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The Pope's Long Con What happens when the institutions we depend on fail at every level? What happens when lies go unchecked? From the pulpit to the statehouse, one man claims to serve his fellow man. But does he?
The Pope's Long Con

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The Pope's Long Con

The Pope's Long Con

From LPM News

What happens when the institutions we depend on fail at every level? What happens when lies go unchecked? From the pulpit to the statehouse, one man claims to serve his fellow man. But does he?

Most Recent Episodes

Check Out Our New Investigative Podcast, Dig

From the newsroom that brought you the Pope's Long Con, check out our newest podcast, Dig. In the first season, we bring you the results of a yearlong look at how rape cases are investigated in Louisville. What we've learned: here, the police defer to prosecutors on rape cases — and prosecutors reject the vast majority of cases presented to them. Due to this unusual relationship, most people accused of rape here will never face consequences. Most won't be arrested or convicted. And the case will be closed anyway. (Note: There are descriptions of a rape, and audio from a police body camera on the scene of a rape investigation, throughout this episode.) For more, visit kydig.org.

The Pope's Wife

We knew the story wasn't over at the end of the last chapter — but no one could've known what would happen next.

When Our Institutions Fail

Over and over, there were warning signs for law enforcement, political leaders and others. What happens when the institutions we rely on look the other way? How does a liar slip through the cracks into a position of power?

An Accusation Of Molestation

A teenage girl thought of Johnson as a second dad. Her family trusted the pastor. But in 2013, he allegedly molested her. Hear her story. And listen to Johnson's extraordinary response.

An Empire Built On Blind Faith

Go inside the Heart of Fire Church and meet the motorcycle-friendly congregation and gun choir. Check out the fellowship hall — or biker bar — and learn more about Johnson's dark past.

From Bastrop To Bullitt

Like Forrest Gump, "The Pope" just so happens to be in the front row, playing a pivotal role in America's biggest moments. Time after time. Decade after decade. He's held some of the country's loftiest titles. Or not. In this episode, find out about his early days, his first brush with the law and his alligator. Yes, his alligator!

Introducing The Pope's Long Con

What happens when the institutions we depend on fail at every level? What happens when lies go unchecked? From the pulpit to the statehouse, one man claims to serve his fellow man. But does he? Find out in this series from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Louisville Public Media.

The Pope's Long Con

Podcast Directory