How the Catholic Church adapted during the Black Plague. Ep. 135

It’s not really fair or responsible to draw comparisons between the
Black Plague and our current coronavirus pandemic. Our situation
pales in comparison to 50 million deaths, or roughly 50% of
Europe’s population alone in the mid-14th century. But what was
true then is true now: The Catholic Church needed to change the way
that it normally operated. And, as usual, history can be an
illuminating teacher. Winston Black is a professor and medieval
historian who focuses on the intersection of medicine and religion
in the Middle Ages. We ask him to describe just how severe the
Black Plague was, the church’s pastoral response and lessons the
church can learn today. As we mentioned on the show, Jesuitical is
going to try to increase our production during this time. That
means you can expect more than one episode a week in your podcast
feeds. You can listen to our first bonus conversation, featuring
Matt Malone, S.J., president and editor in chief of America (a.k.a.
our boss), now. We talk about developing a new appreciation for the
Eucharist and what real political leadership looks like in this
crisis. You can also connect with the show in our Facebook group,
where members of the community are planning a Zoom meetup for other
Jesuitical listeners.  Please pray for us, and know that we
are praying for you.  Links from the show:  Signs of the
Times:  Read: Pope Francis’ Urbi et Orbi address on
coronavirus and Jesus calming the storm Podcast: Inside Pope
Francis’ unprecedented Urbi et Orbi blessing for the end of
coronavirus Site crashes as half million-plus watch England’s
rededication to MaryCoronavirus forces Jerusalem's Holy Sepulchre
to close its doors for first time since 1349: 'Very sad'For Shut-In
Pilgrims, the World’s Holiest Sites Are a Click AwayCatholic
leaders praise Colorado's repeal of death penalty Books by Dr.
Black:  Medicine and Healing in the Premodern West: A History
in Documents The Middle Ages: Facts and Fictions   Learn more
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