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[Catholic Caucus] Catholic clergy should be destroying idols like Pachamama, not taking part in their ritualsIt would be refreshing if Pope Leo simply admitted that he had made a mistake. But I rather suspect that the Vatican will instead try to explain it away.Andean man performing ceremony of payment to the land, payment to the PachamamaA 1995 picture of the future Pope Leo XIV taking part in a Pachamama ritual came out this week.It brought back unpleasant memories of his predecessor, Pope Francis, doing much the same thing in the Vatican gardens at the Amazonian Synod in 2019.UNEARTHED: 1995 photo...

[Catholic Caucus] Leo XIV and the Myth of Restoration: Why the Francis Agenda ContinuesLeo XIV is not launching a post‑Bergoglian restoration, but rather a reorganization of the Curia grounded in cohesion — inclusive and structural — rather than doctrinal unity. Through appointments, decisions, and ecclesiological orientations, a substantial continuity with Francis emerges in terms of objectives, even if the methods differ, opening scenarios of profound transformation without any return to the Wojtyła–Ratzinger model.In recent weeks, several important appointments have been interpreted by various analysts, Italian and otherwise, as a sign of a cautious reform of the Curia by Pope Leo...

[Catholic Caucus] Catholic podcaster Anthony Stine calls Pope Leo’s participation in Pachamama ritual ‘an act of apostasy’Stine cited two moral theologians who say active participation in a Pachamama rite is ‘intrinsically and gravely evil,’ given that it ‘expresses a belief in the false creed symbolized.’Traditional Catholic podcaster Anthony Stine decried Pope Leo XIV’s recently surfaced participation in a pagan Pachamama ritual as “an act of apostasy.”Photo and book documentation unearthed by Father Charles Murr shows then-Father Robert Prevost, OSA, kneeling in what is described in a photo caption as a “Celebration of the Rite of Pachamama (Mother Earth).” Other photos...

[Catholic Caucus] Pope Leo praises Amoris Laetitia as ‘luminous message of hope’Pope Leo XIV praised Amoris Laetitia as a guiding text for the Church in a message celebrating the tenth anniversary of the document. Pope Leo XIV has praised Amoris Laetitia as a guiding text for the Church.On March 19, Pope Leo XIV issued a message marking the tenth anniversary of Amoris Laetitia, in which he described Francis’s post-synodal apostolic exhortation as a “luminous message of hope” and confirmed its central role in contemporary teaching on marriage and the family.He also announced that he has convened the presidents of episcopal...

[Catholic Caucus] UNEARTHED: 1995 photo shows Pope Leo[ XIV participating in Pachamama ritualExclusive to LifeSiteNews, this explosive revelation will feature prominently in Fr. Charles Murr's forthcoming book on the new pontiff.Fr. Robert Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) present at a Pachamama ritual in 1995 LifeSiteNewsIn an explosive revelation that will feature prominently in his forthcoming book on the new pontiff, Faith & Reason co-host Fr. Charles Murr has confirmed that Pope Leo XIV — then Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A. — actively participated in a pagan Pachamama “Mother Earth” agricultural ritual while attending an official Augustinian theological symposium.The story was...

[Catholic Caucus] Leo XIV continues to use Francis’ troubling ‘God of surprises’ themeIn Leo XIV's Angelus for March 8, he referred to one of Francis' recurring themes. But where did Francis get the phrase 'God of Surprises?'Leo XIV raised several controversial themes during his Sunday Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, touching on ecumenism, feminism, and language echoing a favorite theme of his predecessor, Francis.Commenting on the Gospel read that day, Leo urged his listeners: “The Lord still says to his Church: ‘Lift up your eyes and recognize God’s surprises!’" In addition, he also spoke in terms that run contrary...

[Catholic Caucus] Cdl. Erdo was early leader in conclave before Leo elected to carry Pope Francis’ torch: new bookRobert Prevost was seen as the best qualified candidate to continue the program of Pope Francis, cardinals told an author-journalist team who were friends with the late pope. A soon-to-be-published book recounts the inside story of how in last year’s papal conclave an early lead by Cardinal Péter Erdő morphed into support for Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was expected to carry the torch of Pope Francis.“The Election of Pope Leo XIV: The Last Surprise of Pope Francis,” pulls from the testimony of...

[Catholic Caucus] Pope Leo-appointed bishop calls same-sex ‘blessings’ a ‘step forward’ for the Church'Being homosexual is not a sin. Indeed, it is not,' said Bishop Satué. 'The blessing of people who have a same‑sex relationship project is, in my view, a step forward.'MALAGA, Spain (LifeSiteNews) — A bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV said that being homosexual “is not a sin,” supported blessings for same-sex “couples,” and called for expanded governing roles for women in the Church.On February 15, in the local newspaper Málaga Hoy, Bishop José Antonio Satué addressed questions concerning homosexuality and same-sex blessings. He also outlined his...

[Catholic Caucus] Pope Leo XIV protects Francis’s legacy in key Vatican office overseeing appointment of bishopsBy retaining Francis-era prelates in the Dicastery for Bishops and elevating Sr. Simona Brambilla, Pope Leo is continuing the trajectory of his predecessor in shaping Church leadership.Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sr. Simona Brambilla as a member of the Dicastery for Bishops, and confirmed a very broad roster of cardinals and prelates elevated under Pope Francis.On February 14, the Pope appointed Sr. Simona Brambilla, M.C., who serves as prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, as a member...

Meet the new pope, same as the old pope Is Pope Leo XIV just Francis 2.0?At the time of his election in May and in the months immediately following, this correspondent expressed a cautious optimism that Pope Leo XIV would reunite the Catholic Church after the catastrophic papacy (in the late Cardinal Pell’s words) of Francis. Papa Prevost was owed at least that much, since it is generally unwise to rush to a priori judgements; the man had to be given a chance to get his feet under the desk. Having had that chance, what has emerged from the Vatican...

Safe to say, traditional Catholics repelled by the liberal views of the late Pope Francis are not finding much relief under its new pontiff. In October, Pope Leo took yet another sharp-tongued and sarcastic aim at President Donald Trump for ejecting illegal immigrants from America, likening it to abortion and implying he is a hypocrite. "Someone who says I am against abortion but in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States, I don't know if that's pro life," the Bishop of Rome pondered out loud to media from his luxe Castel Gandolfo digs in Italy. Castel...

[Catholic Caucus] Vatican says 4 papal documents issued under Leo XIV are part of the ‘mandate’ of Pope FrancisWith two new documents in addition to the notes on marriage and Marian titles, 'the mandate Pope Francis had given us two years ago comes to an end,’ declared Fr. Armando Matteo.During the presentation of the doctrinal note on marriage, Una Caro, in the Holy See Press Office on November 25, Father Armando Matteo, secretary of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, stated that the two documents published this month – along with two soon to be released – are...

[Catholic Caucus] Leo XIV Backs Paris Agreement, Aligns with UN’s Agenda 2030 FrameworkOn 17 November, Pope Leo XIV delivered a UN propaganda video message addressed to a gathering at the Amazonian Museum in Belém, Brazil. It was an event held alongside the COP30 climate summit that is part of the broader Agenda 2030 of the United Nations.Leo XIV described creation as "crying out in floods, droughts, storms and relentless heat".He strongly endorsed international climate efforts, stating that the Paris Agreement "remains our strongest tool for protecting people and the planet". He insisted that the agreement itself is not the problem,...

[Catholic Caucus] Synod document suggests women’s leadership, female deacons will be addressed in final reportCardinal Mario Grech, a top Synod on Synodality official, has already expressed support for women deacons, as have other Synod participants.The Synod on Synodality released a teaser interim report on women’s role in Church leadership, anticipating that the “question” of the women’s diaconate will be addressed in the final report.The Synod on Monday published the interim report, in which it announced the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF), headed by the heterodox Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, is currently drafting the final report on “the...

The Pope or Xi Jinping? The Secret Agreements increasingly humiliate the Vatican This week, Ignatius Wu Jianlin was ordained auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai. The appointment took place with the approval of the Chinese Patriotic Association. This is yet another illicit appointment carried out by the post-Maoist regime, confirming that the Secret Agreements between Beijing and the Vatican do not serve to mend a fractured Church like the one in China.On October 15th, Ignatius Wu Jianlin was ordained auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Shanghai. The diocese itself made the formal announcement, specifying that the appointment took place...

[Catholic Caucus] Bishop Strickland on the Cupich promotion: "This is not renewal, it is revolt!"Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Blasé Cupich of Chicago to the governing council of Vatican City. This is not a small administrative act; it is a declaration of direction. Cardinal Cupich has publicly opposed the Traditional Latin Mass, has tolerated and even celebrated politicians who advance abortion, and has consistently undermined those who defend the sanctity of life and the fullness of Catholic doctrine.My dear brothers and sisters, Today, with deep sorrow for the state of our beloved Church, I must speak. Pope Leo XIV...

[Catholic Caucus] Top Catholic scholar: Pope Leo is following Francis’ ambiguity on abortionProfessor John Rist is denouncing Pope Leo's 'shameful' refusal to criticize Cardinal Cupich's award for pro-abortion Sen. Dick Durbin.Renowned Catholic professor John Rist shows that Pope Leo XIV, in his recent interview comments regarding the Durbin case, is “following in Bergoglio’s footsteps.” He even calls Pope Leo’s comments “shameful.”The American Pope, in September 30 comments to journalists, declined to criticize the fact that Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago had the intention of awarding Senator Dick Durbin even though this politician is a strong supporter of abortion. On the...

Pope Leo XIV raises pro-LGBT UK archbishop to key Vatican rolesAbp. Bernard Longley, tied to the controversial Soho 'LGBT Masses' and synodal LGBT 'outreach,' has been granted a third Vatican role under the new Pope’s agenda.Pope Leo XIV has promoted a bishop who has supported LGBT-themed liturgies to a consulting position within the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, part of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity under Cardinal Kurt Koch.Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham, England, has received three Vatican appointments since June, despite his long record of support for initiatives in the Church that stand in contradiction to...

[Catholic Caucus] Pope Leo XIV Wades Into Durbin DebatePope Leo XIV responded to controversy over the Chicago cardinal’s plans to honor a Catholic U.S. senator who supports legalized abortion, saying that the senator’s record should be considered in its totality and that Americans should search together for the truth on ethical issues.Several U.S. bishops condemned Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich’s plans to honor U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois, with a “lifetime achievement award” for his work surrounding immigration policy despite his pro-abortion voting record. “I am not terribly familiar with the particular case. I think it’s important to look at the...

[Catholic Caucus] Pope Leo again champions ‘synodality’ despite controversy, says it’s about ‘openness’‘Synodality is an attitude, an openness, a willingness to understand,’ Pope Leo said, presenting the concept as the hallmark of his papacy though without emphasizing doctrinal clarity.Pope Leo XIV has placed the controversial concept “synodality” at the center of his vision for the Church, describing it as an attitude of “dialogue” meant to bring together clergy and laity.His comments, released on September 18 in León XIV: ciudadano del mundo, misionero del siglo XXI, a new biography by Crux reporter Elise Ann Allen, were accompanied by a video excerpt...