Showing posts with label Church&State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church&State. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Friday, September 11, 2026
Zohran Mamdani speaks at a 9/11 memorial service
Audio volume is extremely low.
Fox Business Streamed live New York City
P.S.
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
130 Liberty Street,
Manhattan, New York City, New York
Zohran Mamdani speaks at a 9/11 memorial service
Fox Business Streamed live New York City
Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivers remarks at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church; National Shrine’s Interfaith 9/11 Memorial Service. (Credit: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church).
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St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
130 Liberty Street,
Manhattan, New York City, New York
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
US evangelical body welcomes government announcement of $2 billion for faith-based global health work
By CDI Staff Aug 11, 2026 06:09 EDT
A newly acquired Boeing 757 sits outside the Samaritan's Purse Airlift Response Center at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina. Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse
The National Association of Evangelicals has praised a U.S. government announcement directing nearly $2 billion in health and humanitarian funding through faith-based organizations, calling it an encouraging sign that global compassion work will remain a national priority.
The State Department announced on Aug. 6 that the investment represents the largest allocation of global health foreign assistance to faith-based organizations in more than 20 years. Awards will support services in more than 20 countries and are expected to reach 7 million people across 16 humanitarian crises.
"Faith-based hospitals, clinics, community health workers and humanitarian organizations combine trusted local relationships with compassionate service," NAE President Walter Kim said in a statement issued Aug. 10.
Galen Carey, the NAE's vice president of government relations, said the announcement signals that such partnerships will endure. "The administration's announcement is a big boost to those efforts and an encouraging sign that lifesaving global health partnership will remain a national priority for years to come," he said.
The funding is divided into two streams. Approximately $1.4 billion is designated for health services — including an $850 million, five-year Faith and Community Initiative Award to World Vision and its consortium partners, along with $570 million channeled through agreements with country governments. That portion is projected to strengthen more than 2,500 faith-based hospitals and clinics across 17 countries and fund the training of more than 30,000 community health workers. Programs supported include vaccinations, HIV/AIDS treatment, Ebola response and nutrition initiatives.
The remaining $538 million will go toward humanitarian assistance through Samaritan's Purse and a World Vision–Compassion International consortium. More than $100 million is immediately available for natural disaster response across 23 disaster-prone countries, the State Department said.
One notable feature of the awards is a requirement that at least 80 percent of resources go directly toward frontline health services. That compares with the 35 to 40 percent the State Department has historically allocated in comparable programs — a shift the NAE indicated reflects the efficiency and community embeddedness that faith-based organizations bring to global health delivery.
The announcement comes after a turbulent period for U.S. international assistance. Following significant changes to foreign aid programs in 2025, the NAE issued a statement titled "Compassion for a World in Need," urging evangelical Christians to support global compassion ministries and calling on Congress to preserve poverty-focused aid delivered through faith-based partners. The Aug. 6 State Department announcement was received by the organization as a positive response to those concerns.
The NAE has long maintained that faith-based organizations occupy a distinct position in global health and humanitarian work — not only as service providers, but as institutions embedded in local communities with relationships that government agencies cannot replicate. Kim and Carey both framed the funding as a recognition of that role, and as an investment in long-term, trust-based partnerships rather than short-term contracting.
The National Association of Evangelicals has praised a U.S. government announcement directing nearly $2 billion in health and humanitarian funding through faith-based organizations, calling it an encouraging sign that global compassion work will remain a national priority.
The State Department announced on Aug. 6 that the investment represents the largest allocation of global health foreign assistance to faith-based organizations in more than 20 years. Awards will support services in more than 20 countries and are expected to reach 7 million people across 16 humanitarian crises.
"Faith-based hospitals, clinics, community health workers and humanitarian organizations combine trusted local relationships with compassionate service," NAE President Walter Kim said in a statement issued Aug. 10.
Galen Carey, the NAE's vice president of government relations, said the announcement signals that such partnerships will endure. "The administration's announcement is a big boost to those efforts and an encouraging sign that lifesaving global health partnership will remain a national priority for years to come," he said.
The funding is divided into two streams. Approximately $1.4 billion is designated for health services — including an $850 million, five-year Faith and Community Initiative Award to World Vision and its consortium partners, along with $570 million channeled through agreements with country governments. That portion is projected to strengthen more than 2,500 faith-based hospitals and clinics across 17 countries and fund the training of more than 30,000 community health workers. Programs supported include vaccinations, HIV/AIDS treatment, Ebola response and nutrition initiatives.
The remaining $538 million will go toward humanitarian assistance through Samaritan's Purse and a World Vision–Compassion International consortium. More than $100 million is immediately available for natural disaster response across 23 disaster-prone countries, the State Department said.
One notable feature of the awards is a requirement that at least 80 percent of resources go directly toward frontline health services. That compares with the 35 to 40 percent the State Department has historically allocated in comparable programs — a shift the NAE indicated reflects the efficiency and community embeddedness that faith-based organizations bring to global health delivery.
The announcement comes after a turbulent period for U.S. international assistance. Following significant changes to foreign aid programs in 2025, the NAE issued a statement titled "Compassion for a World in Need," urging evangelical Christians to support global compassion ministries and calling on Congress to preserve poverty-focused aid delivered through faith-based partners. The Aug. 6 State Department announcement was received by the organization as a positive response to those concerns.
The NAE has long maintained that faith-based organizations occupy a distinct position in global health and humanitarian work — not only as service providers, but as institutions embedded in local communities with relationships that government agencies cannot replicate. Kim and Carey both framed the funding as a recognition of that role, and as an investment in long-term, trust-based partnerships rather than short-term contracting.
Sunday, July 26, 2026
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Monday, July 13, 2026
Democratic pastors run to reclaim Jesus from Trump's Republicans
Democratic pastors run to reclaim Jesus from Trump's Republicans
Malcolm FOSTER
Sat, July 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM EDT
James Talarico, running for the Senate in Texas, is one of a crop of Democrats with deeply religious backgrounds who are challenging Republican dominance among Christians (RONALDO SCHEMIDT)
A band of white Democratic pastors have a striking message ahead of November's US midterm elections: Republicans have hijacked Jesus for political gain, and we're not going to stand for it.
For decades, it's been a truism that Republicans have cornered the Christian market -- at least when it comes to white voters.
But these ministers are so fed up with President Donald Trump, and particularly his policies against immigrants, that they're running as Democrats in November to rein him in.
"The Christians we're hearing in Washington don't reflect the Jesus of the Gospels," one of the insurgents, Adam Hamilton, told AFP.
As the head of a 24,000-member Methodist megachurch in a deeply conservative, rural area of Kansas, Hamilton would typically fit the profile of a right-wing Republican Christian.
However, along with support for fiscal responsibility and a strong military, the 62-year-old Hamilton backs legal access to abortion and protecting LGBTQ rights in his campaign for the US Senate.
Citing the "crassness and mean-spiritedness" of Trump's presidency, he said what's happening in Washington is "inconsistent with the values that I've preached for 36 years."
Malcolm FOSTER
Sat, July 11, 2026 at 9:30 PM EDT
James Talarico, running for the Senate in Texas, is one of a crop of Democrats with deeply religious backgrounds who are challenging Republican dominance among Christians (RONALDO SCHEMIDT)
A band of white Democratic pastors have a striking message ahead of November's US midterm elections: Republicans have hijacked Jesus for political gain, and we're not going to stand for it.
For decades, it's been a truism that Republicans have cornered the Christian market -- at least when it comes to white voters.
But these ministers are so fed up with President Donald Trump, and particularly his policies against immigrants, that they're running as Democrats in November to rein him in.
"The Christians we're hearing in Washington don't reflect the Jesus of the Gospels," one of the insurgents, Adam Hamilton, told AFP.
As the head of a 24,000-member Methodist megachurch in a deeply conservative, rural area of Kansas, Hamilton would typically fit the profile of a right-wing Republican Christian.
However, along with support for fiscal responsibility and a strong military, the 62-year-old Hamilton backs legal access to abortion and protecting LGBTQ rights in his campaign for the US Senate.
Citing the "crassness and mean-spiritedness" of Trump's presidency, he said what's happening in Washington is "inconsistent with the values that I've preached for 36 years."
Friday, July 10, 2026
Rubio speaks with Vatican secretary of state about escalation of Russia-Ukraine war, peacemaking efforts
The conversation comes days after Russia launched one of its largest combined missile and drone attacks since the start of the war.
The Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a plenary session at the Summit on peace in Ukraine, at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, on June 16, 2024. The two-day gathering brings together Ukrainian President and more than 50 other heads of state and government, to try to work out a way towards a peace process for Ukraine -- albeit without Russia. (Photo by ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
July 9, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation July 9 with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia and efforts to achieve peace.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war,” U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a July 9 statement.
No additional details were provided.
The war in Ukraine saw a dramatic surge of violence earlier this month when Russia launched a missile and drone attack overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, as Zeale News reported. This attack marked one of Russia’s largest combined missile and drone attacks since the war began, according to the report. More than 52,000 people sheltered overnight in Kyiv’s metro system the night of July 1 following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek shelter ahead of impending Russian strikes.
Reuters reported July 9 that Russian military experts have also been discussing escalation of the conflict, including potentially striking European targets “such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.”
“Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the U.S.-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all,” Reuters added.
However, Ukraine has recently carried out strikes on oil refineries, storage depots and ports in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, causing Russian civilians to bear stark fuel shortages, according to Reuters. A source that regularly meets with President Vladimir Putin told Reuters that “Ukraine's recent successes, however, have made Putin more angry and more determined to give a tough response,” the outlet reported.
Two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that Putin was more likely to escalate the war in the upcoming months rather than negotiate peace. President Donald Trump has had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy within the past week. Trump also met with Zelenskyy in person July 8 in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Rubio met Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican in May 2025 and communicated with him earlier this year about international situations. In January, the two had a conversation about promoting peace and religious freedom around the globe and efforts to improve humanitarian situations particularly in Venezuela. Pigott said at the time that during that conversation, the two leaders also “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
July 9, 2026
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a conversation July 9 with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin regarding the war between Ukraine and Russia and efforts to achieve peace.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the Russia-Ukraine war,” U.S. Secretary of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a July 9 statement.
No additional details were provided.
The war in Ukraine saw a dramatic surge of violence earlier this month when Russia launched a missile and drone attack overnight, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 80 in Kyiv, according to Ukrainian officials, as Zeale News reported. This attack marked one of Russia’s largest combined missile and drone attacks since the war began, according to the report. More than 52,000 people sheltered overnight in Kyiv’s metro system the night of July 1 following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek shelter ahead of impending Russian strikes.
Reuters reported July 9 that Russian military experts have also been discussing escalation of the conflict, including potentially striking European targets “such as NATO bases in Baltic countries.”
“Such a step would risk drawing Russia into direct confrontation with the U.S.-led alliance, testing the NATO commitment that an attack on one member nation constitutes an attack on all,” Reuters added.
However, Ukraine has recently carried out strikes on oil refineries, storage depots and ports in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine, causing Russian civilians to bear stark fuel shortages, according to Reuters. A source that regularly meets with President Vladimir Putin told Reuters that “Ukraine's recent successes, however, have made Putin more angry and more determined to give a tough response,” the outlet reported.
Two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on the condition of anonymity that Putin was more likely to escalate the war in the upcoming months rather than negotiate peace. President Donald Trump has had separate phone calls with Putin and Zelenskyy within the past week. Trump also met with Zelenskyy in person July 8 in Turkey during the NATO summit.
Rubio met Cardinal Parolin at the Vatican in May 2025 and communicated with him earlier this year about international situations. In January, the two had a conversation about promoting peace and religious freedom around the globe and efforts to improve humanitarian situations particularly in Venezuela. Pigott said at the time that during that conversation, the two leaders also “reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the United States and the Holy See in addressing shared priorities around the world.”
Wednesday, July 08, 2026
Fit for a pontiff: How the US Embassy to the Holy See prepared to host Pope Leo for a special July 4 celebration
The evening marked a historic visit to the U.S. ambassador’s residence as the country celebrates its 250th anniversary.
When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required.
“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.
>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<
When Pope Leo XIV accepted an invitation from the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See to celebrate the Fourth of July with a special dinner, a significant amount of effort went into making the occasion impeccable and memorable.
The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See posted a video to social media this week offering a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations that took place ahead of the July 4 occasion, saying dedicated teamwork was required.
“Hosting a July 4th dinner for the Holy Father doesn't happen by accident,” the embassy stated. “Behind every perfectly set table, every carefully prepared dish, and every seamless moment of the evening stood a dedicated team at Villa Richardson who spent weeks planning, preparing, and perfecting every detail. A huge thanks to our wonderful team!”
U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See Brian Burch and his family welcomed Pope Leo the afternoon of July 4 at the ambassador’s residence in Rome, as Zeale News reported that day with exclusive comments from Burch.
>> Exclusive | Pope Leo XIV marks Fourth of July with historic visit to US ambassador’s residence in Rome <<
Sunday, July 05, 2026
Friday, July 03, 2026
La Sierra University Selects Lesbian to Give Commencement Address
June 25, 2026 NewsHound
This is a generated image, not from the actual graduation
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – On Sunday, June 14 almost 400 La Sierra University graduates celebrated their graduation to a commencement speech by California State Sen. Sabrina Cervantes.
A Democrat, Sabrina Cervantes currently represents the 58th Assembly District, which comprises portions of the Inland Empire. Sabrina was first elected to the State Legislature in 2016, and from 2022-2024, served as Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. She is also the first openly LGBTQ+ hispanic person to represent Western Riverside County in the Legislature. “Sabrina and her ‘wife’, Courtney, are the proud parents of triplets.”
Other speakers were Sam Leonor (of One Project infamy) and Criston Arthur, the previous provost of Andrews University.
Arthur spoke for the Lavender (LGBTQ+) Graduation on June 5. To the LGBTQ+ Lavenders Arthur said “You are La Sierra,” affirming that the university community is “big enough for all,” and expressing his support for them.
Leonor spoke at the baccalaureate.
The lesbian State Senator Sabrina Cervantes gave the commencement address.
Observations
I wonder what Harold Marshall Sylvester (HMS) Richards (who has a building named after him on LaSierra campus) would say about this lavender graduation? I wonder what he would say about them having a lesbian with a ‘wife’ give the commencement address?
What do you say about it?
***
Thursday, June 11, 2026
What is the image of the beast and what is the act of worshiping it?
Mathew 28: 19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.....
"But what is the “image to the beast”? and how is it to be formed? The image is made by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the beast. It is also called an image of the beast. Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed we must study the characteristics of the beast itself—the papacy." GC 377
"When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of “heresy.” In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends." GC [443]
"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result." GC 379
SUMMARY OF THE KEY CONCEPTS BASED ON THE GREAT CONTROVERSY REFERENCE ABOVE:
1. What is the "Image to the Beast"?
· The "image to the beast" is a replica of the papal system that arose when the church of Rome used secular power to enforce its doctrines. This union of church and state led to the persecution of those labelled as heretics.
· In Protestant America, the "image" refers to a similar union where Protestant churches will influence the state to enforce religious decrees and sustain their institutions, similar to what the papacy did.
"When the early church became corrupted by departing from the simplicity of the gospel and accepting heathen rites and customs, she lost the Spirit and power of God; and in order to control the consciences of the people, she sought the support of the secular power. The result was the papacy, a church that controlled the power of the state and employed it to further her own ends, especially for the punishment of “heresy.” In order for the United States to form an image of the beast, the religious power must so control the civil government that the authority of the state will also be employed by the church to accomplish her own ends." GC [443]
"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result." GC 379
SUMMARY OF THE KEY CONCEPTS BASED ON THE GREAT CONTROVERSY REFERENCE ABOVE:
1. What is the "Image to the Beast"?
· The "image to the beast" is a replica of the papal system that arose when the church of Rome used secular power to enforce its doctrines. This union of church and state led to the persecution of those labelled as heretics.
· In Protestant America, the "image" refers to a similar union where Protestant churches will influence the state to enforce religious decrees and sustain their institutions, similar to what the papacy did.
Monday, June 08, 2026
Street Church Speaking in Tongues outside of Delaney Hall ICE detention facility 6.7.26
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P.S.
Louise Scott-Rountree
Councilmember At-Large, City of Newark
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Friday, May 08, 2026
Adventists on Secretary Marco Rubio meeting with Pope Leo during Vatican Visit (An AI Response)
Adventists on Marco Rubio / Pope Leo Vatican meeting
On May 7, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in a high-profile visit aimed at stabilizing diplomatic relations following public friction between the Trump administration and the Holy See. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
While official Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) organizations have not released a formal collective statement on this specific May 2026 meeting, the event aligns with long-standing Adventist prophetic interpretations regarding the "union of church and state."
Key Details of the Rubio-Vatican Meeting
- Purpose: The meeting was framed as an effort to "cool the rhetoric" and return to traditional diplomatic channels after President Trump publicly criticized the Pope, particularly regarding the war with Iran.
- Discussion Topics: Rubio and Pope Leo discussed Middle East peace efforts, humanitarian aid in the Western Hemisphere (specifically Cuba), religious freedom, and the impact of AI.
- Diplomatic Gestures: Rubio presented the Pope with a crystal football paperweight bearing the State Department seal, while the Pope gifted Rubio an olive-wood pen symbolizing peace. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]
Typical Adventist Perspectives on Such Meetings
Adventists often view high-level political meetings with the Vatican through the lens of eschatology (end-time beliefs). Common themes in Adventist discourse regarding these interactions include:
- Church and State: Adventists strongly emphasize the separation of church and state. Diplomatic "fence-mending" between the U.S. government and the Papacy is frequently interpreted as a precursor to the "healing of the deadly wound" mentioned in Revelation 13, leading toward a global religious-political alliance.
- The "Sunday Law" Concern: A central Adventist belief involves a future "National Sunday Law" in the United States. Events that show the U.S. executive branch seeking counsel or reconciliation with the Vatican are often monitored by Adventist commentators (such as those at Liberty Magazine or Adventist Review) as potential steps toward this prophetic scenario.
- Role of Religious Freedom: While Rubio highlighted "shared concerns" over religious freedom during his visit, Adventist religious liberty advocates often remain cautious. They watch to see if such cooperation favors traditionalist religious agendas over the individual rights of minority faiths. [1, 2, 3]
AI can make mistakes, so double-check responses
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P.S.
Marco Rubio spends two hours at the Vatican
Thursday, May 07, 2026
Pope Leo XIV to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7
Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (@Vatican Media)
Pope Leo XIV will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. They had already met a year ago following the Mass marking the official beginning of the Pope’s pontificate.
Vatican News
At 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, Pope Leo XIV will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the meeting after media reports had been published on Sunday. Rubio is expected to arrive at 11:15 a.m.
The U.S. Secretary of State had already met the Pope, who is originally from Chicago, on May 18, 2025, following the Mass for the beginning of his Petrine ministry. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also greeted the Pope during the same event.
On the day following that Mass, on May 19, 2025, a bilateral meeting took place between Pope Leo XIV and both Vance and Rubio.
Meeting with Polish PM
On Thursday 7, the same morning of his meeting with the U.S. delegation, the Pope will also meet the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the audience will take place at 9:00 a.m.
Pope Leo XIV will meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 7 at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. They had already met a year ago following the Mass marking the official beginning of the Pope’s pontificate.
Vatican News
At 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, Pope Leo XIV will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed the meeting after media reports had been published on Sunday. Rubio is expected to arrive at 11:15 a.m.
The U.S. Secretary of State had already met the Pope, who is originally from Chicago, on May 18, 2025, following the Mass for the beginning of his Petrine ministry. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also greeted the Pope during the same event.
On the day following that Mass, on May 19, 2025, a bilateral meeting took place between Pope Leo XIV and both Vance and Rubio.
Meeting with Polish PM
On Thursday 7, the same morning of his meeting with the U.S. delegation, the Pope will also meet the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the audience will take place at 9:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 02, 2026
‘A great experience’: Illinois mayors meet with Pope Leo in Rome
Alonzo Small and Lourdes Duarte
4 weeks ago
4 weeks ago
CHICAGO (WGN) — A group of (30) Illinois mayors recently ventured overseas to the Vatican to meet Pope Leo.
Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, also the president of the Illinois Municipal League, led a delegation of Illinois mayors to Rome for an exclusive meeting with the first American pope. The group departed on March 28 and returned on April 2.
‘God bless the White Sox’ earns a thumbs up from Pope Leo in Rome, video shows
Speaking with WGN’s Lourdes Daurte on Friday’s Evening News at 5 p.m., Chalmers-Currin called the encounter with Pope Leo a great experience.
Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, also the president of the Illinois Municipal League, led a delegation of Illinois mayors to Rome for an exclusive meeting with the first American pope. The group departed on March 28 and returned on April 2.
‘God bless the White Sox’ earns a thumbs up from Pope Leo in Rome, video shows
Speaking with WGN’s Lourdes Daurte on Friday’s Evening News at 5 p.m., Chalmers-Currin called the encounter with Pope Leo a great experience.
Photo courtesy of Sean Howard
Vatican Espionage:The Holy Alliance of Spies
By SPYSCAPE
Even today, the CIA is referred to as the ‘Catholic Intelligence Agency’ while the Vatican’s ties to espionage date back more than five centuries.
With the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan in 1981, Washington and Vatican City quietly made strategic contact - so too did CIA Director William Casey and special envoy Monsignor Luigi Poggi, otherwise known as the ‘Pope’s Spy’.
By the time Reagan and Pope John Paul II met face-to-face in the Vatican Library in 1982, they were ready to discuss a joint, clandestine campaign centered on Poland and designed to thwart communism and the Soviet Union. "This was one of the great secret alliances of all time," Richard Allen, Reagan's first National Security Adviser, later recalled.
Meanwhile, in the same wing of the papal apartments that day, US Secretary of State Alexander Haig and Reagan’s National Security Adviser focused on Israel’s invasion of Lebanon with their counterparts Agostino Cardinal Casaroli and Archbishop Achille Silvestrini. Unsurprisingly, many of the US players were Catholics - Haig, Casey, and US National Security Adviser William P. Clark Jr. among them.
“They regarded the US-Vatican relationship as a holy alliance: the moral force of the Pope and the teachings of their church combined with their fierce anti-communism and their notion of American democracy,” Carl Bernstein wrote in an article for Time magazine.
The religious approach to intelligence initiated by OSS pioneers Edward Lansdale and spymaster ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan in the 1940s established CIA methods and understanding of the world in the early days of the spy agencies, author Michael Graziano argues. The CIA is still referred to as ‘Catholics In Action’ and the ‘Catholic Intelligence Agency’.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Thursday, April 02, 2026
Saturday, March 28, 2026
People also ask Is Monaco a Catholic country?
Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Monaco, with over 80% of its population identifying as Catholic. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco is directly subject to the Holy See. The country holds a deeply entrenched Catholic identity, where church, state, and community are closely linked, often featuring Catholic rituals in national ceremonies.
Wikipedia +4
Key Catholic Aspects of Monaco:
Key Catholic Aspects of Monaco:
- Official Religion: The Constitution of Monaco (Art. 9) affirms Roman Catholicism as the state religion, while also guaranteeing freedom of worship.
- Archdiocese: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Monaco is an archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church, not part of any ecclesiastical province, and falls directly under the Holy See.
- Cathedral: The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate is the principal cathedral, where members of the Grimaldi family are buried.
- Key Parishes & Churches: Besides the Cathedral, main churches include Saint Charles Church, Church St. Devote, and Saint Martin Church.
- Demographics: As of 2020, about 32,000 residents out of a 38,000-person population identified as Catholic, with roughly 24 priests and 11 nuns serving.
- 2026 Papal Visit: On March 28, 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, marking the first papal visit since 1538, celebrating Mass at the Louis II Stadium and meeting with the local community.
- Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate: Located on the Rock of Monaco, it houses the tombs of former princes, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
- Chapel of Mercy: A 17th-century chapel belonging to the Pénitents noirs.
- Church St. Devote: Dedicated to the patron saint of Monaco, situated in the La Condamine ward.
Source: Google AI Overview
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