Radio Interview: The true story of ‘Xavier Rynne’

During the Second Vatican Council, a mysterious voice began reporting from inside the closed-door sessions — exposing tensions and calling for reform. That voice belonged to Xavier Rynne, the pseudonym of Father Francis Xavier Murphy, a Redemptorist priest who risked everything to write anonymously about the council’s inner workings.

George Matysek talks with Richard A. Zmuda, author of the new historical novel, “The Mole of Vatican Council II: The True Story of ‘Xavier Rynne,'” which brings Father Murphy’s remarkable story to life. Zmuda, a parishioner of the Redemptorist parish of St. Mary in Annapolis, draws on personal letters, diaries and secret Vatican files to explore why Father Murphy wrote, what he risked and how his bold reporting still echoes in today’s Church.

Click play below to listen to the full interview:

More radio interviews

Radio Interview: Supporting the grieving, honoring the departed

Radio Interview: Catholic Extension Society provides mission support in dioceses across country

Radio Interview: Ask a Bishop with Bishop Adam J. Parker

Radio Interview: Rita Buettner and Faith for Working Moms

Radio Interview: The Kevin Matthews Story

Faith fuels John Harbaugh’s NFL coaching style

Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media

 Print