Peter Wolfgang is President of Family Institute of Connecticut Action, a Hartford-based advocacy organization whose mission is to encourage and strengthen the family as the foundation of society. He...
31. Canada's Antisemitism Crisis (00:58:25)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Fr. Deacon Andrew Bennett, founder of the Canadian Christian Declaration on Antisemitism, for a timely and urgent conversation about the growing crisis of antisemitism in Canada. Drawing from Church teaching, public theology, and his experience in public life, Fr. Deacon Andrew explores how Christians are called to respond with courage, clarity, and conviction. The discussion also reflects on the roots of antisemitism in Canadian cul...
30. Pentecost & the Power of Truth (00:53:12)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Dominican priest and theologian Fr. James Brent, O.P., for a powerful conversation about Pentecost and the transformative power of truth in the Christian life. Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and the Church Fathers, Fr. Brent explores how the descent of the Holy Spirit reveals not only divine power, but divine reason. The discussion also delves into the Catholic understanding of truth, freedom, and evangelization in a post-truth ...
This week, James O’Reilly is joined by Fr. Chris to explore the life and legacy of St. Ephrem of Syria—the only Syriac Christian recognized as a Doctor of the Church. A prolific hymnographer, theologian, and poet, St. Ephrem’s writings continue to shape both Eastern and Western Christian thought. The conversation also dives into the beauty of Eastern Catholic spirituality and its unique contributions to the universal Church. Fr. Chris shares insights on prayer, theology, and the rich liturgi...
28. Too Jewish for Catholics, Too Catholic for Jews (00:38:19)
This week James O’Reilly is joined by David Moss, president of the Association of Hebrew Catholics (AHC), to discuss how Hebrew Catholics live and express their faith within the universal Church. The conversation also addresses the special challenges and role of Jewish Catholics in the 21st century. The Association of Hebrew Catholics works to preserve the identity and heritage of Catholics of Jewish origin within the Church, to enable them to serve the Lord and all people within the my...
27. Armenia: Can She Be Saved? (00:33:16)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Matias Perttula and Dan Harre of Save Armenia to discuss the recent and ongoing events in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia, as well as the history and importance of the Armenian people. Matias Perttula is the Director of Save Armenia. Previously, Perttula served as the Director of the Center for American Values at the America First Policy Institute. Perttula completed his master’s in business administration in 2013 at Southeastern Universit...
26. Bonus Episode | A Blessing to One Another: John Paul II and the Jewish People (00:27:03)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the closing keynote address from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. Given by George Weigel, this keynote address illustrates Pope St. John Paul II as one of the greatest exemplars of Catholic-Jewish friendship and offers us ways to combat antisemitism today. George Weigel is the Distinguished Senior Fellow of the ...
25. Bonus Episode | How to Respond to Rising Rates of Catholic Antisemitism (00:58:08)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the third panel from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. This panel discussion explores practical strategies and tools to address and combat antisemitism within Catholic circles. Moderated by Simone Rizkallah, the Director of Philos Catholic, the panelists for this talk include: Maggie Phillips has authored the ser...
24. Bonus Episode | A Historical Look at Catholics and Antisemitism (01:08:14)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the second panel from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. This panel discussion examines the historical roots and evolution of Catholic antisemitism, providing context for our current challenges. Moderated by Simone Rizkallah, the Director of Philos Catholic, the panelists for this talk include: Dr. Russell H...
23. Bonus Episode | Catholics and Antisemitism—Is It Still a Problem? (01:32:58)
As one of the bonus episodes for Beyond Rome, we are sharing the first panel from Catholics and Antisemitism—Facing the Past, Shaping the Future, our conference with the Catholic Information Center in Washington DC, March 10, 2025. This panel discussion explores the contemporary relevance and presence of antisemitism within Catholic communities. Moderated by Simone Rizkallah, the Director of Philos Catholic, the panelists for this talk include: Trent Horn earned three master’s degrees i...
22. The Catholic Obligation to Combat Antisemitism (00:48:24)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Maggie Phillips to discuss an essay she wrote for Word on Fire last May, titled Christians Have an Obligation—and a Way—to Stop Antisemitism. We also ask Maggie about her job as the only Christian working at a Jewish outlet and what inspired her to write her essay for Word on Fire. Maggie has authored the series “Religious Literacy in America” for Tablet Magazine, work made possible by a grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations...
21. Pope St. John Paul II in the Holy Land (00:31:50)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are once again joined by Dr. George Weigel to discuss Pope St. John Paul II’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2000 and his exemplary witness to Catholic-Jewish relations despite the always changing geopolitical climate. George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, is a Catholic theologian and one of America’s leading public intellectuals. He holds EPPC’s William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies. From 1989 thr...
20. Who is the New Israel? Two Catholic Heresies (00:41:13)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Andre Villeneuve to discuss how Catholics should navigate between the two heresies of Supersessionism (or Replacement Theology) and Dual Covenant Theology. Dr. André Villeneuve is a Catholic theologian, biblical scholar, and Associate Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. André received his Ph.D. from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, writing his dissertation on...
19. From Zion to Rome: An Israeli’s Leap of Faith (00:53:04)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Yarden Zelivensky to discuss his journey to Catholicism and his life as a Jewish and Hebrew speaking Catholic in Israel. Yarden is a husband and father of three. A Jewish convert to the Catholic faith (via Jehovah’s Witnesses), Yarden is working with the Association of Hebrew Catholics in Israel to preserve the identity and heritage of Catholics of Jewish origin within the Church and to enable them to serve the Lord and all people wi...
18. Pope Paul VI’s Pilgrimage: Rome to Jerusalem with Charles Malik (00:34:19)
This week Simone Rizkallah and James O’Reilly are joined by Habib Malik of The Philos Project to discuss his father Charles Malik’s role in Pope St. Paul VI’s historical 1964 pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Habib C. Malik is a Senior Research Fellow at The Philos Project, where his work focuses on mapping out Lebanon's current challenges and the best path forward for reform. He holds a BA degree in history from the American University of Beirut and a MA and doctorate from Harvard Universit...
