<![CDATA[The Catacombs - General Commentary]]> https://thecatacombs.org/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 00:14:48 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Catholic funerals for two Freemasons stopped by Church authorities - Canon 1184 cited]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8561 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 18:10:52 +0000 SAguide]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8561 Catholic funerals for two Freemasons stopped by Church authorities
Two planned Catholic funerals for Freemasons were stopped in
 Italy after diocesan authorities applied canon law.


ROME (LifeSiteNews) — Two planned Catholic funerals for Freemasons were stopped in Italy after diocesan authorities applied canon law.
On August 7 and 8, two Catholic bishops in Rome and in the Diocese of Ventimiglia-Sanremo stopped planned church funerals for two men publicly identified as Freemasons after their affiliations became known shortly before the ceremonies. In Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, Vicar General of the Pope for the Diocese of Rome, denied authorization for the funeral Mass of musician Bruno Battisti D’Amario after the Grand Orient of Italy publicly identified him as a prominent member. The following day, Bishop Antonio Suetta of Ventimiglia-Sanremo canceled the scheduled church funeral of Mario Tarducci in Camporosso, citing Canon 1184 of the Code of Canon Law and the precedent of the Roman case.
The Roman case concerned Bruno Battisti D’Amario, an 88-year-old respected classical guitarist and professor who died August 5. He was also closely associated with composer Ennio Morricone and performed guitar for several famous Italian Western film soundtracks. His funeral had been scheduled for August 7 at Santa Maria in Montesanto, commonly known as the “Church of the Artists.” The church was even due to be specially open for the ceremony during the August closure.
The Grand Orient of Italy (GOI) — the national leading Masonic lodge — published a public tribute identifying Battisti D’Amario as a “master brother” and stating that he founded the Roman Giuseppe Leti lodge, composed the GOI’s official anthem, and held senior positions within the organization. The GOI also said he had twice served as president of the regional council of Worshipful Masters in Lazio and as a councilor of the order. The public tribute was later deleted. 

Church officials said they did not know about Battisti D’Amario’s Masonic affiliation when the funeral was arranged. Father Fabrizio Maria Gatta initially told La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana that the funeral had been requested by the daughter and that “God’s mercy goes beyond our categories, and it is not for us to run blood tests on someone who has died.” 
After the Italian newspaper raised questions and presented the GOI statement identifying the musician as a Mason, he said the information was new to him and that he would alert Bishop Antonio Staglianò, rector of Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria.
“I have called Cardinal Reina, who is the Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome and my direct superior, and after consulting the legal office of the Diocese of Rome he could do nothing other than deny authorization for the funeral Mass,” Staglianò told La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana. “Nothing prevents the artist from receiving Masses for the repose of his soul after the burial.”
The following day, the same issue arose in Camporosso in the Diocese of Ventimiglia-Sanremo. Bishop Setta learned only after the funeral had already been arranged that Tarducci belonged to a Masonic lodge and served as Worshipful Master. The information came from a local newspaper and public funeral notices.
On August 8, the diocese published an official statement declaring that Suetta discussed the matter with the parish priest and the deceased’s family and sought further instructions that could not be obtained within the limited time available. Faced with the simultaneous case in Rome, the bishop adopted the same indications given there by Cardinal Reina and ordered the planned funeral at St. Mark’s parish church not to take place.

The diocese explicitly cited Canon 1184, which states that ecclesiastical funerals are to be denied to those who, without showing signs of repentance before death, are “notoriously apostate, heretical or schismatic” or are “other manifest sinners” whose funerals would cause public scandal.
]]> Catholic funerals for two Freemasons stopped by Church authorities
Two planned Catholic funerals for Freemasons were stopped in
 Italy after diocesan authorities applied canon law.


ROME (LifeSiteNews) — Two planned Catholic funerals for Freemasons were stopped in Italy after diocesan authorities applied canon law.
On August 7 and 8, two Catholic bishops in Rome and in the Diocese of Ventimiglia-Sanremo stopped planned church funerals for two men publicly identified as Freemasons after their affiliations became known shortly before the ceremonies. In Rome, Cardinal Baldassarre Reina, Vicar General of the Pope for the Diocese of Rome, denied authorization for the funeral Mass of musician Bruno Battisti D’Amario after the Grand Orient of Italy publicly identified him as a prominent member. The following day, Bishop Antonio Suetta of Ventimiglia-Sanremo canceled the scheduled church funeral of Mario Tarducci in Camporosso, citing Canon 1184 of the Code of Canon Law and the precedent of the Roman case.
The Roman case concerned Bruno Battisti D’Amario, an 88-year-old respected classical guitarist and professor who died August 5. He was also closely associated with composer Ennio Morricone and performed guitar for several famous Italian Western film soundtracks. His funeral had been scheduled for August 7 at Santa Maria in Montesanto, commonly known as the “Church of the Artists.” The church was even due to be specially open for the ceremony during the August closure.
The Grand Orient of Italy (GOI) — the national leading Masonic lodge — published a public tribute identifying Battisti D’Amario as a “master brother” and stating that he founded the Roman Giuseppe Leti lodge, composed the GOI’s official anthem, and held senior positions within the organization. The GOI also said he had twice served as president of the regional council of Worshipful Masters in Lazio and as a councilor of the order. The public tribute was later deleted. 

Church officials said they did not know about Battisti D’Amario’s Masonic affiliation when the funeral was arranged. Father Fabrizio Maria Gatta initially told La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana that the funeral had been requested by the daughter and that “God’s mercy goes beyond our categories, and it is not for us to run blood tests on someone who has died.” 
After the Italian newspaper raised questions and presented the GOI statement identifying the musician as a Mason, he said the information was new to him and that he would alert Bishop Antonio Staglianò, rector of Rome’s Basilica of Santa Maria.
“I have called Cardinal Reina, who is the Vicar General of His Holiness for the Diocese of Rome and my direct superior, and after consulting the legal office of the Diocese of Rome he could do nothing other than deny authorization for the funeral Mass,” Staglianò told La Nuova Bussola Quotidiana. “Nothing prevents the artist from receiving Masses for the repose of his soul after the burial.”
The following day, the same issue arose in Camporosso in the Diocese of Ventimiglia-Sanremo. Bishop Setta learned only after the funeral had already been arranged that Tarducci belonged to a Masonic lodge and served as Worshipful Master. The information came from a local newspaper and public funeral notices.
On August 8, the diocese published an official statement declaring that Suetta discussed the matter with the parish priest and the deceased’s family and sought further instructions that could not be obtained within the limited time available. Faced with the simultaneous case in Rome, the bishop adopted the same indications given there by Cardinal Reina and ordered the planned funeral at St. Mark’s parish church not to take place.

The diocese explicitly cited Canon 1184, which states that ecclesiastical funerals are to be denied to those who, without showing signs of repentance before death, are “notoriously apostate, heretical or schismatic” or are “other manifest sinners” whose funerals would cause public scandal.
]]> <![CDATA[Müller’s Marching Orders to Trad Inc.: A Year of Coordinated Silence]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8513 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8513 The Catacombs



Selling Us Out Over Sagrantino: Müller’s Marching Orders to Trad Inc.
Anthony Stine’s source, TLM Ryan’s public reversal, Taylor Marshall’s deleted warning,
and Michael Matt’s own words expose a year of coordinated silence sold to traditional Catholics as prudence



Chris Jackson via Hiraeth in Exile [Emphasis - The Catacombs] | Jul 22, 2026

On April 27, 2025, Michael Matt looked into the camera and announced what would happen if the conclave produced another Francis.

“We will resist Francis II to his face.”

He spoke with the confidence of a veteran editor who had survived twelve years of Francis and learned the lesson. Matt reminded viewers that he had resisted Francis “honorably,” with “no regrets,” because resistance belonged to the duty of loyal Catholic sons. Days later, after quoting Cardinal Gerhard Müller’s declaration that Catholics owe no obedience to false doctrine, Matt supplied the conclusion himself:

“So there are the marching orders.”


The line now reads like prophecy with a taste for black comedy.

A little more than a year later, Anthony Stine reported that a highly placed source had described an actual meeting in Rome between Cardinal Müller and prominent traditional Catholic media figures. According to Stine, Müller urged them to stop attacking the newly elected Leo XIV—to surrender, soften their coverage, and give the new pope room.


Stine said his source specifically identified Taylor Marshall and unnamed others as having changed course after Müller’s intervention. Stine added that, as far as he knew, no money changed hands. The apparent inducement was the hope that friendly treatment of Leo might bring relief for the traditional Latin Mass.

An anonymous source deserves careful handling. There is no recording of the alleged meeting, no verified guest list, no admission from Müller, and no confession from the media figures said to have attended. Anyone presenting the report as a fully proved fact would outrun the evidence.

Fortunately, the case no longer rests upon that report alone.

Michael Matt recorded himself before, during, and after the conclave. His own broadcasts trace the whole transformation: the promise to resist; the instant search for encouraging rumors; the elevation of papal clothing and temperament over the new pope’s announced program; the insistence that Leo was changing; the ridicule of journalists who continued examining his record; the public discussion of a possible conclave “quid pro quo”; the demand that Catholics “cool it”; and the premature declaration that the revolution had already lost.

These videos turn an anonymous allegation into something far more serious. They reveal that Matt publicly adopted the exact strategy Stine’s source attributed to Müller, whether the strategy arrived through a private meeting, informal conversations in Rome, or Matt’s own eagerness to believe that Vatican access could purchase a reprieve.

The currency appears to have been influence, respectability, access, and hope for liturgical concessions. Cash would almost have made the arrangement less embarrassing.


Before the Conclave: “We Will Resist”

Matt’s pre-conclave position was admirably clear.

Francis had exposed the revolution. A successor continuing Francis’s program would have to be opposed. The laity possessed an active responsibility beyond prayer. Catholic loyalty required resistance when Roman authorities promoted error. Matt said he had done exactly that throughout the Francis years and felt no regret.

His analysis before the conclave also recognized the institutional facts. Francis had created most of the electors. The conclave was intensely political. The Holy Ghost did not mechanically select the pope. External forces, alliances, personalities, and ecclesiastical factions could influence the result. Criticism of a pope therefore could never be dismissed as criticism of the Holy Ghost.

Matt’s April 2025 programs contained none of the timid uncertainty that would appear after Robert Prevost emerged on the loggia. He spoke of a hostile takeover of the Church. He invoked Müller’s warning that a heretical pope would be catastrophic. He promised to resist another Francis “to his face.” He called the faithful to active resistance and closed by treating Müller’s words as “marching orders.”

That standard matters. Matt later portrayed immediate scrutiny of Leo as rash, immature, un-Catholic, strategically stupid, and driven by clicks. Yet before the conclave, he had already laid out the opposite standard: examine the record, identify continuity with the revolution, and resist openly.

The principle changed only after the man wearing the white cassock changed.

Much more in the rest of the article, here: https://bigmodernism.substack.com/p/sell...no-mullers]]> The Catacombs



Selling Us Out Over Sagrantino: Müller’s Marching Orders to Trad Inc.
Anthony Stine’s source, TLM Ryan’s public reversal, Taylor Marshall’s deleted warning,
and Michael Matt’s own words expose a year of coordinated silence sold to traditional Catholics as prudence



Chris Jackson via Hiraeth in Exile [Emphasis - The Catacombs] | Jul 22, 2026

On April 27, 2025, Michael Matt looked into the camera and announced what would happen if the conclave produced another Francis.

“We will resist Francis II to his face.”

He spoke with the confidence of a veteran editor who had survived twelve years of Francis and learned the lesson. Matt reminded viewers that he had resisted Francis “honorably,” with “no regrets,” because resistance belonged to the duty of loyal Catholic sons. Days later, after quoting Cardinal Gerhard Müller’s declaration that Catholics owe no obedience to false doctrine, Matt supplied the conclusion himself:

“So there are the marching orders.”


The line now reads like prophecy with a taste for black comedy.

A little more than a year later, Anthony Stine reported that a highly placed source had described an actual meeting in Rome between Cardinal Müller and prominent traditional Catholic media figures. According to Stine, Müller urged them to stop attacking the newly elected Leo XIV—to surrender, soften their coverage, and give the new pope room.


Stine said his source specifically identified Taylor Marshall and unnamed others as having changed course after Müller’s intervention. Stine added that, as far as he knew, no money changed hands. The apparent inducement was the hope that friendly treatment of Leo might bring relief for the traditional Latin Mass.

An anonymous source deserves careful handling. There is no recording of the alleged meeting, no verified guest list, no admission from Müller, and no confession from the media figures said to have attended. Anyone presenting the report as a fully proved fact would outrun the evidence.

Fortunately, the case no longer rests upon that report alone.

Michael Matt recorded himself before, during, and after the conclave. His own broadcasts trace the whole transformation: the promise to resist; the instant search for encouraging rumors; the elevation of papal clothing and temperament over the new pope’s announced program; the insistence that Leo was changing; the ridicule of journalists who continued examining his record; the public discussion of a possible conclave “quid pro quo”; the demand that Catholics “cool it”; and the premature declaration that the revolution had already lost.

These videos turn an anonymous allegation into something far more serious. They reveal that Matt publicly adopted the exact strategy Stine’s source attributed to Müller, whether the strategy arrived through a private meeting, informal conversations in Rome, or Matt’s own eagerness to believe that Vatican access could purchase a reprieve.

The currency appears to have been influence, respectability, access, and hope for liturgical concessions. Cash would almost have made the arrangement less embarrassing.


Before the Conclave: “We Will Resist”

Matt’s pre-conclave position was admirably clear.

Francis had exposed the revolution. A successor continuing Francis’s program would have to be opposed. The laity possessed an active responsibility beyond prayer. Catholic loyalty required resistance when Roman authorities promoted error. Matt said he had done exactly that throughout the Francis years and felt no regret.

His analysis before the conclave also recognized the institutional facts. Francis had created most of the electors. The conclave was intensely political. The Holy Ghost did not mechanically select the pope. External forces, alliances, personalities, and ecclesiastical factions could influence the result. Criticism of a pope therefore could never be dismissed as criticism of the Holy Ghost.

Matt’s April 2025 programs contained none of the timid uncertainty that would appear after Robert Prevost emerged on the loggia. He spoke of a hostile takeover of the Church. He invoked Müller’s warning that a heretical pope would be catastrophic. He promised to resist another Francis “to his face.” He called the faithful to active resistance and closed by treating Müller’s words as “marching orders.”

That standard matters. Matt later portrayed immediate scrutiny of Leo as rash, immature, un-Catholic, strategically stupid, and driven by clicks. Yet before the conclave, he had already laid out the opposite standard: examine the record, identify continuity with the revolution, and resist openly.

The principle changed only after the man wearing the white cassock changed.

Much more in the rest of the article, here: https://bigmodernism.substack.com/p/sell...no-mullers]]> <![CDATA[Statue of Our Lady unharmed after church roof caved in during earthquake]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8512 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:44:15 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8512 Statue of Our Lady unharmed after church roof caved in during earthquake
‘A large part of the church nave has collapsed. ... The statue of the Virgin remains intact,’ Father Henry Díaz explained.

[Image: Catholic_statue_our_Lady_of_the_Holy_ros...n_Mary.jpg]

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Immaculate/Shutterstock
Tue Jul 21, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — A statue of the Virgin Mary survived a devastating 5.1 magnitude earthquake unscathed in Peru despite the church’s roof, part of its facade, and its viceregal altars collapsing.

Built in the 16th century, Santiago Apóstol Parish church in the Chupaca province underwent heavy damage on the night of July 18.

“A large part of the church nave has collapsed. You can see huge cracks everywhere and roof tiles that have come loose. The high altar collapsed into the rubble. The statue of the Virgin remains intact,” Father Henry Díaz said. 

In an interview with Rotafono, Díaz noted that the church’s “tower is leaning and must be demolished” and lamented that this “architectural gem” had been damaged shortly before the region’s celebration of its patron saint, Saint James the Apostle.

The quake left at least 6 people dead, more than 32 injured, and 50 homes destroyed, according to RPP (Radio Programas del Perú).]]> Statue of Our Lady unharmed after church roof caved in during earthquake
‘A large part of the church nave has collapsed. ... The statue of the Virgin remains intact,’ Father Henry Díaz explained.

[Image: Catholic_statue_our_Lady_of_the_Holy_ros...n_Mary.jpg]

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Immaculate Heart of Mary
Immaculate/Shutterstock
Tue Jul 21, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — A statue of the Virgin Mary survived a devastating 5.1 magnitude earthquake unscathed in Peru despite the church’s roof, part of its facade, and its viceregal altars collapsing.

Built in the 16th century, Santiago Apóstol Parish church in the Chupaca province underwent heavy damage on the night of July 18.

“A large part of the church nave has collapsed. You can see huge cracks everywhere and roof tiles that have come loose. The high altar collapsed into the rubble. The statue of the Virgin remains intact,” Father Henry Díaz said. 

In an interview with Rotafono, Díaz noted that the church’s “tower is leaning and must be demolished” and lamented that this “architectural gem” had been damaged shortly before the region’s celebration of its patron saint, Saint James the Apostle.

The quake left at least 6 people dead, more than 32 injured, and 50 homes destroyed, according to RPP (Radio Programas del Perú).]]> <![CDATA[LGBT event mocking Christianity canceled after Catholics pray Rosary outside]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8510 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:43:43 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8510 LGBT event mocking Christianity canceled after Catholics pray Rosary outside
An LGBT-themed ‘performance’ in a former Catholic church mocked nuns, exorcism, and the Eucharist –
but now future events are canceled and the group hosting them had its lease terminated.

Jul 20, 2026
SYDNEY (LifeSiteNews) — After hundreds of young Australian Catholics knelt and prayed the Rosary outside of a former Catholic church where a blasphemous LGBT-themed performance mocking Christian themes – including the Eucharist – was taking place, future performances have been canceled and the building’s tenant is being evicted.

“Our concern is the recent material publicly promoted by the venue, including imagery and performances that many Christians experienced as a deliberate mockery and misuse of sacred Christian symbols,” the Prodigal Sons, a Catholic group, said in a statement.

“The publicly accessible material included performers dressed as nuns, exorcism parodies, references to ‘unholy water’ and depictions involving Holy Communion,” the group pointed out.

“It’s over. Our lease terminated, our artists canceled, our venue being cleared out,” the founder of the offensively named “Divine Playhouse” said in a statement sent to Star Observer. The performing group was previously named “Unholy Playhouse.”

The group was given three days to clear out. 

Pictures posted on X show young Catholic men and women praying and holding Rosaries directly across the street from the church.


“Australian Catholics gathered from across Sydney to pray in reparation for the blasphemous performances taking place at a venue on Kent Street in Sydney’s central business district,” the prayerful protest sponsors explained on Instagram. Their video post continued:
Quote:More than one thousand faithful united in peaceful prayer, carrying Rosaries and lifting their hearts to God in reparation for the public offence against Jesus Christ.

Their response was not one of anger, but of faith — answering mockery with prayer, hatred with charity, and blasphemy with unwavering devotion.

It was a powerful witness that the Catholic faith will not be silenced. When Christians stand together in truth, prayer, and love for Christ, they become a light that no darkness can overcome.

“I believe taxpayers have every right to ask why public money was allocated to a project that many members of a faith community found deeply offensive,” said Chris Nave, who had launched a petition questioning the use of government funding to support the offensive performances.

“This campaign has never been about hatred or attacking individuals. It has always been about accountability, transparency and ensuring that all faith communities are treated with equal dignity and respect,” Nave told nine.com.au.

“Our fight is not against any individuals. It is against what we believe is a mockery of our faith and is against the use of taxpayer money to support it,” Nave said.]]> LGBT event mocking Christianity canceled after Catholics pray Rosary outside
An LGBT-themed ‘performance’ in a former Catholic church mocked nuns, exorcism, and the Eucharist –
but now future events are canceled and the group hosting them had its lease terminated.

Jul 20, 2026
SYDNEY (LifeSiteNews) — After hundreds of young Australian Catholics knelt and prayed the Rosary outside of a former Catholic church where a blasphemous LGBT-themed performance mocking Christian themes – including the Eucharist – was taking place, future performances have been canceled and the building’s tenant is being evicted.

“Our concern is the recent material publicly promoted by the venue, including imagery and performances that many Christians experienced as a deliberate mockery and misuse of sacred Christian symbols,” the Prodigal Sons, a Catholic group, said in a statement.

“The publicly accessible material included performers dressed as nuns, exorcism parodies, references to ‘unholy water’ and depictions involving Holy Communion,” the group pointed out.

“It’s over. Our lease terminated, our artists canceled, our venue being cleared out,” the founder of the offensively named “Divine Playhouse” said in a statement sent to Star Observer. The performing group was previously named “Unholy Playhouse.”

The group was given three days to clear out. 

Pictures posted on X show young Catholic men and women praying and holding Rosaries directly across the street from the church.


“Australian Catholics gathered from across Sydney to pray in reparation for the blasphemous performances taking place at a venue on Kent Street in Sydney’s central business district,” the prayerful protest sponsors explained on Instagram. Their video post continued:
Quote:More than one thousand faithful united in peaceful prayer, carrying Rosaries and lifting their hearts to God in reparation for the public offence against Jesus Christ.

Their response was not one of anger, but of faith — answering mockery with prayer, hatred with charity, and blasphemy with unwavering devotion.

It was a powerful witness that the Catholic faith will not be silenced. When Christians stand together in truth, prayer, and love for Christ, they become a light that no darkness can overcome.

“I believe taxpayers have every right to ask why public money was allocated to a project that many members of a faith community found deeply offensive,” said Chris Nave, who had launched a petition questioning the use of government funding to support the offensive performances.

“This campaign has never been about hatred or attacking individuals. It has always been about accountability, transparency and ensuring that all faith communities are treated with equal dignity and respect,” Nave told nine.com.au.

“Our fight is not against any individuals. It is against what we believe is a mockery of our faith and is against the use of taxpayer money to support it,” Nave said.]]> <![CDATA[Baseball team forfeits game after most players refuse to wear ‘Pride’ jerseys]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8408 Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:26:34 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8408 Baseball team forfeits game after most players refuse to wear ‘Pride’ jerseys
Fewer than nine players on the 28-man roster were willing to play in the 'Pride' uniforms.

[Image: shutterstock_2432338421-e1781875149707.jpg]

Dan Thornberg/Shutterstock.com
Jun 19, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — A professional baseball team in Pennsylvania was forced to forfeit its “Pride Night” game on Thursday after the majority of its players refused to wear rainbow “Pride” jerseys.

The York Revolution team threw its players who declined to wear the LGBTQ-themed jerseys under the bus in a searing public statement condemning the brave, principled team members’ actions.

“It is with great disappointment that the York Revolution have issued important changes to our 11th Annual Pride Night on Thursday, June 18th,” began the team’s statement. “Unfortunately, several of our players have refused to wear the scheduled Pride Night jersey.”

“As a result, and out of respect for the Pride Community and the York community as a whole, the York Revolution has decided that the game on Thursday, June 18 will be forfeited and that Pride Night will continue on as the feature element of the evening at WellSpan Park,” continued the team’s statement.

“To be clear; this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the Most Welcoming Place in York. As a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners we are making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania.”

According to an NBC News report, “fewer than nine players” on the Revolution’s roster were willing to play in the Pride-themed jerseys.

At an “unprecedented” team meeting, the team manager was “unable to talk players into wearing the rainbow sleeves,” noted the NBC report.

The Atlantic League team had been scheduled to host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on its 11th annual “Pride” night.

The move by the York Revolution is part of a recent cascade of professional baseball players refusing to kowtow to LGBTQ-themed Pride events.

Last week, three Christian players for the San Francisco Giants cited verses from Genesis chapter 9 on their team’s specially issued “Pride Night” ball caps. Earlier, one Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher refused to wear his team’s “Pride Night” cap.]]> Baseball team forfeits game after most players refuse to wear ‘Pride’ jerseys
Fewer than nine players on the 28-man roster were willing to play in the 'Pride' uniforms.

[Image: shutterstock_2432338421-e1781875149707.jpg]

Dan Thornberg/Shutterstock.com
Jun 19, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — A professional baseball team in Pennsylvania was forced to forfeit its “Pride Night” game on Thursday after the majority of its players refused to wear rainbow “Pride” jerseys.

The York Revolution team threw its players who declined to wear the LGBTQ-themed jerseys under the bus in a searing public statement condemning the brave, principled team members’ actions.

“It is with great disappointment that the York Revolution have issued important changes to our 11th Annual Pride Night on Thursday, June 18th,” began the team’s statement. “Unfortunately, several of our players have refused to wear the scheduled Pride Night jersey.”

“As a result, and out of respect for the Pride Community and the York community as a whole, the York Revolution has decided that the game on Thursday, June 18 will be forfeited and that Pride Night will continue on as the feature element of the evening at WellSpan Park,” continued the team’s statement.

“To be clear; this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the Most Welcoming Place in York. As a small token of our regret for the last-minute change of plans and support for our LGBTQIA+ representing partners we are making a $10,000 donation to the Rainbow Rose Center to support and further their work in making sure the York community is as inclusive as we strive to make WellSpan Park in York, Pennsylvania.”

According to an NBC News report, “fewer than nine players” on the Revolution’s roster were willing to play in the Pride-themed jerseys.

At an “unprecedented” team meeting, the team manager was “unable to talk players into wearing the rainbow sleeves,” noted the NBC report.

The Atlantic League team had been scheduled to host the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on its 11th annual “Pride” night.

The move by the York Revolution is part of a recent cascade of professional baseball players refusing to kowtow to LGBTQ-themed Pride events.

Last week, three Christian players for the San Francisco Giants cited verses from Genesis chapter 9 on their team’s specially issued “Pride Night” ball caps. Earlier, one Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher refused to wear his team’s “Pride Night” cap.]]> <![CDATA[Transalpine Redemptorists’ founder to be consecrated by [Sedevacantist] Bishop Pierre Roy]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8403 Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:16:00 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8403

Transalpine Redemptorists’ founder to be consecrated by Bishop Pierre Roy
Riaan Van Zyl

June 19, 2026

The Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer was established by Fr. Michael Mary in 1988 with the blessing of Archbishop Lefebvre.

[Image: NEw-Kox-news-27-1024x576.jpg]

Bishop Pierre Roy (left), Fr. Michael Mary (right).

In a major development for the traditional Catholic world, [sedevacantist] Bishop Pierre Roy has announced that Father Michael Mary Sim, founder and rector major of the Transalpine Redemptorists, will be consecrated a bishop on July 25, 2026, at the community’s monastery on Papa Stronsay in the Orkney Islands of Scotland.

According to the announcement, Bishops Rodrigo Ribeiro da Silva and Fernando Altamira will serve as co-consecrators. Both hold that the Seat of St. Peter is currently vacant. The ceremony will take place privately within the monastery.

Integrity has reached out to Roy, Mary, and other relevant parties for comment and will publish their responses in due course.

The announcement comes only weeks after the Transalpine Redemptorists, officially the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, publicly declared that the Holy See is vacant and rejected the legitimacy of the post-conciliar claimants to the papacy in their statement “The Dogma To Steer By.” The community was previously associated with both the Society of St. Pius X and the Conciliar Church. The consecration represents one of the most significant developments yet arising from their dramatic shift in position.

Integrity co-founder Stephen Kokx interviewed Mary in May. Mary told him that the local ordinary, Aberdeen Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB, has opened a “penal process” against him.

In his June 18 letter, Roy explained that he had been in close contact with the community since June 2025 and had concluded that the Redemptorists required their own bishop due to their international apostolate. The community presently has houses in Scotland, New Zealand, and the United States, while also serving faithful in Australia, Samoa, and elsewhere.

“Since my confreres are in similar situations to my own, it seemed reasonable and necessary to give the Redemptorists a bishop who could properly care for a flock that already knew the sound of his fatherly voice,” Roy wrote.

His Excellency also addressed what many traditional Catholics will regard as the obvious question: whether a community that spent years under the authority of the post-conciliar hierarchy can be trusted with the episcopacy.

“They could have returned to their old errors, but instead chose to undertake a serious study of the Church’s situation. This study, which I have been able to consult, led them to recognize the current vacancy of the Apostolic See and to embrace the only attitude compatible with the Catholic Faith in the face of conciliar apostasy,” he said.

Roy, who resigned from the SSPX in 2016, continued: “Last year I received their Profession of Faith, which I wished to recite with them, and we have since collaborated until their recent declaration, in which they put an end to all ambiguity by affirming before the entire Church their Faith and their rejection of modern errors along with their perpetrators.”


Who are the Transalpine Redemptorists?

The history of the Transalpine Redemptorists has been anything but ordinary. The community was founded in the late 1980s under the leadership of Father Michael Mary with the blessing of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. For many years it operated within the orbit of the Society of Saint Pius X and established its famous monastery on the remote island of Papa Stronsay.

In 2008, however, the community reconciled with Rome under Benedict XVI. For nearly two decades, they functioned as a “canonically recognized” traditional institute, eventually receiving diocesan approval and expanding internationally.

That arrangement began to unravel in recent years amid conflicts with church authorities and growing theological concerns regarding the post-conciliar hierarchy. In October 2025, public reports emerged that serious tensions had developed between the community and diocesan authorities.

The decisive break came on May 2, 2026, when the Redemptorists released a declaration concluding that they could no longer recognize the post-Vatican II claimants to the papacy. The declaration argued that their 2008 reconciliation had been based on the inherited SSPX position of “recognize and resist,” a position they now regard as untenable.

Bishop Roy echoes this interpretation in his new letter: “By making their ‘reconciliation’ in 2008, the Redemptorists primarily sought to end a situation incompatible with the Catholic Faith: that of recognising a person as the true Supreme Pontiff and yet resisting him in matters of faith, morals, and discipline.”

He further states: “Having had the opportunity to closely observe the nauseating stench of the conciliar hydra until 2024, God provided them with the circumstances to rectify the situation through the persecutions they suffered because of their refusal to compromise the sacred Traditions of the Church.”

Bishop Roy has emerged as one of the more prominent voices within the contemporary sedevacantist movement.

Ordained for the SSPX in 2011, he spent five years in the Society before departing in 2016 over concerns that the SSPX leadership was moving toward greater integration with the post-conciliar hierarchy. He subsequently founded Our Lady of Joy Mission in eastern Canada.

In January 2024, he was consecrated by Bishop Rodrigo Ribeiro da Silva, who was previously associated with Bishop Richard Williamson and the SSPX “Resistance.” Since then, Roy has advocated the position that traditional bishops possess not merely sacramental powers but also extraordinary jurisdiction supplied by Christ during the present crisis in the Church. That conviction is clearly visible in the new announcement.

Roy acknowledges that he cannot personally grant jurisdiction to Fr. Mary but insists that Christ Himself provides what is necessary: “Christ, the invisible head of the Church and source of all jurisdiction, can, and He certainly will in the limits of the present necessities of the Church, in the absence of a true Supreme Pontiff.”

The consecration arrives amid increasing discussion of what some traditional Catholics call an “Imperfect General Council.” The concept, promoted by Roy, the Unam Sanctam initiative, and other sedevacantist thinkers, argues that in an extended papal vacancy the Church possesses extraordinary means to address the crisis and ultimately restore the papacy. The Transalpine Redemptorists themselves called for such an imperfect council in their May declaration.

Roy has likewise spoken publicly about the possibility, telling Kokx in an interview that the Church cannot be permanently deprived of the means necessary for her own preservation.

The consecration of Fr. Mary will inevitably be viewed as strengthening the network of bishops and clergy who believe that extraordinary measures may eventually be required to resolve the present ecclesiastical crisis.

In his letter, Roy insists that traditional Catholics cannot be content merely to preserve the sacraments while modernist bishops occupy the field. “Church history shows that heretical bishops are combated by establishing Catholic bishops, just as impostor popes are combated by a true pope,” he has said.

Whether one agrees with that assessment or not, the significance of the upcoming consecration is undeniable. The founder of one of the most well-known traditional religious communities in the English-speaking world is set to become a bishop. It follows the community’s formal embrace of sedevacantism and places the Transalpine Redemptorists squarely within the camp seeking not simply to resist the post-conciliar revolution, but to provide what they believe are the structures necessary for the restoration of the Church.
As stated above, Integrity has reached out to various parties of interest pertaining to this story. We will publish their responses when we receive them.]]>

Transalpine Redemptorists’ founder to be consecrated by Bishop Pierre Roy
Riaan Van Zyl

June 19, 2026

The Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer was established by Fr. Michael Mary in 1988 with the blessing of Archbishop Lefebvre.

[Image: NEw-Kox-news-27-1024x576.jpg]

Bishop Pierre Roy (left), Fr. Michael Mary (right).

In a major development for the traditional Catholic world, [sedevacantist] Bishop Pierre Roy has announced that Father Michael Mary Sim, founder and rector major of the Transalpine Redemptorists, will be consecrated a bishop on July 25, 2026, at the community’s monastery on Papa Stronsay in the Orkney Islands of Scotland.

According to the announcement, Bishops Rodrigo Ribeiro da Silva and Fernando Altamira will serve as co-consecrators. Both hold that the Seat of St. Peter is currently vacant. The ceremony will take place privately within the monastery.

Integrity has reached out to Roy, Mary, and other relevant parties for comment and will publish their responses in due course.

The announcement comes only weeks after the Transalpine Redemptorists, officially the Congregation of the Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer, publicly declared that the Holy See is vacant and rejected the legitimacy of the post-conciliar claimants to the papacy in their statement “The Dogma To Steer By.” The community was previously associated with both the Society of St. Pius X and the Conciliar Church. The consecration represents one of the most significant developments yet arising from their dramatic shift in position.

Integrity co-founder Stephen Kokx interviewed Mary in May. Mary told him that the local ordinary, Aberdeen Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB, has opened a “penal process” against him.

In his June 18 letter, Roy explained that he had been in close contact with the community since June 2025 and had concluded that the Redemptorists required their own bishop due to their international apostolate. The community presently has houses in Scotland, New Zealand, and the United States, while also serving faithful in Australia, Samoa, and elsewhere.

“Since my confreres are in similar situations to my own, it seemed reasonable and necessary to give the Redemptorists a bishop who could properly care for a flock that already knew the sound of his fatherly voice,” Roy wrote.

His Excellency also addressed what many traditional Catholics will regard as the obvious question: whether a community that spent years under the authority of the post-conciliar hierarchy can be trusted with the episcopacy.

“They could have returned to their old errors, but instead chose to undertake a serious study of the Church’s situation. This study, which I have been able to consult, led them to recognize the current vacancy of the Apostolic See and to embrace the only attitude compatible with the Catholic Faith in the face of conciliar apostasy,” he said.

Roy, who resigned from the SSPX in 2016, continued: “Last year I received their Profession of Faith, which I wished to recite with them, and we have since collaborated until their recent declaration, in which they put an end to all ambiguity by affirming before the entire Church their Faith and their rejection of modern errors along with their perpetrators.”


Who are the Transalpine Redemptorists?

The history of the Transalpine Redemptorists has been anything but ordinary. The community was founded in the late 1980s under the leadership of Father Michael Mary with the blessing of Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre. For many years it operated within the orbit of the Society of Saint Pius X and established its famous monastery on the remote island of Papa Stronsay.

In 2008, however, the community reconciled with Rome under Benedict XVI. For nearly two decades, they functioned as a “canonically recognized” traditional institute, eventually receiving diocesan approval and expanding internationally.

That arrangement began to unravel in recent years amid conflicts with church authorities and growing theological concerns regarding the post-conciliar hierarchy. In October 2025, public reports emerged that serious tensions had developed between the community and diocesan authorities.

The decisive break came on May 2, 2026, when the Redemptorists released a declaration concluding that they could no longer recognize the post-Vatican II claimants to the papacy. The declaration argued that their 2008 reconciliation had been based on the inherited SSPX position of “recognize and resist,” a position they now regard as untenable.

Bishop Roy echoes this interpretation in his new letter: “By making their ‘reconciliation’ in 2008, the Redemptorists primarily sought to end a situation incompatible with the Catholic Faith: that of recognising a person as the true Supreme Pontiff and yet resisting him in matters of faith, morals, and discipline.”

He further states: “Having had the opportunity to closely observe the nauseating stench of the conciliar hydra until 2024, God provided them with the circumstances to rectify the situation through the persecutions they suffered because of their refusal to compromise the sacred Traditions of the Church.”

Bishop Roy has emerged as one of the more prominent voices within the contemporary sedevacantist movement.

Ordained for the SSPX in 2011, he spent five years in the Society before departing in 2016 over concerns that the SSPX leadership was moving toward greater integration with the post-conciliar hierarchy. He subsequently founded Our Lady of Joy Mission in eastern Canada.

In January 2024, he was consecrated by Bishop Rodrigo Ribeiro da Silva, who was previously associated with Bishop Richard Williamson and the SSPX “Resistance.” Since then, Roy has advocated the position that traditional bishops possess not merely sacramental powers but also extraordinary jurisdiction supplied by Christ during the present crisis in the Church. That conviction is clearly visible in the new announcement.

Roy acknowledges that he cannot personally grant jurisdiction to Fr. Mary but insists that Christ Himself provides what is necessary: “Christ, the invisible head of the Church and source of all jurisdiction, can, and He certainly will in the limits of the present necessities of the Church, in the absence of a true Supreme Pontiff.”

The consecration arrives amid increasing discussion of what some traditional Catholics call an “Imperfect General Council.” The concept, promoted by Roy, the Unam Sanctam initiative, and other sedevacantist thinkers, argues that in an extended papal vacancy the Church possesses extraordinary means to address the crisis and ultimately restore the papacy. The Transalpine Redemptorists themselves called for such an imperfect council in their May declaration.

Roy has likewise spoken publicly about the possibility, telling Kokx in an interview that the Church cannot be permanently deprived of the means necessary for her own preservation.

The consecration of Fr. Mary will inevitably be viewed as strengthening the network of bishops and clergy who believe that extraordinary measures may eventually be required to resolve the present ecclesiastical crisis.

In his letter, Roy insists that traditional Catholics cannot be content merely to preserve the sacraments while modernist bishops occupy the field. “Church history shows that heretical bishops are combated by establishing Catholic bishops, just as impostor popes are combated by a true pope,” he has said.

Whether one agrees with that assessment or not, the significance of the upcoming consecration is undeniable. The founder of one of the most well-known traditional religious communities in the English-speaking world is set to become a bishop. It follows the community’s formal embrace of sedevacantism and places the Transalpine Redemptorists squarely within the camp seeking not simply to resist the post-conciliar revolution, but to provide what they believe are the structures necessary for the restoration of the Church.
As stated above, Integrity has reached out to various parties of interest pertaining to this story. We will publish their responses when we receive them.]]> <![CDATA[Massachusetts town defends St. Michael statue against anti-Catholic ACLU challenge]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8260 Thu, 07 May 2026 12:39:19 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8260 Massachusetts town defends St. Michael statue against anti-Catholic ACLU challenge
The ACLU and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court launched hostile attacks against St. Michael and St. Florian statues because they are connected to Catholicism.

[Image: shutterstock_2667584967-2.jpg]

Statue of Saint Michael the Archangel
meunierd/Shutterstock
May 6, 2026
(LifeSiteNews [slightly adapted - not all hyperlinks included from original]) — The town of Quincy, Massachusetts, is continuing its battle against the ACLU over proposed statues of St. Florian and St. Michael the Archangel.

The city said that religious imagery is common at public buildings, including a statue of Moses at the state supreme court building. Meanwhile, liberal justices largely focused on complaining that the statues might be identified with Catholicism.

The state Supreme Judicial Court held a hearing today as it considers whether the town should be allowed to put up two statues of the saints outside of its public safety building.

The justices asked the city’s attorney to defend the statues against the much-criticized 1971 Lemon Supreme Court case and its subsequent “test” for determining religious freedom cases. However, that case is no longer the primary religious freedom standard used by the nation’s top court.

A coalition of religious groups, free speech scholars, and first responder unions are calling on the state’s supreme court to allow the statues. Meanwhile, the left-wing ACLU wants to see a permanent ban on the statues. In October, an activist judge blocked the statues, as LifeSiteNews previously reported.

The statues are a symbol of “courage,” Quincy’s attorney Joseph Davis argued today.

The attorney noted that the Supreme Judicial Court itself, along with several others, has statues of Moses as well.

“A number of fire departments” use the “Florian cross,” the attorney said, responding to a hostile judge who asked if other fire departments had the saint statues outside.

Other fire and police departments, including in Los Angeles and New York City, have similar statues outside, the attorney told left-wing Associate Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian.

Just because a statue has a “religious significance” does not mean it cannot have “broader significance,” the attorney argued.

He also pointed out that using the religious names of someone does not mean that they only have “religious significance.”

Associate Justice Serge Georges picked up on the hostile questioning line, complaining that the statues may have a “secular” meaning but also have a religious background.

Fellow justice Scott Kafker also complained that the saints are “Catholic,” ignoring legal briefs that established other religious groups’ interest in the saints. Justice Wolohojian jumped back in to complain about the saints.

“They have a mixed significance,” Davis responded.

Wolohojian continued on with her questioning and suggested that “the citizens of Quincy” might be offended by the “government speech” of the public safety building having the statues.

Davis pointed out other courthouses also have religious statues, with Wolohojian interrupting him to say there are other statues besides Moses at court buildings.

“This is the fire and police building,” Davis argued, pointing out the statues represent firefighters and police officers.

ACLU attorney Jessie Rossman followed Davis and urged the judges to block the city from putting up the statues, arguing that they promote “divisiveness.”

She argued that religious beliefs should be confined to private buildings and not “government buildings.”

However, a judge pushed back and asked why existing statues should not be treated the same way.

The ACLU attorney acknowledged that statues or symbols that had been up for a long time, such as 100 years, could be upheld.

Making a new decision to put up new statues could create “divisiveness,” Rossman claimed, and she said that the image having a “Catholic” background was problematic.

Her argument picked up on the general anti-Catholic hostility expressed by the justices as well.

“These statues are conveying a message that [a] particular religion is being elevated above other religious and non-religious beliefs,” Rossman complained.

Some justices, even those that pushed back on the town, questioned Rossman as to her arguments, including that the statues only have a religious meaning.]]> Massachusetts town defends St. Michael statue against anti-Catholic ACLU challenge
The ACLU and the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court launched hostile attacks against St. Michael and St. Florian statues because they are connected to Catholicism.

[Image: shutterstock_2667584967-2.jpg]

Statue of Saint Michael the Archangel
meunierd/Shutterstock
May 6, 2026
(LifeSiteNews [slightly adapted - not all hyperlinks included from original]) — The town of Quincy, Massachusetts, is continuing its battle against the ACLU over proposed statues of St. Florian and St. Michael the Archangel.

The city said that religious imagery is common at public buildings, including a statue of Moses at the state supreme court building. Meanwhile, liberal justices largely focused on complaining that the statues might be identified with Catholicism.

The state Supreme Judicial Court held a hearing today as it considers whether the town should be allowed to put up two statues of the saints outside of its public safety building.

The justices asked the city’s attorney to defend the statues against the much-criticized 1971 Lemon Supreme Court case and its subsequent “test” for determining religious freedom cases. However, that case is no longer the primary religious freedom standard used by the nation’s top court.

A coalition of religious groups, free speech scholars, and first responder unions are calling on the state’s supreme court to allow the statues. Meanwhile, the left-wing ACLU wants to see a permanent ban on the statues. In October, an activist judge blocked the statues, as LifeSiteNews previously reported.

The statues are a symbol of “courage,” Quincy’s attorney Joseph Davis argued today.

The attorney noted that the Supreme Judicial Court itself, along with several others, has statues of Moses as well.

“A number of fire departments” use the “Florian cross,” the attorney said, responding to a hostile judge who asked if other fire departments had the saint statues outside.

Other fire and police departments, including in Los Angeles and New York City, have similar statues outside, the attorney told left-wing Associate Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian.

Just because a statue has a “religious significance” does not mean it cannot have “broader significance,” the attorney argued.

He also pointed out that using the religious names of someone does not mean that they only have “religious significance.”

Associate Justice Serge Georges picked up on the hostile questioning line, complaining that the statues may have a “secular” meaning but also have a religious background.

Fellow justice Scott Kafker also complained that the saints are “Catholic,” ignoring legal briefs that established other religious groups’ interest in the saints. Justice Wolohojian jumped back in to complain about the saints.

“They have a mixed significance,” Davis responded.

Wolohojian continued on with her questioning and suggested that “the citizens of Quincy” might be offended by the “government speech” of the public safety building having the statues.

Davis pointed out other courthouses also have religious statues, with Wolohojian interrupting him to say there are other statues besides Moses at court buildings.

“This is the fire and police building,” Davis argued, pointing out the statues represent firefighters and police officers.

ACLU attorney Jessie Rossman followed Davis and urged the judges to block the city from putting up the statues, arguing that they promote “divisiveness.”

She argued that religious beliefs should be confined to private buildings and not “government buildings.”

However, a judge pushed back and asked why existing statues should not be treated the same way.

The ACLU attorney acknowledged that statues or symbols that had been up for a long time, such as 100 years, could be upheld.

Making a new decision to put up new statues could create “divisiveness,” Rossman claimed, and she said that the image having a “Catholic” background was problematic.

Her argument picked up on the general anti-Catholic hostility expressed by the justices as well.

“These statues are conveying a message that [a] particular religion is being elevated above other religious and non-religious beliefs,” Rossman complained.

Some justices, even those that pushed back on the town, questioned Rossman as to her arguments, including that the statues only have a religious meaning.]]> <![CDATA[Latin Patriarchate condemns ‘barbaric hate crime’ against Catholic nun in Jerusalem]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8245 Fri, 01 May 2026 20:23:35 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8245 Latin Patriarchate condemns ‘barbaric hate crime’ against Catholic nun in Jerusalem
The Latin Patriarchate is calling for ‘effective measures of deterrence’ so that violent attacks such as the one on the Catholic nun are prevented.

[Image: GettyImages-2252760420.jpg]

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Getty Images
May 1, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has decried an Israeli man’s attack on a religious sister in Jerusalem as “barbaric.”

“This is a repulsive and barbaric hate crime committed against a defenseless nun. It is the duty of the authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice and to ensure that clear and effective measures of deterrence are put in place so that such acts are neither tolerated nor repeated,”  Farid Jubran, Public and Governmental Affairs Advisor at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, told Crux Now.



A 36-year-old man was recently arrested by Israeli police after it was reported that a religious sister was attacked near King David’s tomb in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Newly released video footage shows a man pushing a Catholic religious sister to the ground, briefly walking away and then going back to kick her.

The head of a Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, Archbishop Atallah Hanna, has also reportedly condemned the attack and has called for an international response to stop the increasing hostilities against Christians in the Holy Land.

He said on Facebook that “the attack on a nun in the city of Jerusalem comes amid escalating violations against Christian institutions in the city,” according to Al Jazeera.

“This reflects increasing concerns about the future of the historic Christian presence in the Holy Land,” he added.

According to AP News, a police video shows the attacker was wearing tzitzit, a tasseled undergarment worn by some observant Jewish men, which is meant to serve as a reminder of God’s commandments.

The unprovoked attack was carried out by an Israeli colonizer, according to the al‑Baidar Human Rights Organization.

Last year in Jerusalem alone, 155 to 181 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism targeted at Christians were recorded, according to the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue and the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC).

Video of assault here: https://twitter.com/LifeSite/status/2050208460948525339]]> Latin Patriarchate condemns ‘barbaric hate crime’ against Catholic nun in Jerusalem
The Latin Patriarchate is calling for ‘effective measures of deterrence’ so that violent attacks such as the one on the Catholic nun are prevented.

[Image: GettyImages-2252760420.jpg]

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Faiz Abu Rmeleh/Getty Images
May 1, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has decried an Israeli man’s attack on a religious sister in Jerusalem as “barbaric.”

“This is a repulsive and barbaric hate crime committed against a defenseless nun. It is the duty of the authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice and to ensure that clear and effective measures of deterrence are put in place so that such acts are neither tolerated nor repeated,”  Farid Jubran, Public and Governmental Affairs Advisor at the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, told Crux Now.



A 36-year-old man was recently arrested by Israeli police after it was reported that a religious sister was attacked near King David’s tomb in Jerusalem on Tuesday. Newly released video footage shows a man pushing a Catholic religious sister to the ground, briefly walking away and then going back to kick her.

The head of a Greek Orthodox Church in Jerusalem, Archbishop Atallah Hanna, has also reportedly condemned the attack and has called for an international response to stop the increasing hostilities against Christians in the Holy Land.

He said on Facebook that “the attack on a nun in the city of Jerusalem comes amid escalating violations against Christian institutions in the city,” according to Al Jazeera.

“This reflects increasing concerns about the future of the historic Christian presence in the Holy Land,” he added.

According to AP News, a police video shows the attacker was wearing tzitzit, a tasseled undergarment worn by some observant Jewish men, which is meant to serve as a reminder of God’s commandments.

The unprovoked attack was carried out by an Israeli colonizer, according to the al‑Baidar Human Rights Organization.

Last year in Jerusalem alone, 155 to 181 incidents of assault, harassment, and vandalism targeted at Christians were recorded, according to the Rossing Center for Education and Dialogue and the Religious Freedom Data Center (RFDC).

Video of assault here: https://twitter.com/LifeSite/status/2050208460948525339]]> <![CDATA[Trump DOJ charges far-left Southern Poverty Law Center that targets traditional Catholics]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8197 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:05:40 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8197 Trump DOJ charges far-left Southern Poverty Law Center that targets traditional Catholics
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which was cited in an infamous Biden administration memo targeting Latin Mass Catholics, 
faces a federal indictment for bank fraud and other crimes.

[Image: GettyImages-2272459587.jpg]

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks alongside FBI Director Kash Patel at a news conference at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice building on April 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Apr 21, 2026
MONTGOMERY, Alabama (LifeSiteNews [slightly adapted, not all hyperlinks included from original') — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), one of the most powerful left-wing activist groups in the U.S., on 11 counts of bank fraud and other crimes.

The infamous nonprofit “secretly funneled more than $3 million in donated funds” to members of the Ku Klux Klan, the National Socialist Party of America, and other extremist organizations as part of investigations into the groups, the DOJ said on Tuesday. The SPLC failed to tell donors that it was using their money “to fund the leaders and organizers of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website,” according to the agency.

The DOJ said that the SPLC “opened bank accounts connected to a series of fictitious entities” to cover up the scheme and “made a series of false statements related to the operation of the accounts.”

“The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “Using donor money to allegedly profit off Klansmen cannot go unchecked. This Department of Justice will hold the SPLC and every other fraudulent organization operating with the same deceptive playbook accountable. No entity is above the law.”

“The SPLC allegedly engaged in a massive fraud operation to deceive their donors, enrich themselves, and hide their deceptive operations from the public,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “They lied to their donors, vowing to dismantle violent extremist groups, and actually turned around and paid the leaders of these very extremist groups – even utilizing the funds to have these groups facilitate the commission of state and federal crimes. That is illegal – and this is an ongoing investigation against all individuals involved.”

Democrats criticized the indictment, with far-left U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal saying that the “Southern Poverty Law Center does incredibly important work” and that she “will continue to stand with them.”

The group is one of the largest public advocacy organizations in America, with an $822 million endowment and a $129 million revenue as of 2024 and financial backing from liberal mega-donors. The SPLC has long faced criticism for lavish salaries, allegations of sexual harassment and mistreatment of staff, and transferring hundreds of millions of dollars to offshore accounts.


Southern Poverty Law Center targets traditional Catholics, other conservatives

Founded in 1971 as a civil rights legal firm, the Southern Poverty Law Center has become known in recent decades for its radical leftist activism and for smearing mainstream conservative, Catholic, and other Christian organizations as “hate groups” for opposing homosexuality and transgenderism.

The SPLC’s “hate map” features prominent pro-family organizations such as Family Research Council, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Liberty Counsel alongside terroristic white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

The notorious January 2023 FBI memo targeting “Radical Traditional Catholic ideology” and proposing “threat mitigation” of traditionalist Catholics notably cited the SPLC and its designation of nine Catholic organizations as “hate groups.”

The SPLC lists “anti-LGBTQ+” beliefs as one of the “extremist ideologies” that it tracks, along with “Racist Skinhead,” “Neo-Nazi,” and “Holocaust Denial” movements. The group associates “anti-LGBTQ+ hate” with the ideas that heterosexuality “is the only ‘normal’ sexuality” or that “gender can only be understood as either ‘male’ or ‘female’,” both of which Catholic teaching and the Bible uphold.

The SPLC also tracks “Radical Traditionalist Catholicism,” faulting so-called “radical traditional Catholics” for opposing “liberalizing reforms” after the Second Vatican II that “placed more power in the hands of laypeople” and claiming that “antisemitism is an inextricable part of their theology.”

Other organizations targeted by the SPLC include the Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam), the American Family Association, Focus on the Family, the American College of Pediatricians, the Ruth Institute, now-defunct Catholic media outlet Church Militant, and Do No Harm, which opposes underage “gender transitions.” The group absurdly lists pro-parent organizations like Moms for Liberty as extremist “antigovernment groups.”

The Southern Poverty Law Center still denounces Turning Point USA as a “hate group” as well, even after a left-wing assassin murdered its founder, Charlie Kirk, in 2025.


Homosexual activist who tried to massacre Family Research Council cited SPLC

The SPLC’s propaganda has led to violence against conservatives, including a near-massacre in 2012, when homosexual activist Floyd Lee Corkins II entered the headquarters of Family Research Council with a semi-automatic pistol and nearly 100 rounds of ammunition, seeking to “kill as many people as I could” and smear Chick-fil-A sandwiches on their faces.

Corkins, who previously considered bombing FRC’s headquarters, told FRC guard Leo Johnson “I don’t like your politics” and then shot him in the arm, though Johnson managed to disarm him and force him to the ground.

Corkins had identified FRC as a “hate group” through Southern Poverty Law Center’s website and planned to attack other pro-family groups condemned by the SPLC.

“Southern Poverty Law lists anti-gay groups,” he admitted. “I found them online, did a little research, went to the website – stuff like that.”

The LGBT activist said he hoped the shooting would “make a statement against the people who work in that building … and with their stance against gay rights.” Indeed, Corkins “would have almost certainly succeeded in committing a massacre of epic portions” had Johnson not stopped him, prosecutors said.

Corkins was later convicted of terrorism and sentenced to 25 years in prison, but the Southern Poverty Law Center has continued to brand Family Research Council as a “hate group” due to its faith-based rejection of homosexuality and gender ideology.

James Hodgkinson, the leftist who shot then-House Republican Whip Steve Scalise and sought to kill dozens of GOP congressmen at a baseball practice in 2017, had also liked the Southern Poverty Law Center on Facebook.

The SPLC has nevertheless enjoyed a close relationship with the federal government under Democratic administrations. The DOJ invited the SPLC’s co-founder – who was later fired for “inappropriate conduct” – as a speaker, and the FBI listed it as a “resource” during part of the Obama administration. The Biden DOJ listed the SPLC as an “extremism” consultant in 2021.

However, Trump’s FBI severed all ties with the group last fall, saying it had become “a partisan smear machine.”


Numerous Christian conservatives persecuted due to SPLC

Big Tech companies, including Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Amazon, have partnered with the SPLC as well, using it to flag so-called “hate groups” and remove or restrict them on their platforms.

The SPLC’s designation of Alliance Defending Freedom – one of the world’s largest conservative legal organizations – as a “hate group” led to its removal as an AmazonSmile charity in 2018. “We rely on the Southern Poverty Law Center to determine which charities are in certain ineligible categories,” Amazon said at the time.

Southern Poverty Law Center similarly prompted GuideStar to label 46 conservative organizations, including FRC, as “hate groups” and led financial companies like Mastercard, Visa, GoFundMe, Patreon, and Vanco to cut off donations to pro-family organizations and critics of Islam, as LifeSiteNews has reported.

Hyatt Hotels, Eventbrite, and video platform Vimeo have additionally blacklisted groups denounced by the SPLC.]]> Trump DOJ charges far-left Southern Poverty Law Center that targets traditional Catholics
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which was cited in an infamous Biden administration memo targeting Latin Mass Catholics, 
faces a federal indictment for bank fraud and other crimes.

[Image: GettyImages-2272459587.jpg]

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche speaks alongside FBI Director Kash Patel at a news conference at the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice building on April 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Apr 21, 2026
MONTGOMERY, Alabama (LifeSiteNews [slightly adapted, not all hyperlinks included from original') — The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), one of the most powerful left-wing activist groups in the U.S., on 11 counts of bank fraud and other crimes.

The infamous nonprofit “secretly funneled more than $3 million in donated funds” to members of the Ku Klux Klan, the National Socialist Party of America, and other extremist organizations as part of investigations into the groups, the DOJ said on Tuesday. The SPLC failed to tell donors that it was using their money “to fund the leaders and organizers of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website,” according to the agency.

The DOJ said that the SPLC “opened bank accounts connected to a series of fictitious entities” to cover up the scheme and “made a series of false statements related to the operation of the accounts.”

“The SPLC is manufacturing racism to justify its existence,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “Using donor money to allegedly profit off Klansmen cannot go unchecked. This Department of Justice will hold the SPLC and every other fraudulent organization operating with the same deceptive playbook accountable. No entity is above the law.”

“The SPLC allegedly engaged in a massive fraud operation to deceive their donors, enrich themselves, and hide their deceptive operations from the public,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. “They lied to their donors, vowing to dismantle violent extremist groups, and actually turned around and paid the leaders of these very extremist groups – even utilizing the funds to have these groups facilitate the commission of state and federal crimes. That is illegal – and this is an ongoing investigation against all individuals involved.”

Democrats criticized the indictment, with far-left U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal saying that the “Southern Poverty Law Center does incredibly important work” and that she “will continue to stand with them.”

The group is one of the largest public advocacy organizations in America, with an $822 million endowment and a $129 million revenue as of 2024 and financial backing from liberal mega-donors. The SPLC has long faced criticism for lavish salaries, allegations of sexual harassment and mistreatment of staff, and transferring hundreds of millions of dollars to offshore accounts.


Southern Poverty Law Center targets traditional Catholics, other conservatives

Founded in 1971 as a civil rights legal firm, the Southern Poverty Law Center has become known in recent decades for its radical leftist activism and for smearing mainstream conservative, Catholic, and other Christian organizations as “hate groups” for opposing homosexuality and transgenderism.

The SPLC’s “hate map” features prominent pro-family organizations such as Family Research Council, Alliance Defending Freedom, and Liberty Counsel alongside terroristic white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan.

The notorious January 2023 FBI memo targeting “Radical Traditional Catholic ideology” and proposing “threat mitigation” of traditionalist Catholics notably cited the SPLC and its designation of nine Catholic organizations as “hate groups.”

The SPLC lists “anti-LGBTQ+” beliefs as one of the “extremist ideologies” that it tracks, along with “Racist Skinhead,” “Neo-Nazi,” and “Holocaust Denial” movements. The group associates “anti-LGBTQ+ hate” with the ideas that heterosexuality “is the only ‘normal’ sexuality” or that “gender can only be understood as either ‘male’ or ‘female’,” both of which Catholic teaching and the Bible uphold.

The SPLC also tracks “Radical Traditionalist Catholicism,” faulting so-called “radical traditional Catholics” for opposing “liberalizing reforms” after the Second Vatican II that “placed more power in the hands of laypeople” and claiming that “antisemitism is an inextricable part of their theology.”

Other organizations targeted by the SPLC include the Center for Family and Human Rights (C-Fam), the American Family Association, Focus on the Family, the American College of Pediatricians, the Ruth Institute, now-defunct Catholic media outlet Church Militant, and Do No Harm, which opposes underage “gender transitions.” The group absurdly lists pro-parent organizations like Moms for Liberty as extremist “antigovernment groups.”

The Southern Poverty Law Center still denounces Turning Point USA as a “hate group” as well, even after a left-wing assassin murdered its founder, Charlie Kirk, in 2025.


Homosexual activist who tried to massacre Family Research Council cited SPLC

The SPLC’s propaganda has led to violence against conservatives, including a near-massacre in 2012, when homosexual activist Floyd Lee Corkins II entered the headquarters of Family Research Council with a semi-automatic pistol and nearly 100 rounds of ammunition, seeking to “kill as many people as I could” and smear Chick-fil-A sandwiches on their faces.

Corkins, who previously considered bombing FRC’s headquarters, told FRC guard Leo Johnson “I don’t like your politics” and then shot him in the arm, though Johnson managed to disarm him and force him to the ground.

Corkins had identified FRC as a “hate group” through Southern Poverty Law Center’s website and planned to attack other pro-family groups condemned by the SPLC.

“Southern Poverty Law lists anti-gay groups,” he admitted. “I found them online, did a little research, went to the website – stuff like that.”

The LGBT activist said he hoped the shooting would “make a statement against the people who work in that building … and with their stance against gay rights.” Indeed, Corkins “would have almost certainly succeeded in committing a massacre of epic portions” had Johnson not stopped him, prosecutors said.

Corkins was later convicted of terrorism and sentenced to 25 years in prison, but the Southern Poverty Law Center has continued to brand Family Research Council as a “hate group” due to its faith-based rejection of homosexuality and gender ideology.

James Hodgkinson, the leftist who shot then-House Republican Whip Steve Scalise and sought to kill dozens of GOP congressmen at a baseball practice in 2017, had also liked the Southern Poverty Law Center on Facebook.

The SPLC has nevertheless enjoyed a close relationship with the federal government under Democratic administrations. The DOJ invited the SPLC’s co-founder – who was later fired for “inappropriate conduct” – as a speaker, and the FBI listed it as a “resource” during part of the Obama administration. The Biden DOJ listed the SPLC as an “extremism” consultant in 2021.

However, Trump’s FBI severed all ties with the group last fall, saying it had become “a partisan smear machine.”


Numerous Christian conservatives persecuted due to SPLC

Big Tech companies, including Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Amazon, have partnered with the SPLC as well, using it to flag so-called “hate groups” and remove or restrict them on their platforms.

The SPLC’s designation of Alliance Defending Freedom – one of the world’s largest conservative legal organizations – as a “hate group” led to its removal as an AmazonSmile charity in 2018. “We rely on the Southern Poverty Law Center to determine which charities are in certain ineligible categories,” Amazon said at the time.

Southern Poverty Law Center similarly prompted GuideStar to label 46 conservative organizations, including FRC, as “hate groups” and led financial companies like Mastercard, Visa, GoFundMe, Patreon, and Vanco to cut off donations to pro-family organizations and critics of Islam, as LifeSiteNews has reported.

Hyatt Hotels, Eventbrite, and video platform Vimeo have additionally blacklisted groups denounced by the SPLC.]]> <![CDATA[IDF admits photo of Israeli soldier smashing statue of Our Lord is real]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8191 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:02:14 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8191 IDF admits photo of Israeli soldier smashing statue of Our Lord is real
A photo of an Israeli soldier smashing the head of a statue of the crucified Jesus in Lebanon has gone viral, leading to outrage among Christians.

[Image: shutterstock_1917131027-e1776691635195.jpg]

Bumble Dee/Shutterstock.com
Apr 20, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that a photograph of an IDF soldier smashing the head of a statue of Jesus Christ is authentic and announced an investigation into the matter.

Over the weekend, a photo of an Israeli soldier smashing the head of a statue of the crucified Jesus in Lebanon went viral online and led to outrage among Christians. On Sunday, the IDF confirmed the picture was authentic and said, “Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”

“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the statement by the IDF reads.


“The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops. The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command.”

“Furthermore, the IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place. The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” the IDF concluded.

According to the Times of Israel, the photo was taken in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the smashing of the statue a “shameful action” and offered an apology to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also published a statement on the matter, writing on X, “Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.”

“While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East,” he continued.

“Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all. We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world,” Netanyahu said.

Israel has increased its military attacks in Lebanon against Hezbollah since the start of the Iran war in late February, including hundreds to thousands of airstrikes. These strikes have killed at least 1,500 people (combatants and civilians), injured thousands more, and displaced over one million people. Many civilians, including Christians, have chosen to stay in their homes despite the risks, for fear of Islamic militants taking over their property once they leave.]]> IDF admits photo of Israeli soldier smashing statue of Our Lord is real
A photo of an Israeli soldier smashing the head of a statue of the crucified Jesus in Lebanon has gone viral, leading to outrage among Christians.

[Image: shutterstock_1917131027-e1776691635195.jpg]

Bumble Dee/Shutterstock.com
Apr 20, 2026
(LifeSiteNews) — The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that a photograph of an IDF soldier smashing the head of a statue of Jesus Christ is authentic and announced an investigation into the matter.

Over the weekend, a photo of an Israeli soldier smashing the head of a statue of the crucified Jesus in Lebanon went viral online and led to outrage among Christians. On Sunday, the IDF confirmed the picture was authentic and said, “Appropriate measures will be taken against those involved in accordance with the findings.”

“Following the completion of an initial examination regarding a photograph published earlier today of an IDF soldier harming a Christian symbol, it was determined that the photograph depicts an IDF soldier operating in southern Lebanon,” the statement by the IDF reads.


“The IDF views the incident with great severity and emphasizes that the soldier’s conduct is wholly inconsistent with the values expected of its troops. The incident is being investigated by the Northern Command and is currently being addressed through the chain of command.”

“Furthermore, the IDF is working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place. The IDF is operating to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure established by Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and has no intention of harming civilian infrastructure, including religious buildings or religious symbols,” the IDF concluded.

According to the Times of Israel, the photo was taken in the Christian village of Debel in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar called the smashing of the statue a “shameful action” and offered an apology to every Christian whose feelings were hurt.

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also published a statement on the matter, writing on X, “Yesterday, like the overwhelming majority of Israelis, I was stunned and saddened to learn that an IDF soldier damaged a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon. I condemn the act in the strongest terms. Military authorities are conducting a criminal probe of the matter and will take appropriately harsh disciplinary action against the offender.”

“While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims, the Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle East,” he continued.

“Israel is the only country in the region that the Christian population and standard of living is growing. Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all. We express regret for the incident and for any hurt this has caused to believers in Lebanon and around the world,” Netanyahu said.

Israel has increased its military attacks in Lebanon against Hezbollah since the start of the Iran war in late February, including hundreds to thousands of airstrikes. These strikes have killed at least 1,500 people (combatants and civilians), injured thousands more, and displaced over one million people. Many civilians, including Christians, have chosen to stay in their homes despite the risks, for fear of Islamic militants taking over their property once they leave.]]> <![CDATA[Donald Trump deletes AI image of himself as Jesus Christ]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8176 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:23:48 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8176 Donald Trump deletes AI image of himself as Jesus Christ, claims he was ‘a doctor’
In response to President Trump's self-portrait, Carrie Prejean Boller called on Bishop Barron, Cardinal Dolan, and Archbishop Cordileone to resign from the Religious Liberty Commission.

[Image: Untitled-26.png]

U.S. President Donald
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Apr 13, 2026
UPDATE, 1:28 PM EDT: Trump was asked about the post by a reporter. He responded, “I thought it was me as a doctor that had to do with the Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support. And only the fake news could come up with that one (Trump as Jesus). … It was supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better.”


UPDATE, 11:50 AM EDT: Trump has deleted the post.

(LifeSiteNews) — U.S. President Donald Trump has posted a portrait of himself as Jesus Christ on his Truth Social account.

The AI-generated image, which appeared on the night of April 12, Divine Mercy Sunday in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, shows him in white and red flowing robes, placing his hand on a patient in a hospital bed, apparently to heal him. Radiant light emanates from his palms as a praying woman, a soldier, a nurse, and an elderly bearded man reverently look on. The Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and a large American flag loom in the background. Eagles hovering in the sky flank Trump as fighter jets and either angelic or demonic soldiers fly above him.

The image was posted within an hour of Trump’s scathing attack on Pope Leo in another social media post.

RELATED: Trump attacks Pope Leo XIV after Vatican meeting with Obama adviser

The AI image drew widespread criticism and mockery from Catholics and other users across social media. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated on X, “On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus. This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!” She added, “It’s more than blasphemy. It’s an Antichrist spirit.”



[...]]]> Donald Trump deletes AI image of himself as Jesus Christ, claims he was ‘a doctor’
In response to President Trump's self-portrait, Carrie Prejean Boller called on Bishop Barron, Cardinal Dolan, and Archbishop Cordileone to resign from the Religious Liberty Commission.

[Image: Untitled-26.png]

U.S. President Donald
Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Apr 13, 2026
UPDATE, 1:28 PM EDT: Trump was asked about the post by a reporter. He responded, “I thought it was me as a doctor that had to do with the Red Cross, as a Red Cross worker there, which we support. And only the fake news could come up with that one (Trump as Jesus). … It was supposed to be me as a doctor, making people better.”


UPDATE, 11:50 AM EDT: Trump has deleted the post.

(LifeSiteNews) — U.S. President Donald Trump has posted a portrait of himself as Jesus Christ on his Truth Social account.

The AI-generated image, which appeared on the night of April 12, Divine Mercy Sunday in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, shows him in white and red flowing robes, placing his hand on a patient in a hospital bed, apparently to heal him. Radiant light emanates from his palms as a praying woman, a soldier, a nurse, and an elderly bearded man reverently look on. The Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial and a large American flag loom in the background. Eagles hovering in the sky flank Trump as fighter jets and either angelic or demonic soldiers fly above him.

The image was posted within an hour of Trump’s scathing attack on Pope Leo in another social media post.

RELATED: Trump attacks Pope Leo XIV after Vatican meeting with Obama adviser

The AI image drew widespread criticism and mockery from Catholics and other users across social media. Marjorie Taylor Greene stated on X, “On Orthodox Easter, President Trump attacked the Pope because the Pope is rightly against Trump’s war in Iran and then he posted this picture of himself as if he is replacing Jesus. This comes after last week’s post of his evil tirade on Easter and then threatening to kill an entire civilization. I completely denounce this and I’m praying against it!!!” She added, “It’s more than blasphemy. It’s an Antichrist spirit.”



[...]]]> <![CDATA[Pro-life hero Mark Houck wins million dollar settlement after Biden DOJ targeted him]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8172 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:20:24 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8172 Pro-life hero Mark Houck wins million dollar settlement after Biden DOJ targeted him
Pro-life hero Mark Houck wins million dollar settlement after Biden DOJ targeted him.
During the Biden administration, two dozen heavily armed FBI agents with guns drawn besieged Mark Houck’s home, 
terrifying his wife and seven children, before arresting the pro-life father and charging him under the FACE Act.

[Image: 0424-Story-2.jpg]

Mark Houck
Wikimedia Commons/Shutterstock


Fri Apr 10, 2026
(LifeSiteNews [slightly adapted, not all hyperlinks included from original]) — Pro-life hero Mark Houck has won a seven-figure settlement in federal court against the U.S. Department of Justice, which, under the Biden administration, egregiously targeted him in 2022.

“Today we have a huge announcement at 40 Days for Life and a huge victory for free speech,” declared Shawn Carney, President and CEO of 40 Days for Life regarding the lawsuit won by the organization’s attorneys on behalf of Houck and his family.

In September 2022, about two dozen heavily armed FBI agents, guns drawn, besieged Houck’s home, terrifying his wife and seven young children, before taking him into custody.

The charge, which stemmed from an incident where Houck protected his young son from an angry abortion escort, had already been thrown out by the District Court in Philadelphia but was then picked up by then-U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Department of Justice.

Like many others who were targeted by Biden’s administration, the 40 Days for Life volunteer was charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Houck had faced up to 11 years in prison.

The Biden DOJ, working with the FBI, committed dozens of SWAT team raids that were quickly characterized as the political “weaponization” of the federal agencies against pro-lifers, Trump supporters, conservative Christians, and medical freedom advocates.

“We got so much persecution from the DOJ under Biden,” noted Carney, “and President Trump has corrected that.”

“It has been absolutely night and day,” he added. 

]]> Pro-life hero Mark Houck wins million dollar settlement after Biden DOJ targeted him
Pro-life hero Mark Houck wins million dollar settlement after Biden DOJ targeted him.
During the Biden administration, two dozen heavily armed FBI agents with guns drawn besieged Mark Houck’s home, 
terrifying his wife and seven children, before arresting the pro-life father and charging him under the FACE Act.

[Image: 0424-Story-2.jpg]

Mark Houck
Wikimedia Commons/Shutterstock


Fri Apr 10, 2026
(LifeSiteNews [slightly adapted, not all hyperlinks included from original]) — Pro-life hero Mark Houck has won a seven-figure settlement in federal court against the U.S. Department of Justice, which, under the Biden administration, egregiously targeted him in 2022.

“Today we have a huge announcement at 40 Days for Life and a huge victory for free speech,” declared Shawn Carney, President and CEO of 40 Days for Life regarding the lawsuit won by the organization’s attorneys on behalf of Houck and his family.

In September 2022, about two dozen heavily armed FBI agents, guns drawn, besieged Houck’s home, terrifying his wife and seven young children, before taking him into custody.

The charge, which stemmed from an incident where Houck protected his young son from an angry abortion escort, had already been thrown out by the District Court in Philadelphia but was then picked up by then-U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland’s Department of Justice.

Like many others who were targeted by Biden’s administration, the 40 Days for Life volunteer was charged under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. Houck had faced up to 11 years in prison.

The Biden DOJ, working with the FBI, committed dozens of SWAT team raids that were quickly characterized as the political “weaponization” of the federal agencies against pro-lifers, Trump supporters, conservative Christians, and medical freedom advocates.

“We got so much persecution from the DOJ under Biden,” noted Carney, “and President Trump has corrected that.”

“It has been absolutely night and day,” he added. 

]]> <![CDATA[Spanish bishops: Private Audience with Leo XIV for €500,000]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8150 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:08:31 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8150 Private Audience with Leo XIV for €500,000

[Image: vqsiqg1ydklcg5923sm9uy0qg3dectplmnay44o?...1775134267]

gloria.tv | April 1, 2026

Spain is preparing for the June visit of Pope Leo XIV and the country’s bishops have introduced a controversial fundraising model: major donors can gain exclusive access to the pope.

The Spanish Bishops’ Conference has created a five-tier donation system.

At the top, “Great Benefactors” (€500,000-€1 million) are promised a private meeting with the pope, a Vatican working session, and VIP seating at events.

“Benefactors” (€250,000-€500,000) receive similar perks, though without a private audience.

Lower tiers offer recognition, titles, or public acknowledgment.

Organizers say the goal is to reduce the burden on taxpayers, as the trip is expected to cost €15 - €30 million.

Donations are also tax-deductible, and sponsors are offered global visibility, with millions expected to attend or watch.]]> Private Audience with Leo XIV for €500,000

[Image: vqsiqg1ydklcg5923sm9uy0qg3dectplmnay44o?...1775134267]

gloria.tv | April 1, 2026

Spain is preparing for the June visit of Pope Leo XIV and the country’s bishops have introduced a controversial fundraising model: major donors can gain exclusive access to the pope.

The Spanish Bishops’ Conference has created a five-tier donation system.

At the top, “Great Benefactors” (€500,000-€1 million) are promised a private meeting with the pope, a Vatican working session, and VIP seating at events.

“Benefactors” (€250,000-€500,000) receive similar perks, though without a private audience.

Lower tiers offer recognition, titles, or public acknowledgment.

Organizers say the goal is to reduce the burden on taxpayers, as the trip is expected to cost €15 - €30 million.

Donations are also tax-deductible, and sponsors are offered global visibility, with millions expected to attend or watch.]]> <![CDATA[Netanyahu Orders Access to Holy Sepulchre After Blocking Cardinal Sparks Global Backlash]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8145 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:11:03 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8145 Netanyahu Orders Access to Holy Sepulchre After Blocking Cardinal Sparks Global Backlash

[Image: y2wwu5yv1zoagur4tcanhzgkzb2wej990abeynw?...1775012079]

gloria.tv | March 30, 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli authorities to grant Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusal “full and immediate access” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

He reversed an earlier decision after Israeli police blocked the Cardinal and few other priests from entering the holy site during Palm Sunday celebrations. The disproportionate restriction triggered strong international criticism from political leaders.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog personally apologized to the Cardinal following the incident.

The video [...] shows the empty, silent streets of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, devoid of the procession, olive and palm branches, and the cheers of the faithful.]]> Netanyahu Orders Access to Holy Sepulchre After Blocking Cardinal Sparks Global Backlash

[Image: y2wwu5yv1zoagur4tcanhzgkzb2wej990abeynw?...1775012079]

gloria.tv | March 30, 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli authorities to grant Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa of Jerusal “full and immediate access” to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

He reversed an earlier decision after Israeli police blocked the Cardinal and few other priests from entering the holy site during Palm Sunday celebrations. The disproportionate restriction triggered strong international criticism from political leaders.

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog personally apologized to the Cardinal following the incident.

The video [...] shows the empty, silent streets of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, devoid of the procession, olive and palm branches, and the cheers of the faithful.]]> <![CDATA[Biden CIA saw traditional family values as sign of white ‘extremism’: leaked memo]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8109 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:46:43 +0000 Stone]]> https://thecatacombs.org/showthread.php?tid=8109 Biden CIA saw traditional family values as sign of white ‘extremism’: leaked memo
The Trump administration has retracted a Biden-era CIA document that said 'traditional motherhood' and 'homemaking' were signs of white extremism.

[Image: shutterstock_2395146629.jpg]

Central Intelligence Agency logo
Shutterstock
Mar 21, 2026
(LifeSiteNews [adapted - not all hyperlinks included from original]) — The FBI under the direction of the Biden administration shocked the world when a leaked document showed the intelligence agency had branded Latin Mass Catholics as likely “violent extremists.”

Now another equally shocking CIA internal memo has been unearthed by the Trump administration which shows that under Biden, the CIA had warned that “traditional motherhood” and “homemaking” are signs of white extremism.

America First Legal (AFL), which published on X a lengthy thread concerning the disturbing CIA memo, said, “The intelligence assessment reveals the top-to-bottom bias at Biden’s CIA.”

“An agency with critical intelligence responsibilities was spending its resources targeting women promoting motherhood,” noted AFL.


The assessment focuses on those that “believe that their perception of an idealized white European ethnic identity is under attack from people who embody and support multiculturalism and globalization.”

Titled, “Women Advancing White Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremist Radicalization and Recruitment,” the 11-page 2021 document starts, “We assess that female members have been emerging as key players of the transnational white racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE) movement, taking on diverse roles to advance white REMVE goals – including the white REMVE view of traditional motherhood – and successfully participating in newer roles in propaganda and recruitment.”

“White RMVEs and their sympathizers have claimed in online posts that it is essential for white families to have as many biological children as possible to counter the rising birthrates among non-white populations; white REMVEs allege that this rise is a conspiracy, which they have termed the ‘great replacement,’ according to an Open Source Enterprise assessment,” the memo asserts.

By page 2 of the document, the CIA frets that REMVEs have “lauded motherhood and homemaking as women’s most important responsibility.”

The Trump administration has retracted the Biden-era CIA document.

“U.S. intelligence agencies exist to protect Americans – not target them,” noted AFL on X.

“This is what happens when woke ideology replaces actual threat-based intelligence collection and analysis,” Gene Hamilton, president of America First Legal, told The Daily Signal.

“The Biden administration was obsessed with deconstructing our country,” said Hamilton. “Motherhood was suspect. Homemaking was suspect. Everyday Americans were suspect. Under the Biden administration, mainstream American life was turned into a threat profile. We should never forget how deep the rot went.”

“I’m … not a target, right? RIGHT?” wrote Legal Insurrection’s Mary Chastain in a tongue-in-cheek commentary.

“I’m a traditionalist. I honestly believe that a woman should stay home once she has children. And yes, you should have children. Children are wonderful and a blessing,” she explained.

“Yeah, I’d believe that if Biden’s administration didn’t demonize parents who tried to hold school boards accountable or spy on Catholics who hold traditions and prefer the Latin Mass,” said Chastain.]]> Biden CIA saw traditional family values as sign of white ‘extremism’: leaked memo
The Trump administration has retracted a Biden-era CIA document that said 'traditional motherhood' and 'homemaking' were signs of white extremism.

[Image: shutterstock_2395146629.jpg]

Central Intelligence Agency logo
Shutterstock
Mar 21, 2026
(LifeSiteNews [adapted - not all hyperlinks included from original]) — The FBI under the direction of the Biden administration shocked the world when a leaked document showed the intelligence agency had branded Latin Mass Catholics as likely “violent extremists.”

Now another equally shocking CIA internal memo has been unearthed by the Trump administration which shows that under Biden, the CIA had warned that “traditional motherhood” and “homemaking” are signs of white extremism.

America First Legal (AFL), which published on X a lengthy thread concerning the disturbing CIA memo, said, “The intelligence assessment reveals the top-to-bottom bias at Biden’s CIA.”

“An agency with critical intelligence responsibilities was spending its resources targeting women promoting motherhood,” noted AFL.


The assessment focuses on those that “believe that their perception of an idealized white European ethnic identity is under attack from people who embody and support multiculturalism and globalization.”

Titled, “Women Advancing White Racially and Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremist Radicalization and Recruitment,” the 11-page 2021 document starts, “We assess that female members have been emerging as key players of the transnational white racially and ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE) movement, taking on diverse roles to advance white REMVE goals – including the white REMVE view of traditional motherhood – and successfully participating in newer roles in propaganda and recruitment.”

“White RMVEs and their sympathizers have claimed in online posts that it is essential for white families to have as many biological children as possible to counter the rising birthrates among non-white populations; white REMVEs allege that this rise is a conspiracy, which they have termed the ‘great replacement,’ according to an Open Source Enterprise assessment,” the memo asserts.

By page 2 of the document, the CIA frets that REMVEs have “lauded motherhood and homemaking as women’s most important responsibility.”

The Trump administration has retracted the Biden-era CIA document.

“U.S. intelligence agencies exist to protect Americans – not target them,” noted AFL on X.

“This is what happens when woke ideology replaces actual threat-based intelligence collection and analysis,” Gene Hamilton, president of America First Legal, told The Daily Signal.

“The Biden administration was obsessed with deconstructing our country,” said Hamilton. “Motherhood was suspect. Homemaking was suspect. Everyday Americans were suspect. Under the Biden administration, mainstream American life was turned into a threat profile. We should never forget how deep the rot went.”

“I’m … not a target, right? RIGHT?” wrote Legal Insurrection’s Mary Chastain in a tongue-in-cheek commentary.

“I’m a traditionalist. I honestly believe that a woman should stay home once she has children. And yes, you should have children. Children are wonderful and a blessing,” she explained.

“Yeah, I’d believe that if Biden’s administration didn’t demonize parents who tried to hold school boards accountable or spy on Catholics who hold traditions and prefer the Latin Mass,” said Chastain.]]>