The Strangest Army on Earth | Inside the Vatican's Swiss Guard | ENDEVR Documentary

 The Strangest Army on Earth | Inside the Vatican's Swiss Guard | ENDEVR Documentary

ENDEVR

Oct 18, 2026 

The World's Strangest Army | Inside the Vatican's Swiss Guard | ENDEVR Documentary

They are heirs to a 500-year-old tradition in which mercenaries from Switzerland ensured the Pope’s protection and security. At the time, these fighters were considered the most seasoned and loyal. Trained to wield both halberds and semi- automatic assault rifles, the Swiss Guards form a unique army. But who are they really? What motivates these young boys to join this military and religious corps? An insight into a world usually closed to the cameras.

It’s the world's smallest and most mysterious army: the Pontifical Swiss Guard. We were granted exceptional access to these men of faith and combat, from their recruitment in Switzerland to their military training in the heart of the Vatican. Made up of 150 men, this elite corps lives in barracks in the heart of Vatican City. All must be Swiss nationals and devout Catholics. All have sworn to fight to the death to protect their faith and the Holy Father. We see them at official ceremonies, escorting the Pope with their armor and halberds from another era. But beyond the folkloric aspect of their costumes, these Swiss Guards receive top-level military training: martial arts, close protection, and handling of the latest automatic weapons.

Faithful gather to welcome Pope Leo back for Sunday blessing after cancer surgery

Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor

By COLLEEN BARRY Associated Press and TRISHA THOMPSON Associated Press

October 18, 2026, 5:41 AM



VATICAN CITY -- Catholic faithful converged on St. Peter’s Square on Sunday to welcome Pope Leo XIV back to the Vatican after surgery to remove a tumor from his lung.

Leo is delivering the traditional Angelus blessing, his first official appointment since being released from the hospital on Saturday, four days after cancer surgery.

The 71-year-old pontiff had the lower lobe of his right lung removed on Tuesday in the first major health event of his 17-month pontificate. The surgery confirmed he had adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer.

He told a reporter in English that he was doing ‘’much better’’ as he drove away from Rome’s Gemelli hospital to return to the Vatican, well ahead of the weeklong hospital stay than had been initially anticipated.

“I don’t believe it, because he was just operated on the other day,” Cosimo Mastrocinque, a retired factory worker visiting the Vatican from the southern region of Puglia, said. “It is a miracle that he recovered already.”

American tourists were especially eager to pray alongside the first pope born in the United States. Marla Marsala of Michigan was supposed to attend a Mass with the pope last week that was canceled due to his hospitalization.

‘’I am just happy that we are praying with him today instead of for him, like we were before,’’ Marsala said. "It was a tough week for all of the people who love him, which are many. He seems like a very strong soul. So I think he will pull through and fight it, and succeed and keep doing the wonderful work he is doing.''

Claire Holland from Jacksonville, Florida, said she felt “very blessed” to be present for the pope’s return to his flock.

“I’m so happy that he has recovered so quickly. I think there have been millions and millions of prayers. And he is a strong determined man, and I am so happy that he is feeling well enough to do this,” Holland said.

Leo's next major engagement is an ambitious Nov. 6-17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru, including a dozen flights and two helicopter rides to high altitudes. His surgeon, Dr. Stefano Margaritora, told Vatican News on Saturday that there are “no clinical reasons” to preclude the trip.


“The Holy Father has put his heart and soul into his recovery,” Margaritora told Vatican News, adding that he expected the pope to recover fully from surgery “in another 10 days or so.”

“As for a long trip involving air travel in about three weeks, I would say there are no clinical reasons why it should not take place,” Margaritora said.

Histological testing of the tumor and related lymph nodes was underway. The results, along with details of the tumor’s molecular and genetic makeup, will help doctors determine whether the pope needs additional treatment. Options include chemotherapy, a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, or targeted oral therapy based on the tumor’s genetic characteristics.

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Jonestown: How Jim Jones Turned a Utopia Into a Deadly Cult Nightmare

The American Story - US History Documentaries

Oct 18, 2026 

Step inside the chilling rise and fall of Jim Jones and the People’s Temple - from utopian dreams to the nightmare of Jonestown. Discover the true story behind history’s most infamous cult.

In this gripping documentary, we trace the evolution of Jim Jones - a charismatic preacher who promised equality, justice, and belonging in a time of social upheaval. See how the People’s Temple attracted idealistic followers with its vision of racial integration and communal living, only to become a symbol of manipulation, paranoia, and tragedy. Through firsthand accounts, we reveal how Jones’ message transformed from hope to horror, exploring the methods of control, emotional abuse, and staged “miracles” that kept members loyal even as the situation turned increasingly dire.

Follow the journey from the Temple’s beginnings in Indiana to the fateful move to California and finally to the isolated jungle commune of Jonestown, Guyana. Learn how Jones exploited social tensions, isolated his followers, and orchestrated an environment of fear - culminating in the devastating events of November 1978, when over 900 people lost their lives in a mass murder-suicide. This video delves into the psychological manipulation, the infamous “White Night” suicide drills, and the heartbreaking testimonies of survivors, painting a powerful portrait of both the dangers of cult leadership and the humanity of those caught in its grip.

Thousands Walk with Jesus Through the Streets of New York

The Good Newsroom

 Oct 14, 2026 

Thousands of Catholics gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the Napa Institute Mass and Eucharistic procession through Midtown Manhattan. Bishop Joseph Espaillat, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York, celebrated the Mass, which brought together religious sisters, priests, friars, and other members of the Catholic community. 

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Clergy abuse survivor confronts bishop over homosexual’s parish role

A parishioner in the Diocese of Las Cruces is concerned that his church’s promotion of an active homosexual sends a message to the congregation and to the man himself that homosexuality is morally acceptable.

 

Shutterstock


Emily Mangiaracina

Fri Oct 2, 2026 - 6:50 pm EDT

HOBBS, New Mexico (LifeSiteNews) — A devout Catholic is voicing his concern that an active homosexual is continuing to serve in his church’s music ministry and has been promoted to an administrative church position despite the bishop and pastor’s knowledge that his lifestyle defies Church teaching.

Leo Martinez, a clerical abuse survivor, told LifeSiteNews he requested a meeting with his local bishop, Peter Baldacchino of the Diocese of Las Cruces, to discuss three matters, one of which was the public ministry of this openly homosexual man. Martinez requested a private meeting, but the bishop insisted that Martinez’s pastor, Father Joseph Pacquing, also attend. Martinez brought his brother as well.

Martinez said he told Baldacchino during the April 22 meeting that his parish is aware of the music minister’s homosexual relationship and that his position as a music minister has been held “for a long time,” at least 20 years. The pastor, Fr. Pacquing, reportedly told Martinez that the minister does not receive Holy Communion, confirming his awareness of the man’s homosexual lifestyle.

Bishop Baldacchino’s response was to say we must “be merciful,” that they would “investigate and look into it,” and that “we’re all sinners here,” Martinez recalled.

Martinez is concerned that the man holds a position as a music minister because it sends a message to both the congregation and to the minister himself that homosexuality is morally acceptable. While one is not culpable for same-sex attraction, active homosexual behavior is a grave sin according to Catholic Church teaching.

 

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Pope Leo XIV Urges Ecological Conversion: “It Is Not Yet Too Late”

Pope Leo XIV Urges Ecological Conversion: “It Is Not Yet Too Late”

ByRaju Hasmukh
September 2, 2026

Pope Leo XIV (Credit Vatican Media)

Pope Leo XIV calls for ecological conversion, urging Christians to care for creation, aid the poor, and transform destruction into life.

News Room (September 2, 2026, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians worldwide to embrace an “authentic ecological conversion,” urging believers to renew their commitment to caring for creation, supporting the poor, and restoring harmony within the natural world.


Speaking during a Mass for the Care of Creation in the Garden of the Madonnina del Borgo Laudato Si’, located within the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo, the Pope marked the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation by reflecting on humanity’s relationship with the environment and its Creator. His homily also inaugurated the annual Season of Creation, a five-week period dedicated to prayer, reflection, and action for the protection of the Earth.

Drawing from the liturgical readings, Pope Leo emphasized that creation itself serves as a pathway to God. Referencing the Book of Wisdom, he encouraged the faithful to move beyond simple admiration of nature’s beauty and power and instead recognize the Creator behind it.

He noted that natural phenomena such as fire, wind, flowing water, and the stars evoke wonder, but their deepest significance lies in pointing humanity toward God. Likewise, he highlighted Psalm 18, which proclaims that the heavens and the firmament reveal the glory and handiwork of the Creator.

The Pope also reflected on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew, which speaks of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. He said these examples reveal not only the beauty of creation but also God’s special concern for humanity. If God provides for plants and animals with such care, he explained, believers can trust in the divine attention given to human needs.

Set amid the natural surroundings of Castel Gandolfo’s gardens, the celebration underscored the Pope’s invitation to contemplation. He encouraged people to step back from the pace and noise of modern life in order to experience the harmony of creation more deeply.

According to Pope Leo, this practice of contemplation is not simply an appreciation of nature but the first step toward a profound spiritual transformation. He described it as an “authentic ecological conversion,” in which an encounter with Jesus Christ becomes evident in the way individuals relate to the world around them.

The Privilege of White: Why Only Seven Royal Women Are Allowed to Wear This Rare Color Before the Pope

Why some queens wear white and others must keep to black for papal audiences.

Mar 31, 2026 5:37 PM EDT

By Jennifer Mashuga

Key Points

• Most leaders meeting the Pope must wear modest, black attire following strict protocol.
• Only seven Catholic queens or princesses may wear white, via "il privilegio del bianco."
• Eligibility depends on royal status, Catholic tradition, and historical church ties.

When meeting the Pope, there are formal rules that most Presidents, First Ladies, Prime Ministers, and other heads of state follow, whether you’re Catholic or not. One of the most important things to consider for those who have the rare opportunity to meet the supreme pontiff most likely has to do with attire: what do you wear?

For most leaders or representatives, the protocol is simple: conservative, modest, black attire. For women, this is often a dress that falls below the knees and has full-length or three-quarters-length sleeves. A veil or mantilla is also worn. For men, a dark-colored suit and tie are expected. However, for a very small number of women — seven, to be exact — it’s all right to wear white, a color that is typically frowned upon in front of the Pope.

These seven women are Catholic queens and princesses who have been granted il privilegio del bianco (privilege of white), and are allowed to wear long-sleeved white dresses and an optional white veil or mantilla. These royal women include Queen Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain; Queen Mathilde and Queen Paola of Belgium; Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg; Princess Charlene of Monaco; and Princess Marina of Savoy.

However, being a Catholic queen or princess isn’t enough to be given the rare privilege. They must also be a part of marriages or countries that are traditionally Catholic. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands was raised as a Roman Catholic, and remains one to this day. But her husband, King Willem-Alexander, is Protestant, as is his family and their three children. Therefore, she is not allowed to wear white.

Another point that is taken into account is how far back the Queen or Princess’s country’s ties to the Catholic Church go. Spain‘s ties to Catholicism go far back, as do those of Belgium and Luxembourg. Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho and the Princess of Liechtenstein are both Catholic, but have not been granted the honor of wearing white by the Vatican.

On March 28, Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, and many were quick to point out that Princess Charlene wasn’t the only royal wearing white; 11-year-old Princess Gabriella was, too. While chances are she will also be granted the same privilege as her mother when she’s an adult, for now, it’s just as likely that she was exercising her privilege of being a child.

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Church WITHOUT Jesus Looks Like This

Truth Is Coming Out About This False Religion

RISE

Mar 29, 2026  #babylon #proverbs #bible

Did the ancient Babylonian 'Queen of Heaven' become the Roman goddess? Discover the shocking, hidden connection between the pagan divine feminine and symbolism in Rome, in this fast-paced exploration of ancient mythology.

In this video, we explore how Babylonian religious cults, symbols, and myths travelled from Mesopotamia to the modern day, shaping "Romanism" and modern false teachings of the divine feminine.

The video addresses significant concerns regarding the incorporation of Gnostic Jesus, mysticism, and paganism into Christianity. We explore how this creates an "unholy mix" that deviates from core scripture. The discussion aims to highlight these theological differences and guide viewers toward a deeper understanding of true Christianity.

As stated, showing and discussing these things is not meant to condemn individuals, but in the hopes that it may help raise awareness and draw viewers to the true Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ - so that souls may be saved at the cross and people set free from the bondage of counterfeit philosophies.

For reference, the topic of discussion is in reference to the Queen of Heaven mentioned in Jeremiah 44:19, and warned about in other parts of the Bible. I'm still learning how to talk about these things in love and hope to grow in my walk as I go by day to day and be sanctified.

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. - 1 Corinthians 1:24

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With 7,000 faithful, Pope Leo sings Ave Maria and also warns about “empty words”

 

Pastor in Mexico jailed, expelled for refusing to participate in Catholic ritual

By Edward Ross Jan 26, 2026 13:06 EST 

Pastor Mariano Velasquez Martinez was expelled from his village in eastern Oaxaca state, Mexico in January 2026. Christian Solidarity Worldwide

Officials in a village in southern Mexico’s Oaxaca state detained for five days and then expelled a Protestant pastor for refusing to participate in Catholic church rituals, according to a U.K-based advocacy group.

In Santiago Malacatepec, San Juan Mazatlán Municipality in eastern Oaxaca, local Catholics on Jan. 15 ordered Pastor Mariano Velásquez Martínez to light candles, kneel and pray to an image of St. James as part of the village’s Roman Catholic festival, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reported.

Pastor Velásquez Martínez had accepted a leadership position in the community on the understanding that he would be required only to provide candles and flowers for the Catholic festival, according to CSW. When he refused to kneel and pray to the image, a festival leader complained to village leaders.

“Ignoring the terms of the original agreement, the local authorities detained Pastor Velásquez Martínez for five days,” CSW stated. “He was then bound with a rope and taken before an assembly of about 180 men, where an announcement was made by the village authorities that he was to be expelled.”

Officials forced Pastor Velásquez Martínez to sign a document that forcibly displaced him from the community, the group reported.

“He was not provided with a copy and fears it will be used to fabricate the story that he left the community voluntarily,” CSW stated. “The pastor, his wife and 3-month-old baby are now residing temporarily with relatives in Oaxaca City.”

Pastor Velásquez Martínez has led the 25-member Iglesia Camino Nuevo y Vivo in Santiago Malacatepec since the forced displacement of its previous pastor in 2023, CSW reported.

The case follows passage of legislation in the Oaxaca State Congress in September against forced displacement that calls for prison sentences of 10 to 18 years for those found guilty, along with fines. Oaxaca is the fifth state to pass such a law, along with Chiapas, Guerrero, Sinaloa and Zacatecas.

“Local officials told CSW that they estimate that around half of cases of forced displacement in Oaxaca state can be linked to religious intolerance,” the group stated.

Porfirio Flores Zúñiga, an attorney and representative of the Fellowship of Pastors, called on the Oaxaca Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of Government of Oaxaca to apply the newly approved Forced Displacement Law in this case.

Flores Zúñiga filed a criminal complaint with the Attorney General of Oaxaca against Santiago Malacatepec officials Melquiades Castro and Andrés Retes, accusing them of arbitrary actions and abuse of authority, according to newspaper El Universal Oaxaca. The attorney also reportedly filed a complaint with the Defense of Human Rights of the People of Oaxaca (Defensoría de los Derechos Humanos del Pueblo de Oaxaca, DDHPO) seeking that it take action.

Authorities had taken no action as of Jan. 19, Flores Zúñiga said, leading him to comment to the newspaper that the state response is insufficient to handle cases of religious intolerance.

CSW’s Director of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl said in a press statement that the arbitrary detention of Pastor Velásquez Martínez and the subsequent forced displacement of him and his family was unconscionable.