E52: The Recent Conclave and the Election of the First American Pope with Rachel Artwork

TE Talks! History, Travel, and All Things Italian

Longing to go to Italy? Listen in and we will take you there with stories, from professional guides, of wonderful places that will make your imagination come alive. As a traveler, I always felt that there was something missing when I would go on walking tours to see special sites and monuments. I wanted fire works!Remember in your life when you had that exceptional teacher, that you never forgot, because they made it fun to learn? That’s what I wanted and I went out in search of those people to built my company on that very premise!Now, we have been taking people around all parts of Italy for over 20 years. We started in Rome (where I am a licensed guide) and have expanded to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, and Venice. Something that makes Through Eternity Tours special is that the staff and guides, who work with us, are exceptional. We have built very strong bonds together and we are all a great support network for each other. So many times I thought to myself that during these enthusiastic conversations that we have, wouldn’t it be great to share this with other people? That is why we have created TE Talks to keep the stories going to keep your dreams of Italy alive.

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TE Talks! History, Travel, and All Things Italian

E52: The Recent Conclave and the Election of the First American Pope with Rachel

May 31, 2025 • Robert Allyn • Season 2 • Episode 1

In this captivating episode of TE Talks, Through Eternity Tours welcomes historian and Vatican expert Rachel Emerson for an intimate and insightful conversation on the recent passing of Pope Francis and the sacred traditions surrounding the papal transition. From the myth of the silver hammer to the symbolism of the Fisherman’s Ring, Rachel brings centuries-old rituals vividly to life, while also unpacking the inner workings and global significance of the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV. Blending historical depth with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reflections on faith, power, and tradition, this episode offers a rare, humanizing glimpse into the heart of the Vatican at a moment of profound change.

Rachel Emerson is a graduate from Trinity College Dublin in Ancient History & Archaeology & Biblical & Theological Studies and a Masters in Ancient History & Archaeology. She has worked as an official Vatican guide for 10 years.