Changing Politics, Popes and Finding Common Ground in Divided Times

What if the Vatican’s next big decision could change the course of world politics—and an American is holding the keys?

In this next episode of Unconventional Times, host Richard Gordon sits down with Joe Donnelly—former U.S. Senator, Congressman, and recently Ambassador to the Holy See—to pull back the curtain on the historic moment of the first American pope, the behind-the-scenes diplomacy between the U.S. and the Vatican, and the fascinating overlap between faith and power on the global stage.

Key Highlights:

• The Making of an Ambassador: Joe Donnelly shares the unconventional journey from Long Island altar boy to representing America at the Vatican—along with hilarious, heartfelt stories of family, baseball loyalties, and the call that changed his life.
• Pope Francis: The Man, the Myth, the Mission: Get a rare, intimate glimpse of Pope Francis through Joe’s candid anecdotes, exploring his empathy, leadership, and commitment to the world’s most vulnerable—even late-night phone calls to Gaza.
• A New Era with Pope Leo: What does it mean to have an American-born pope, and how did “Cardinal Bob” Prevost become Leo XIV? Learn how community, humility, and a few White Sox jokes reveal the human side of the papacy.
• Faith Meets Foreign Policy: Discover how the Vatican’s moral influence impacts global conflicts from Ukraine to Gaza, and the delicate work of shifting the Church’s stance through hours of dialogue, reasoning, and empathy.
• A Deep Dive on American Politics: Joe doesn’t shy from tough talk on bipartisanship, the dangers of gerrymandering, and why there’s still hope for moderates—and the real story behind key votes on healthcare, immigration, and same-sex marriage.
• Reflections on Loss and Resilience: Facing electoral defeats and changing values, Joe shares why losing isn’t the end, but a vital part of a life lived with purpose.

Don’t miss this episode if you’ve ever wondered how religion, diplomacy, and politics really connect—or if you’re searching for hope and humanity in today’s turbulent world.

Listen, watch, and let us know how you’re taking these lessons into your own life by messaging us or joining the Unconventional Times community!

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Pope Leo XIV and US-China Deal

07:10 "The Pope's Global Influence"

12:45 Pope Francis' Gaza Peace Efforts

16:17 Universal Healthcare Equality Dreams

22:04 Relatable Yet Worldly Leader

28:23 "John Paul II's Global Impact"

32:44 "Values Over Relationship: Indiana Family"

41:07 Challenging Health Care Talks with White House

44:08 "Addressing Shared Goals Reduces Abortions"

53:14 Indiana Dreamers: Challenges and Community

57:50 "Understanding Trump's Tariff Instincts"

01:04:26 "Pope Leo: A New Hope"

01:05:18 "Unconventional Times Podcast Closing"