In this episode, associate editor Quinton Amundson and reporter Luke Mandato join host Mickey Conlon for an episode brought to you by the Digital Edition of The Catholic Register. The discussion begins at home with a troubling new OECTA report on escalating violence in Ontario Catholic schools; Mandato shares insights from his conversations with the association's president, highlighting links to social media pressures and post-COVID behavioural norms. The team delves into broader societal trends, debating whether COVID accelerated or merely amplified existing issues like screen addiction and youth detachment. Amundson explores a Cardus study on growing social isolation among religious communities and clergy, drawing parallels between the reports while underscoring the widespread disconnect of human interaction. Turning to world events, Conlon unpacks the ongoing U.S.-Israel war in Iran, now in its second week, emphasizing Pope Leo XIV's repeated calls for diplomacy echoed by bishops worldwide; Amundson details his interview with Aid to the Church in Need.

Music on Registered courtesy of Sappheiros: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0 , powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Read these related stories from catholicregister.org:

• Social isolation on rise in congregations, study shows | The Catholic Register - New challenge facing Canadian faith communities
• Christians again under siege as Mideast erupts | The Catholic Register - ‘Scapegoats for actions from the West’
• Violence a daily reality in Catholic schools | The Catholic Register - OECTA survey details ‘new normal’ facing teachers

About the Hosts:

Mickey Conlon: Is the Editor of The Catholic Register and has been a reporter and columnist for the Register.

Luke Mandato: Is a reporter for The Catholic Register.

Quinton Amundson: Quinton is a reporter for The Catholic Register.