Friday, May 09, 2025
New Pope Has Creole Roots in New Orleans
His ancestry, traced to a historic enclave of Afro-Caribbean culture, links Leo XIV to the rich and sometimes overlooked Black Catholic experience in America.
Image of a grave marker in Chicago for members of the Martinez family, including the new pope’s grandparents.Credit...via Jari C. Honora
By Richard Fausset and Robert Chiarito
Richard Fausset grew up in New Orleans and reports on the American South. Robert Chiarito reported from New Lenox, Ill.
May 8, 2025
Robert Francis Prevost, the Chicago-born cardinal selected on Thursday as the new pope, is descended from Creole people of color from New Orleans.
The pope’s maternal grandparents, both of whom are described as Black or mulatto in various historical records, lived in the city’s Seventh Ward, an area that is traditionally Catholic and a melting pot of people with African, Caribbean and European roots.
The grandparents, Joseph Martinez and Louise Baquié, eventually moved to Chicago in the early 20th century and had a daughter: Mildred Martinez, the pope’s mother.
The discovery means that Leo XIV, as the pope will be known, is not only breaking ground as the first U.S.-born pontiff. He also comes from a family that reflects the many threads that make up the complicated and rich fabric of the American story.
The pope’s background was unearthed Thursday by a New Orleans genealogist, Jari C. Honora, and confirmed to The New York Times by the pope’s older brother, John Prevost, 71, who lives in the Chicago suburbs.
Thursday, May 08, 2025
New Pope Leo XIV spent years retweeting criticism of Trump policies
Politics
By
Steven Nelson and
Diana Glebova
Published May 8, 2025
Updated May 8, 2025, 8:01 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON —Newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent years amplifying criticism of President Trump’s policies on social media — with the Catholic Church’s first American leader taking particular aim at the Republican’s hard-line immigration stance.
Leo XIV, until Thursday known as Robert Francis Prevost, 69, shared or retweeted the opinions of colleagues using his verified account @drprevost on X, formerly known as Twitter.
His final X post before being elected by the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel was a retweet of a message from Philadelphia-based Catholic commentator Rocco Palmo, who on April 14 slammed Trump’s partnership with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele on deportation of illegal migrants.
By
Steven Nelson and
Diana Glebova
Published May 8, 2025
Updated May 8, 2025, 8:01 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON —Newly elected Pope Leo XIV spent years amplifying criticism of President Trump’s policies on social media — with the Catholic Church’s first American leader taking particular aim at the Republican’s hard-line immigration stance.
Leo XIV, until Thursday known as Robert Francis Prevost, 69, shared or retweeted the opinions of colleagues using his verified account @drprevost on X, formerly known as Twitter.
His final X post before being elected by the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel was a retweet of a message from Philadelphia-based Catholic commentator Rocco Palmo, who on April 14 slammed Trump’s partnership with El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele on deportation of illegal migrants.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025.AFP via Getty Images
“As Trump & Bukele use Oval to [laugh emoji] Feds’ illicit deportation of a US resident… once an undoc-ed Salvadorean himself, now-DC [auxiliary bishop] Evelio [Menjivar] asks, ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?'” the tweet reads.
“As Trump & Bukele use Oval to [laugh emoji] Feds’ illicit deportation of a US resident… once an undoc-ed Salvadorean himself, now-DC [auxiliary bishop] Evelio [Menjivar] asks, ‘Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?'” the tweet reads.
New pope led Order of St. Augustine dedicated to the poor and service
Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first U.S. pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, previously led a Catholic religious order.
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, appears on the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican shortly after his election as the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)
PETER SMITH
ASSOCIATED PRESS
May 8, 2025, 2:48PM
Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first U.S. pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church, previously led a Catholic religious order.
Prevost, 69, who chose the name Pope Leo XIV, was formerly the prior general, or leader, of the Order of St. Augustine, which was formed in the 13th century as a community of “mendicant” friars — dedicated to poverty, service and evangelization. According to Vatican News, he is the first Augustinian pope.
The requirements and ethos of the order are traced to the fifth century St. Augustine of Hippo, one of the theological and devotional giants of early Christianity.
The Order of St. Augustine has a presence in about 50 countries, according to its website. Its ethos includes a contemplative spirituality, communal living and service to others.
A core value in their rule is to “live together in harmony, being of one mind and one heart on the way to God.”
A religious order is a community of Catholics — which can include priests, nuns, monks and even lay people — dedicated to a particular type of mission and spirituality. Unlike diocesan priests, who work within a particular territory, religious-order priests might be assigned anywhere in the world. At the same time, they might handle tasks similar to diocesan priests, such as being pastor of a parish.
Pope Francis was the first pope from the Jesuit religious order, and he was the first pope in more than a century and a half to come from any religious order. The previous one was Gregory XVI, a Camaldolese monk (1831-1846).
Is Robert Prevost Liberal Or Conservative? Exploring Pope Leo XIV's Political Leanings
Pope Leo XIV
Photo : AP
The Catholic Church has elected its first American pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is viewed as a centrist, who holds both liberal and conservative positions, as per reports.
In a historic first for the Catholic Church, an American has been elected pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, was chosen by the conclave on Thursday to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, taking the name Leo XIV. The new pope holds a mix of both liberal and conservative positions, as reported by CBS.
Prevost, 69, is seen as a centrist figure who bridges divides within the church. Like Pope Francis, he has supported marginalized groups and spoken up for migrants and the poor, as reported CBS. But on matters of doctrine, he maintains more traditional positions, such as his opposition to the ordination of women as deacons, a stance that aligns with conservative teachings.
Also Read: New Pope Robert Prevost Takes Name 'Leo XIV': What Is Its Significance?
Before becoming pope, Prevost led the Dicastery for Bishops, a key Vatican office responsible for appointing bishops around the world. He also holds dual citizenship in the US and Peru, where he served for many years.
The election of an American pope is a big change for the Catholic Church. In 2,000 years, no pope had ever come from the United States, until now.
US President Donald Trump congratulated Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social, calling his election a great honor for the country. He stated, "It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"
Robert Prevost Elected As New Pope
After the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 133 cardinals met in a secret conclave in Rome to elect a new pope. On Thursday, white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel and bells rang at St. Peter’s Basilica, signaling a successful vote after at least four ballots.
Over an hour later, the new pope appeared on the balcony, dressed in papal vestments. He mentioned Pope Francis twice, pledging to continue his mission. "We have to be a church that works together to build bridges and to keep our arms open, like this very piazza, welcoming," Pope Leo said in Italian. He also gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which means “to the city and the world.”
Fuente
Wednesday, May 07, 2025
The Jesuit Agenda of Control | Chris Pinto
The Jesuit Agenda of Control | Chris Pinto
Prophecy Watchers
Jan 28, 2025
By exposing the dark side of a secret Jesuit organization you do create some controversy and make some enemies along the way. But as Christians, should we be silent and allow evil and wickedness to prosper? After watching the film, you'll understand that much of the material may be too hot for network television. I think you’ll be shocked to hear about many of America’s leaders, specifically politicians, who are deeply embedded in this Jesuit agenda.
Tuesday, May 06, 2025
Monday, May 05, 2025
Female 'Pastor' Wins Court Case Against Adventist Conference
April 8, 2025 Gerry Wagoner
In 2024, Lerato Makombe filed a suit against the Cape Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, claiming that the Conference failed to address her numerous grievances over a period of years, including congregants who refused to accept a female pastor due to their religious beliefs.
Court Document
She says she was transferred to several districts and diagnosed with a mental illness as a consequence and successfully treated but subsequently resigned to avoid a relapse. She claims gender discrimination in her case against the Conference.
Makombe started work with the Cape Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists Church in January 2014 as an intern. She later became a pastor. From 2014 to 2020 she was transferred from post to post, often without any consultation, and was met with what she calls ‘hostile reception’ from congregants who do not believe that the Bible supports female pastors.
Makombe has a history of taking her Employer to court, filing another grievance in 2017. Since 2017, she has been treated repeatedly for psychological and psychiatric issues, including major depressive disorder. She blames her employer for her mental conditions, citing the unwillingness of some Seventh-day Adventist church members to accept a female pastor and the Conference’s unwillingness to demonstrate proper care and compassion. The conference claims that Makombe’s complaints were without substance.
In 2024, Lerato Makombe filed a suit against the Cape Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, claiming that the Conference failed to address her numerous grievances over a period of years, including congregants who refused to accept a female pastor due to their religious beliefs.
Court Document
She says she was transferred to several districts and diagnosed with a mental illness as a consequence and successfully treated but subsequently resigned to avoid a relapse. She claims gender discrimination in her case against the Conference.
Makombe started work with the Cape Conference of the Seventh Day Adventists Church in January 2014 as an intern. She later became a pastor. From 2014 to 2020 she was transferred from post to post, often without any consultation, and was met with what she calls ‘hostile reception’ from congregants who do not believe that the Bible supports female pastors.
Makombe has a history of taking her Employer to court, filing another grievance in 2017. Since 2017, she has been treated repeatedly for psychological and psychiatric issues, including major depressive disorder. She blames her employer for her mental conditions, citing the unwillingness of some Seventh-day Adventist church members to accept a female pastor and the Conference’s unwillingness to demonstrate proper care and compassion. The conference claims that Makombe’s complaints were without substance.
Free Presbyterian Minister says Pope Francis ‘was most certainly an antichrist’
Story by Allan Preston
A Free Presbyterian minister in Co Down has said that he makes no apology for stating that Pope Francis “was most certainly an antichrist”.
Rev Daniel Henderson of Moneyslane Presbyterian Church made the comments during a sermon the day following the pontiff’s funeral in Rome.
Advertising the sermon online - ‘Was Francis an antichrist?’ - the livestreamed service also took aim at other Protestant churches and King Charles for their “wishy-washy” statements of sympathy following the 88-year-old’s death last month.
Rev Henderson, who is originally from Liverpool, told the congregation he was not against Catholics and that his own mother was a previous member of the church, but that he believed successive popes had led “millions” to hell.
His main objection was the “blasphemous” belief of Catholics that the Pope is God’s representative on earth.
“I make no apology in saying that Francis was most certainly an antichrist,” Rev Henderson said during this service.
“Francis was when he was in this office, and no doubt the next individual that will be elected to that office of Pope, claims to be the spiritual father of every man, woman, boy, girl upon the face of the earth whether they like it or not.”
He continued: “The Roman antichrist has truly deceived many, countless millions over the centuries have been sent to a lost eternity in hell for evermore due to the influence of Rome upon their lives.
“The Roman Catholic is not to be hated, they are to be pitied and loved…there is apparently 1.4bn Roman Catholics in this world and they all are in need of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
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