Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost from Chicago has been selected by the papal conclave to become the next pope. Cardinal Prevost was created by Pope Francis in 2023. As the new Bishop of Rome, Cardinal Prevost has selected the name Pope Leo XIV.
(VIA MSM) – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has become the first-ever American elected as the leader of the Catholic Church — now known by his pontifical name of Pope Leo XIV.
The 69-year-old, born on the Southside of Chicago, is seen as a diplomat of the church and was an important adviser to his predecessor, Pope Francis.
He became a front-runner to the papacy in the days before the conclave began, said Rev. James Martin, a papal contributor to ABC News.
Leo emerged from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday evening to throngs of cheering crowds, following the signal of white smoke that emanated from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.
Leo is the fifth-most-popular name chosen by popes. Pope Leo XIV’s full authority and jurisdiction begins immediately upon his acceptance of the office. (more)
♦ Pope Leo XIV, American-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, has addressed thousands of people gathered in Vatican Square for the first time as pontiff.
Leo took a moment to take in the crowd after stepping onto the center balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his remarks.
“Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you,” Leo said in Italian. “This is the peace of the risen Christ.”
Leo asked the crowd to pray for the late Pope Francis and expressed gratitude to his predecessor — encouraging followers to continue Francis’ mission “for building bridges.”
“We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming,” Leo told the crowd.
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If what I read this morning he has a pedo or two in his history. It appears he may have been selected by Francis as he has the same leanings. The church I left is a massive bureaucracy. I am interested in finding the church’s organizational chart. The Church of Rome masquerades as the church of Christ. Amazing how the biblical church of Christ that reveals itself in the Middle East is now Rome. What a transformation.
Well Jesus the King has an entirely flat org chart.
All those who call Him King, the “Called Out Ones” (ie the church), directly report to Him. There are no intermediaries.
He has also provided each of His subjects with an Assistant who has been in direct contact with Him for eternity. They constantly finish each other’s sentences, in fact.
Amen!
The true “church” is called the bride {body} of Christ.
It is the body of believers, indwellled with the Holy Spirit, individually, that make up the “church”.
In God We Trust
{All others pay cash}
Trust God
Fear not
As I said above, this one man(!) is venerated by millions of people. They see the Office as “infallible.” Even though only fallible people can ever occupy it. This is therefore a completely unique ministry. Created among “a massive bureaucracy” of human beings. Yet, when formally asked by his peers, he said: “yes.” May God be with him.
“They see the Office as “infallible.””
I have never met a Roman Catholic who believes the Pope is infallible. He is human, not perfect.
The Pope is only supposed to be infallible on certain Church doctrines. In all other cases he is as subject to error as any other human.
Another woke Pope.
Yep. I know my sister is thinking of going over to the Greek Orthodox Church she is so disgusted with the current Catholic Church. Frankly, I think – given their NGOs supporting and enabling illegals coming up from South America – that the the Church’s tax exempt status should be withdrawn. They are not acting like a religion so much as a social activist organization.
I have been watching and reading several news stories about this and not one mention of Jesus Christ our savior. Does anyone actually read the bible anymore?
That should be at the forefront! But it doesn’t seem like it was enough so far in his intro..
“Greetings, brothers and sisters. This is the first greeting of the risen Christ. May the peace be with you,” Leo said in Italian. “This is the peace of the risen Christ.”
From the article above.
Granted, it almost sounds like he is calling himself the risen Christ… strange wording, but the Saviors name was among the first words he chose…
He spoke in Italian, it should be properly translated with a colon between Christ and May rather than a period.
I’m Catholic. I read the Bible every day. I try to discern what God is saying to me. Even in difficult passages from the OT and Revelation I am aware that God is present and in control of every circumstance.
I do and have everyday since I responded to Jesus invitation. A lot of churches don’t even teach from the Bible, they may read a verse and then go on telling you to love one another. Very very sad. My other question do churches offer bible studies any more, not home fellowships but bible studies where you can did in and meditate on God’s WORD. I was taught that the Bible was a love letter to us, that it is the living Word. Seattle Washington is starving for God’s word and they don’t even know it.
You speak of a bible church. They do exist. There is one on the east side that is Christ focused and Bible centered.
I know about that one, thank you – it’s very good, they stood against the mandates. Bible based churches exist but how many actually stand on the Word of God?
Bill Clinton read the Bible and still violated all the Commandments.
Why? He claimed he was saved so he could do whatever the hell he wants.
There are millions of dirtbags out there with the same basic outlook on life.
Millions of Catholics do, including me.
Reading the bible is critical, but so is discernment.
There are plenty of non Catholics out there who who can quote chapter and verse, but distort the meaning to promote a selfish and greedy existence.
Ya think scripture really supports “prosperity gospel?”
Also, plenty of Catholics who treat the bible with indifference,
Neither faction is correct.
https://www.pre-trib.org/pretribfiles/pdfs/Hunt-MysteryBabylonIdenti.pdf
Are you kidding me!!! He mentioned Jesus Christ in his 1st public prayer/speech at least 7 times.
Latin is no longer taught in school. No wonder they didn’t recognize the very ancient and traditional Papal announcement.
Education…
“There are not over a hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions, however, who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing.”
-Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
Stop showing your ignorance of history!!!
The RCC doesn’t preach the gospel….that’s why.
…and several other reasons also.
Todd, this is factually wrong, the Holy Father and then many venues quoting his first words show the Lord God being mention as the Risen Savior….having read the Bible or Sacred Scriptures, you know that knowingly lying or detracting about another is a sin, and in this situation, one by which ‘one surely dies’ – a deadly or mortal or grave sin, as opposed to non-deadly sins, both of which the Bible give endless witness examples….. The Bible also says treat or love each other as Christ treats or loves the other, do not mistreat or fail to love/agape/caritas them….the Bible also witnesses that when one does these things publicly they must make public amends and reparation; it also says ‘don’t just read the Bible but live it, otherwise one is like a person who looks into the mirror and then goes away forgetting what one has learned’ {seen, read, prayed about}….please don’t give the adversary such easy victories, remember the Bible says ‘love rejoices in the truth’….so rejoice in the truth that the new Peter first proclaimed, honored, glorified , loved, the Beloved God and Christ, instead of robbing God and His People of this truth….and so on! And yes, there should be much more proclaiming of the Beloved by all! Easter blessings, Todd!
Christ is not Jesus a body. Christ is the Light that works and appears through a body that in this case may be called Jesus. In Scripture nowhere does it say that an “Idol” should be worshiped, even in his own words Jesus said, “worship no false Idols”.
Understanding the distinction between Light, Christ, God that are ALL Invisible to the human optical vision and that which appears to work through the body seems to go way over the heads of most, as they always look to the appearance, wherein it is said in Scripture “judge not by appearances, lest ye be judged”. And what does everyone do, hello, everyone judges by appearance and wonders why they are all looking at an upside down world.
Jesus also said, “Love thy Father God with all thy heart soul and mind and love thy neighbour the same”. How can anyone Love thy neighbour the same when everyone does not know how to love God because they are all looking to the appearance to give them evidence of God whilst in denial of God through worshiping a false Idol, that which Jesus said do not do.
Somewhere the whole doctrine of Scripture that has been presented has been twisted and perverted out of the Original meanings, hence here we are today, seemingly in a pile of doo doo wondering what next to do with a Pope that worships a clown show.
First of all, I am Catholic.
However, too many people conflate the spirituality of the religion with the Catholic corporation, if you will.
Which stinks, just like our congress.
The trouble with the Church is that there are so many people in it.
it is not commonplace today to hear the description of the various states of the Church – the Church Triumphant, Militant and Penitent. Too many people?
” I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”
Key words “these things”
Matthew 24:34–35,
Mark 13:30–31
Luke 21:32–33
And far too many of those people are part of the Catholic corporation that Amjean talks about.
Bingo on Friday night in the church basement, wedding on Saturday with the Knights of Columbus holding the reception with an open bar. Sounds like an exceptional Christian outfit to me.
I worked as business director at a Catholic Church. I am catholic and attended catholic high school. Dated the nephew of the head priest. I am still catholic but not practicing but have amazing Christian faith. I could tell you horror stories about working at the church and the things that went on. I could write a very interesting book. On the other hand there were some very amazing humans there too.
Tell it all! The beautiful and the profane. Shed some light in the darkness.
That is truth, Amjean.
People conflate faith with their cultures and their religious corporations, and call it “Christianity” – with their particular choice of participation deemed the only “true” way.
The Bible states clearly that Jesus, and Jesus only, is the Way, the Life, and the Truth. Those are His words, not mine.
“The Bible states clearly that Jesus, and Jesus only, is the Way, the Life, and the Truth. ”
And this is exactly the teaching of the Catholic Church.
“with their particular choice of participation deemed the only “true” way.” = 50,000 denominations
Amen!
At completely anti-Trump, Open Borders leftie…it’s enough to rile the Masons, call out the Know Nothings, and start telling stories about clerical abuse in the rectories and nunneries….
First American pope.
Something unsettling about this in today’s world.
Absolutely. For any American who might have contemplated that one day there might be an American Pope, the hope would have been that the person selected would hold American values and respect the Constitution. If that were the case, today’s news might have brought great happiness.
I don’t know enough about this new guy yet to draw a conclusion – but the fact that he took the name Leo, the previous Leo being at least anti-socialist, if not anti-communist – might be a source of hope. But there are also other obvious examples of his wokism. For now, I’ll give it time, but I guess I would say I am cautiously unoptimistic.
Doesn’t feel right, eh?
Perhaps it fits the end times we may be in.
Why do Catholics keep up the pretense ??
I’m guessing the father of all lies and tricks, Satan is a big part of the scales on Catholic’s eyes.
Splinter meet log.
https://novusordowatch.org/2025/05/habent-papam-new-pope-leo-14/
Nuff said.
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I will defer to Ann Barnhardt’s opinion:
https://www.barnhardt.biz/2025/05/08/abject-disaster-but-keep-heart/
Abject Disaster. But, keep heart.
Prevost is from Chicago. He’s a disaster. He is hated by his Augustinian confreres. He covered up for child sex abusers. He’s a raging leftist, and is in the ODIOUS Cupich’s pocket. It’s not going to get better. It’s probably going to get worse. Now, I’m going to pray before the Tabernacle. Jesus is still there!
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An elder once told me, you can move a mountain, one teaspoon at a time. He also said that a person does not need a church, any church. God in your heart, mind, and soul will suffice. That mountain is still there, it is one of the mountains where many feel peace.
Anne does not mince words, never has and never will!
Thanks for the link ☕️
Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but the vibe of these comments is nihilistic and shallow. I usually glean some edifying insights from the commentors on this blog but not in this instance. Much noxious spew from anti-Catholics and clear seculars, neither of which offer any benefit that I can see. Just sayin’….
And some are simply pointing out the obvious. He has a record of covering up PEDOPHILIA! You don’t have to be a member of a “cult, sect or ministry” to recognize evil. Those children’s lives have been destroyed. There are multi-millions of Catholics. Their leaders have been mocking them for years! Where is the outrage? Where are the protests? Why have they not rallied to purify their church of this iniquity? Jesus made it very clear what the punishment is for harming children, and it doesn’t include transferring to another parish!
When the new pope was a prelate in Peru he started an investigation into the sexual abuse of 2 women who abused by a priest. He was later told by the Vatican to stop. It is a fact that Pope Francis did not have very good advisors.
I pray he isn’t Francis 2.0. We want our traditions renewed and no wokeism. Faith and Morals are the only things.
Steve Bannon to Piers Morgan both called it a week ago, and laid out the implications involving Alinsky’s Chicago.
I’m Catholic and I pray the Divine Office as part of daily prayer.
Revelation has been the focus of the Office of Readings for several days. It addresses the end times which are terrifying to unbelievers but God guards and protects the faithful through the tribulation.
I’m not afraid.
“Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
it is not commonplace today to hear the description of the various states of the Church – the Church Triumphant, Militant and Penitent. Too many people?
Jesus said ” I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away”
Matthew 24:34–35
Mark 13:30–31
Luke 21:32–33
(Key words) ….. “these things”
Matthew 24 is a passage from the Bible where Jesus speaks about the end times and the fulfillment of prophecies. In verse 34, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened,” indicating that the events he is describing will occur within the lifetime of those present at the time of his speaking. Some interpret “this generation” as the generation of people living when these signs begin to appear, rather than the generation Jesus was directly addressing.
Mark 13 and 31 from the New Testament includes Jesus’ statement about the timing of future events. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened”.
The current and future states of the Church:”This generation” refers to Jesus’s contemporaries who would witness “all these things”, including Jesus’ second coming.
Some see “generation” as referring to a particular race of people—such as the Jewish race. Other variations on this theme might argue that “generation” refers to the human race, or to the “race of disciples,” or to “this type of generation,” like “the faithless generation” of 11:29-32.
The word translated “generation” (genea in Greek) “carries the sense of those living at a given time, the current time.” So if the word is being used here to refer to a particular race or class of people, “this rare sense . . . is most unusual.”
2. Others would argue that the generation who sees “all this” is not the generation who is alive when Jesus is speaking these words, but rather the generation who is alive when the final period of great tribulation at the end of history begins. Darrell Bock, who favors this position, puts it like this: “What Jesus is saying is that the generation that sees the beginning of the end, also sees its end. When the signs come, they will proceed quickly; they will not drag on for many generations. It will happen within a generation.”
3. There are several other possible interpretations, one most compelling is an “already—not yet” approach to the end times which argues that the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 is inseparably linked to the coming of
The destruction of Jerusalem is such a definitive event in the history of redemption, it marks “the beginning of the end.”
So Jesus is using “generation” in the most natural sense of the word—he is saying to his disciples who are alive at the moment that they will experience in their lifetimes an event that signifies the beginning of the end of history. To experience the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 “is as good as experiencing the end, because one event pictures, guarantees, and reflects the other”
What are “these things”?
Luke 21:32
It cannot be referring to the actual return of Christ in verse 27, for it would make no sense to say that Christ’s return demonstrates that the end is near—indeed, his return proves that the end has come!
These things” are simply those events which will show that the end is near—as when the fig tree comes out in leaf, you see that summer is near, so also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near (vv. 30-31).
So when Jesus refers to “these things” in Luke 21, he is referring back to the original question of his disciples in verse 7: “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” “These things” happened in A.D. 70, when Jerusalem was destroyed and there was not one stone upon another in the temple that was not cast down to the ground.
This interpretation, “These things” states its practical significance nothing any longer stands in the way of Christ’s return. But neither does Jesus give any ‘sign’ by which we might be able to predict the time of his coming.
I liked the “Trump Pope” more!
😂
Papa Robert Francis Prevost is very intelligent, a champion of the poor, and a humble man. Political sides have no place! Amen!
He’s not so intelligent if he doesn’t understand the necessity of preserving the culture of Western Civilization.
There is no Western Civilization without Christianity.
And it looks to me that its mostly the Orthodox Christian Church that is fending off the Edomites.
Which one? There are many autocephalous Orthodox Churches.
Græco-Roman Civilization
Exactly. Spiritual war is ongoing…
Pray tell, how do you know he doesn’t?
Not good
Leo the 14th’s dad?
Spitting image, eh?
https://youtube.com/shorts/joTaewNAFcM?si=ZJJILmTIIzHl0HZY
I am Catholic and proud of it. I did not agree with most ideas of Pope Francis because I am very conservative. When Francis was elected and came out the balcony, I felt fear just looking at his eyes. There was something about this man that gave me serious concern. Eventually I realized my first reaction was correct. This time, however, I had a good feeling. This Pope has softness and humility, particularly appreciated from a very intelligent man. His background is mixed. He is not a copy of Francis. He is not woke. He is registered to vote as a Republican and has always voted. He is against abortion, transgenderism, homosexual marriage. On the other hand, he has a soft spot for immigrants. This seems to me more of a misunderstanding of Trump’s position on illegal immigration and what the US has suffered during the Biden years. He has been living in Peru and I doubt knows much of what has happened in the US for the past few years. Probably gets all the American news from our corrupt media.
I wish to give him some time. Trump should meet with him sometime this year. I think this Pope can change his mind if he were told the truth.
Thank you for your very well-balanced comment. I agree. I look forward to he and Trump’s having an open dialogue in which each truly listens to the other. My hope is that they can each learn something from the other.
Perfectly written. That’s exactly what I am thinking about the guy too. Let’s give him a chance
Thank you. That sounds like an honest assessment.
Why is he from Chicago, of all places? Really? Now? As a Boston Catholic, the only thing worse would be that he was from the Archdiocese of Boston!
The Chicago way: rig elections, lol.
That’s where hus mother gave birth! Think!
I guess you forgot about Cardinal George, Cupich’s predecessor.
His being from Chicago and serving in Peru are 2 red flags right there.
https://www.conservapedia.com/Abraham_Lincoln_School
Continuation of mass migration supported by catholic charities.
Both places hotbeds of Luciferian Communism.
you are correct; follow the money!!!!
Along with the Episcopals and the Baptists.
My hopes and prayers are for a positive result with the papacy of Leo XIV. How long until PDJT and the new Pope have a face-to-face exchange to forge a unified relationship? Positive word and deeds.
Cradle Catholic. Still practicing. Heart sick.
I understand that he is a globalist, who has opposed US sovereignty.
Source?
So many critics.
Reading comments, seems an opportunity to slam Catholicism.
I am Catholic and am thankful for the new pope. May God bless him that he may guide well the 1.2 billion Catholics.
For all the critics, Catholicism is growing throughout the world, even here in the U.S.
I’m a practicing Catholic, and I’m disappointed that the new guy is as woke and progressive as the one who recently got called to Judgement.
I am NOT thankful for this guy. Maybe the Holy Spirit will visit this guy and infuse him with some non woke backbone. We can only hope and pray….
Pope Francis appointed 80 % of current cardinals. I hoped for one more conservative but know better.
Yes. We are in an area of Mexico where the population of Catholics is over 90%. And growing. Ildefonso Cathedral is where we attend Mass..Church is 463 years old. …..
Wow! Must be a nice church. I enjoy the old cathedrals.
Merida?
“Reading comments, seems to be an opportunity to slam Catholicism.”
You noticed that too? I am surprised, and quite disappointed.
I thought folks in the Treehouse were better researchers and better educated, and not so anti-Catholic, but that’s the only allowable and acceptable discrimination.
Well, I think that the Cardinals made a bold move, but they also chose an extremely qualified person who has spent much of his life in foreign ministry. I am glad to see that they are looking “beyond Italy and Europe” now.
Although I am not myself a Catholic, I appreciate the profound importance that this particular Officeholder has in the earthly ministry of Christ. He is literally venerated by millions of people. That is a challenge that he alone must bear. It is good that he has accepted that challenge. May the Lord equip him and sustain him every day, to do what he has agreed to do, in this ministry that is like no other ministry on earth.
Catholic or no, let us pray for this man and support him. He will need it.
From this Catholic, thank you for your kind words.
Hi all, this thread is not a good look or close representation of the Christian charity necessary for salvation. To say nothing of the pride on display in some of the comments, which is of course a capital sin. Coming online, to intentionally savage the hope and faith of 1.3 billion Catholics on a day a new pope is chosen is down right diabolically influenced.
As Christ admonished: “ Judge not, that you may not be judged.
For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again.
And why seest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye; and seest not the beam that is in thy own eye?
Or how sayest thou to thy brother: Let me cast the mote out of thy eye; and behold a beam is in thy own eye?
Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thy own eye, and then shalt thou see to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”
-Matthew 7: 1-5
This man has now accepted what certainly must be the most difficult ministry on this planet. You might not be a Catholic, but, “here he is.” He didn’t have to accept the nomination. But, he did. Pray for him as he strives to perform the Office. Which directly(!) touches the lives of literally millions of people every day, many of whom will venerate every word that he says. It is like nothing else on earth, and he said: “yes.”
Pray for him, all ye. “Yes, he did know ‘what he do.'”
Hi Mike. I am a Catholic. I know that history is filled with men who entered the papacy one way, but were shaped by the office and the awesome responsibility placed upon them by the Holy Ghost to faithfully shepherd billions of souls as a guardian of the immutable Truth of Jesus Christ.
We are called to pray for the man that he faithfully discharges the duty bestowed upon him.
Veni, Sancte Spíritus, reple tuórum corda fidélium, et tui amóris in eis ignem accénde.
Emítte Spíritum tuum et creabúntur; Et renovábis fáciem terræ.
I do not understand these Latin words, but I do recognize and respect the dedication of a person who has voluntarily accepted an Office that is like no other. (“The Presidency of the United States” pales(!) in comparison to this.)
This single individual is now directly connected to millions – yes, perhaps billions – of people. There is nothing like it in this world: indeed, a “King of Kings.” An Office to which there are national embassies. There cannot be a more challenging ministry.
Sorry about the Latin Mike, but it really is your loss. The prayer is about 1700 years old and considered one of the most beautiful and poetic prayers in all of Christianity, among Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants alike.
Forgive me for interrupting as I would be if this was a physical scene. Being unable to understand/ignorant of something, is not a sin. Does any one get a chance to be informed with charity?
Why do you share something, then come back on Mike who mentions he does not understand the language. Tell me my impression is wrong, yet this is what came across. As for Latin .. how many people understand languages in use – let alone Latin? If you meant for him to look it up himself “give a man a fish or fishing rod” analogy; the “it really is your loss”
You talk “not a good look”, “pride”, and (then) some .. (judgment). Who judges any one as a “sinner”. Jesus Himself was criticised for eating with, choosing Matthew (tax-collector – hence sinner), talking to an outsider (woman at the well) .. just a couple of examples that cannot be refuted as to how Jesus lives by the Word of God (even though He is God, Second Person).
Mike did not criticise the Latin, he “I do not understand these Latin words”.
Quote : ” …. this thread is not a good look or close representation of the Christian charity necessary for salvation. To say nothing of the pride on display in some of the comments, which is of course a capital sin. Coming online, to intentionally savage the hope and faith of 1.3 billion Catholics on a day a new pope is chosen is down right diabolically influenced”.
The man wasn’t criticising/”intentionally savaging”. Considering what went down, where is the truth in what transpired? What then is the truth of the spirit of Christian charity taught by Jesus Christ? The Bible tells of all aspects of what that is.
Jesus taught extensively about the spirit of charity, emphasizing that it is a fundamental aspect of living a life in accordance with God’s will. According to Jesus, loving God with all one’s heart, soul, strength, and mind, and loving one’s neighbor as oneself, are the greatest commandments.
Matthew 22:37-40
When it comes to sinners condemned by man and the proud. Jesus exemplified charity through his actions, such as healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and showing compassion to those who were marginalized or despised by society – (woman caught in adultery), for one. Similarly, Jesus restored sight to a blind man who was deemed unworthy by others, highlighting that charity should extend to all, regardless of their status. This includes ‘admonish the sinner, teach the ignorant … , as taught by Jesus, charity is not limited to material giving but also encompasses acts of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. He taught that charity is the greatest of all virtues and that it will endure forever, unlike other earthly attributes
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
May God bless you abundantly with all GOOD, which can only come from Almighty Father God. God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
Hi Nichan, I think you misunderstood my original comment was not directed at but came before MiKe Robinson responded to me and then he and I corresponded. My original comment wasn’t directed at Mike Robinson, who I have found over the years to be a sincere and intelligent commentor. The comment about lack of charity, pride, and futility of judging others was addressed to the consistent anti-Catholic screed that appears anytime any story about Catholic matters, liturgy , or practice appears on CHT. This has been remarked on repeatedly by Sundance, Menagiere, and othet Catholics on the site. Part of charity is to consider the best possible intention of the other in any interaction, so I am going to assume you didn’t actually carefully read my original post nor the back and forth between Mike and I.
Deus Vult,
Peace be with you.
I have no beef about your original comment; a “truth be told” as per the anti-Catholic screed “this thread” on CTH.
I see that as ‘the weed’ that Jesus taught to us gardeners; to not worry/contend with.
Persecution of Christianity particularly of the Catholic Church has has a long and complex history spanning centuries. Early Christians faced persecution from both Jews and Romans, with notable events including the Neronian Persecution under Emperor Nero, which began in 64 CE after the Great Fire of Rome. This persecution continued intermittently until 313 AD, when the Edict of Milan was issued, legalizing Christianity in the Roman Empire.
During the Middle Ages – from various groups, including the Almoravids, who persecuted and expelled Christians from North Africa in the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Mongols – after their conversion to Islam, also persecuted Christians, particularly the Nestorians, leading to massacres and the destruction of churches and religious sites.
In the modern era, the Soviet Union under Lenin initiated a significant persecution of Christians, including the Orthodox and Catholic churches, which lasted for seventy years from 1917 to 1989.
This period saw the deaths of approximately 15 million Christians, with many clergy and believers facing imprisonment, execution, and the destruction of religious sites.
More recently, Christians, including Catholics, continue to face persecution in various parts of the world. In 2023, over 5,000 Christians were killed in attacks in Nigeria, and preaching Christianity can still result in imprisonment in Libya and other Muslim-majority countries.
According to the World Watch List 2023, around 365 million Christians are subject to high levels of persecution and discrimination.
The Catholic Church has marked significant events in its history, such as the conversion of Constantine the Great, as pivotal moments that symbolize the end of persecution and the beginning of a new era for Christianity.
However, the Church has also faced periods of internal persecution, such as the persecution of Christians by other Christians during the Protestant Reformation and the Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation.
Today, the Catholic Church continues to advocate for the rights of Christians facing persecution around the world,
I have not always agreed with the details of some things Pope Francis did or advocated for. However, Francis’s comforting reminder to the faithful on the feast of St. Stephen in 2023 –
“that all men be saved” and
“that none be lost.”
.. and to pray for one’s persecutors.
All Glory be to God Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
May the Peace of Christ be with you
Amen
And with you. Beautifully stated.
Here, Mike, is a translation. I had to look it up:
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created. And Thou shall renew the face of the earth.”
Thank you. God bless you
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send out your Spirit and they will be created; And you will renew the face of the earth.
Amen.
Agreed. Many very ignorant posts.
Wonder what the over all opinion of Catholics is with this Pope?
Do know that the last one was not very popular with Catholics! Some seemed even embarrassed by the last Pope
Catholics are bound by the theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity infused by God, to pray for any newly elected pope, to hope for his docility to the Holy Ghost in shepherding the billions of souls who look to his leadership and role in safeguarding unchanging doctrine, and to will his good, for the sake of Almighty God.
We are certainly also able to be critical of his failings in discharging his duties and challenge any attempts to subvert doctrine, while remaining respectful of the office if not the man making decisions in it.
Catholic here. Here’s how I look at it:
On immigration he’s pro-immigrants — not a plus for those of conservative political bent, the left will hype it up. The Church is really not ever going to be in line with countries concerning this because the Church isn’t nationalist. Might as well get used to it, try to dialogue with them, realize you’ll never meet completely eye to eye. There is some room for dialogue though.
On climate change he’s a believer, apparently (although some of his words point to a different take on it that the current leftist rhetoric) — this is one where I definitely think dialogue needs to happen and might mutually benefit all. Climate change is a marxist stalking horse term, but care of nature and the environment should be something all people should attend to as it was bequeathed to us by God. I’d mark this one down as “room for improvement but not outside the realm of concordance if discussed properly and not past each other.” I truly wish Jeffery Sachs’ vile influence was far away from my Church.
On the gender issue he’s not the left’s guy at all based on his comments. They’ll likely downplay this one. He’s come out with some very strong statements concerning culture’s abandoning of the traditional family and acceptance of disordered thought. Really spoke out against bringing gender studies to Peru. So from a political standpoint conservatives should be happy about this.
He’s a big proponent of synodality, so I expect him to be rather open to the idea of compromise and leniency concerning Church conventions that fall outside of the Sacraments. This will go hand in hand with the notion of missionary evangelizing.
His choice of name is interesting — Leo I is a Doctor of the Church for defining and defending Catholic orthodoxy (and saving Rome from Attila), Leo XIII is famous for setting modern Catholic social teaching: Rerum Novarum. I highly encourage non-Catholics (and Catholics who should have done so already) to read it in order to understand where the Church might be coming from with regards to its social stance and if your priest has hit the proper balance. Who knows? We will see.
In short, the left is going to try and paint him as a ‘woke Pope’; some on the right will gobble up what the left sells them because he is too ‘woke’ for them — same old, same old. The Church isn’t right wing or left wing, those who wish it to be will always be upset. I don’t expect my Church and my government to fall into line; perhaps it’s best they don’t.
Also, might be a good time to revisit Quadragesimo anno, which is Pius XI’s further exploration of Rerum Novarum. This concerns Catholic social teaching. You all might find it…educational (and yeah, both capitalism and socialism get poked).
“That the rest of the family should also contribute to the common support, according to the capacity of each, is certainly right, as can be observed especially in the families of farmers, but also in the families of many craftsmen and small shopkeepers. But to abuse the years of childhood and the limited strength of women is grossly wrong. Mothers, concentrating on household duties, should work primarily in the home or in its immediate vicinity. It is an intolerable abuse, and to be abolished at all cost, for mothers on account of the father’s low wage to be forced to engage in gainful occupations outside the home to the neglect of their proper cares and duties, especially the training of children. Every effort must therefore be made that fathers of families receive a wage large enough to meet ordinary family needs adequately. But if this cannot always be done under existing circumstances, social justice demands that changes be introduced as soon as possible whereby such a wage will be assured to every adult workingman.” — Pius XI
Does that sound ‘woke’? Perhaps, but how much of it would you agree with?
Thank You
Interesting and actually I feel a good overall rundown!
I will say that as I’ve grown older, I keep wondering why the Catholic Church especially the pope has gotten so politically involved in world politics
The Church has always seen it as a duty/mission to enhance and protect the Sacraments and to evangelize the Word of God while also looking out for the faithful, all of them…globally, as best as possible.
That means you have to be part of this world, and you have to be able to ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome’ while still staying true to those Sacraments and to the mission.
I think that’s only been PF.
Some of the people in the know told me this was going to be an American Pope with financial connections. The last dope ran the finances so far into the dumpster that the Vatican is in deep financial distress right now. And while he was at it he alienated most of the donors. Lo and behold they were right.
Troll?
Any Christian leader, from Russell Moore to the Pope is a fraud if they can not:
Acknowledge and give thanks to the Lord that President Donald Trump is pro-life and helped get Roe vs Wade removed from the booksGive President Donald Trump credit for being a relentless pursuer of peace. Not to long ago Christians lead the effort to broker peaceful solutions to world conflicts. Blessed are the peacemakers said Jesus. If a Christian leader rails on Donald Trump over immigration policy and says not one word of thanks for our POTUS ending wars and pursuing peace, then they are phonies.
Those in the Christian faith that rail against President Trump over immigration, and liken him as a fascist are either emotionally unstable or dishonest. President Trump’s position on immigration is, indeed- righteous, biblical, and Christ-like. The last Pope’s was not, neither is evangelical Russell Moore (and his ilk). President Trump has said stop and prosecute illegal immigration and he has praised to the hilt legal immigration. It’s a very simple concept.
My thought is that money has corrupted Catholic charities to the point that their gravy train must make its way up to the Vatican AND that Evangelical leaders like Russell Moore are intelligence community assets.
These are litmus test issues for the genuineness of one’s faith. True support of peace and immigration law-and-order (no to illegal, yes to legal). If you can’t get behind pro-life, peace, and lawful order your faith is corrupted.
Catholic Charities is corrupted – along with parallel charities in the Baptist and Episcopal churches. Others too. Corruption isn’t limited to one religion.
How many Third World migrants is the new Pope going to admit into the Vatican? Can we put you down for 2-3 million?
Before judging and denigrating him, I would give the man some time. Actions speak louder than words.
I put my trust in Jesus who promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against his Church. He is still Lord and Head of his body, the Church, the great high shepherd of the sheep. May he bless and guide our new Pope Leo XIV, who is in this office by the grace and providence of Jesus Christ!
No, just Catholicism. Most of us, none Catholics, don’t really give a tinker’s curse about who and what the Pope is.
On the Frank Pavone you tube channel is an 18 minute interview with a Father who was a professor at Villanova University when the new Pope was a student; of course Frank Pavone is with Priests for Life and this interviewee makes a note that when the new Pope was a student he created a pro-life student group, that exists to this day.
It’s symbolic that he comes from the US where degeneracy, blasphemy & deicide thru’s lgbt, transgenderism,etc,etc was being promoted and where crime against humanity was commited thru’ the release of this bio-weapon C-19. As predicted by the seers, this nomination – being a hard core leftist & globalist – is proof that the Vatican been already infiltrated by the Evil one & chastisement is coming soon…
I guess this “evil” began with the appointment of Saul.
Exactly. Saul was the perfect weapon. If HE could be converted and redeemed, clearly there were NO limits. Anything is possible for God.
Anybody who summarily condemns a man based on past behavior misses the whole point of Jesus’ saving sacrifice and the hope through faith and grace available to sinners everywhere.
Never forget the penitant thief!
I figured the Catholic bashers would crawl out of the woodwork for this one, and you didn’t disappoint.
Most of this comes from people who have been gaslit all their lives by well meaning, but ill informed, Protestant clergy.
The fact is, all Christians are on the same team, and we are far more alike than most non-converts will ever know. Catholics and Protestants need to quit the intramural bickering.
For me, like most Catholics, the essence of Catholicism–what it means to be a Catholic–is the interpretations of the bible contained in our catechism, NOT the politics of church heirarchy or the hypocrisy present in every organization administered by humans.
Most Protestants would be shocked to find that the written Catholic catechism is not much different than what they themselves believe.
No worshipping saints. No worshipping Mary.
No worshipping angels.
No redemption without faith.
Encouragement to form a personal relationship with Jesus. That’s what’s written. That’s what we believe.
And make no mistake, no matter what your preacher says, ALL preaching founded in scripture is still just interpretation.
That is precisely why there are over 30,000 unique Protestant denominations, each professing to preach the “real” gospel.
Different versions of the bible use different translations that can radically alter the meaning of certain passages or destroy intended nuance.
Entire books of the bible have been thrown out of the bible due to the decisions of MEN, not God.
Scripture DOES hold the truth, but humans will always get it wrong.
Only God knows EXACTLY what He meant without omission or error.
Like many non-Catholics, I’m not a fan of the old pope and not expecting good things from the next. I wish the church would come clean about past sins and do something constructive with its vast wealth.
That said, I still embrace my Catholic faith.
Time will tell, but the evidence suggests more of the same. God Bless America. In God We Trust.
God has always used imperfect men for His purpose. Eleven of his 12 apostles deserted him. One who lived with Him 3 years refused to believe that He Had risen. Who knows how manymen, women and children Saul put to death. True Christians will never doubt God’s abilities to put people where He wants them. The rest of you may doubt as much as you want.
Nothing good ever comes out of Chicago.
Oh, I dunno. They have some pretty sweet Polish delis!
Don’t confuse politics with people. There are many really good things in Chicago.
“Don’t confuse politics with people.”
That can be applied universally, everywhere and everyone.
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
New Pope’s X Feed Reveals Far-left Sympathies, but Traditional Catholics Still Hope for the Best
https://thenewamerican.com/us/culture/new-popes-x-feed-reveals-far-left-sympathies-but-traditional-catholics-still-hope-for-the-best/
He should change his name to Bad Bad Leroy Brown I (the first).
This is enlightening. /s
so what exactly are they ‘cheering’ for
I think this is a politically motivated move. The Vatican is a sovereign state separate from Italy. With Trump’s changing of the global landscape, the choice of an American cardinal, who is, by the way, a godly man with Christ centered values, will bring the support of American Catholics back to the Vatican. Having 20% of Americans professing Catholicism (which according to Pew research dropped from 24% in 2007), or, that is to say, 53 million Catholics in the USA, support for the new Pope will bring pride to them both because of his godly character and because he is an American. So as world negotiations move forward, the Vatican has now positioned themselves into a better spot to negotiate with Trump with the American Catholic support.
Just another Criminal Chicagoan Obama/Rahm Emmanuel in a clergy dress. Jesus can’t come back soon enough….
Chicago, a beacon of conservatism… NOT.
Hohum… just more of the same kind of destruction as we previously witnessed from the thug Bergoglio.