January 6th marks Epiphany, Nollaig na mBan, and the official end of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. It closes the door on a remarkable twelve months that included the death of Pope Francis, the election of Pope Leo, and a renewed push to reconnect with young people. 

On today’s Newstalk Daily, we look back at what the Jubilee was meant to achieve — and whether it worked. From the million-strong Jubilee of Youth in Rome to the quieter reality of declining Mass attendance at home, what does success look like for the modern Church? 

We also examine the early signals from Pope Leo XVI: a calm, methodical leader described as a “centrist dad Pope,” favouring order and tradition over disruption, and taking a cautious approach to reform. 

Joining Shane Beatty on the podcast is Michael Kelly, Director of Public Affairs at Aid To The Church In Need and author of a recent biography of Pope Leo, on where the Church stands as 2026 begins — in Ireland and across the world. 

You can find out more about the work of Aid To The Church In Need Ireland here: 

👉 https://www.acnireland.org/