Episode
Little Marco’s Awkward Gift to Pope Leo (w/ Katie McGrady)
- Podcast
- Bulwark Takes
- Published
- May 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1031
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8901428
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Summary
JVL is joined by SiriusXM's The Catholic Channel host Katie McGrady to break down one of the strangest diplomatic moments of the year: Secretary of State Marco Rubio meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and gifting him a crystal football paperweight. They unpack the awkward exchange, why the Trump administration seems uneasy with the first American pope, and how previous presidents and diplomats handled papal gifts with a lot more thought. ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Just announced! We’re adding some chatty friends to the lineups for both shows. Grab your seats now to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends and keep an eye on https://TheBulwark.com/Events for more announcements.