Explaining the SSPX Issue

 

Jul 3, 2026

Many faithful of the Church misperceive the issue of the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX) as simply being a problem with the newer liturgical form celebrated by the Catholic Church. The real disagreement they have with the Church is actually much deeper and wider than that. Who are the SSPX? Why have they been excommunicated again from the Church? What should our attitude be towards this society and their current state? Rev. Deacon Professor Dr Sherman Kuek OFS, Cornelius Cardinal Sim Professor of Theology and Dialogue, thinks aloud as an ecclesial public theologian on matters related to faith and society.

When the Neophyte Corrects the Vicar of Christ

When the Neophyte Corrects the Vicar of Christ

 

On JD Vance, Theological Hubris, and the Gospel He Has Yet to Learn

 

There is a particular arrogance that takes root in the newly converted — the zeal of the autodidact who, having just discovered the tradition, mistakes enthusiasm for mastery. JD Vance, who received baptism into the Catholic Church in 2019 at the age of thirty-five, has now committed the singular error of instructing the Bishop of Rome to “be careful when he talks about matters of theology.”

 

We should sit with the full weight of that sentence.

 

The Vice President of the United States — seven years a Catholic, formerly an evangelical, before that a self-described atheist — stood before a Turning Point USA audience in Georgia and publicly admonished Pope Leo XIV about theological precision. “If you’re going to opine on matters of theology,” Vance informed the successor of Peter, “you’ve got to be careful, you’ve got to make sure it’s anchored in the truth.”

 

The audacity is breathtaking. The irony is almost comic.

 

While Vance was dispensing theological warnings from a stage in Georgia, Pope Leo XIV was standing at the archaeological site of Hippo in Algeria — the episcopal see where St. Augustine served as bishop until his death in 430 A.D. Vance, who claims Augustine as his patron saint and frequently invokes him in speeches, was lecturing on Augustinian just war theology to a political rally audience. The pope he was lecturing — who served as Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine for more than a decade and holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas — was planting an olive tree at the very ground where Augustine lived, prayed, wrote, and died. If God governs history with a sense of irony, this moment surely pleased Him.

 

The occasion for Vance’s correction was Pope Leo’s statement that “God is never on the side of those who wield the sword.” Vance responded by invoking the thousand-year tradition of Just War theory as if the pope were unaware of it. But Leo did not say war is never permissible. He said God is not simply enlisted as a combatant on any nation’s side. That is not a negation of Just War doctrine. That is its foundation. The Catechism at §2309 is unambiguous about the conditions that must all be simultaneously met for a war to be just. Archbishop Broglio stated plainly on Easter Sunday that the war against Iran does not meet those criteria. Cardinals Cupich, McElroy, and Tobin, along with Archbishop Coakley, have spoken with notable unanimity. Cardinal Tobin put it plainly: Pope Leo “will continue to speak clearly against war and other offenses against human dignity and to call for authentic dialogue, because the Church’s witness is grounded in the peace of Christ, not in partisan interests.” That is episcopal fidelity. What Vance offered was its precise opposite.

 

The deeper problem is not merely that Vance is wrong about just war. It is the ecclesiological framework he is importing from American Christian nationalism into a tradition that explicitly rejects it. Vance told Fox News that “in some cases it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality, to stick to matters of what’s going on in the Catholic Church, and let the president of the United States stick to dictating public policy.” Let that formulation stand naked for a moment. The pope — who holds a universal pastoral office precisely because the Gospel speaks to every dimension of human life — is being instructed to confine himself to the sacristy, while the president is assigned the role of “dictating” the political world. This is not a Catholic understanding of faith and public life. Catholic Social Teaching from Rerum Novarum onward has always insisted that the Gospel is not a private spiritual comfort but a public moral claim. When Vance tells the pope to stay in his lane, he is not defending Catholic doctrine. He is betraying it.

 

JD Vance’s forthcoming book on his Catholic faith is titled Communion. Its cover features a United Methodist church. I do not say this merely to mock. Symbolism matters in Catholic theology, and the symbolism here is telling. A book about Catholic unity, bearing Protestant ecclesial architecture on its cover, written by a man who publicly contradicts the pope on Just War doctrine — this is not communion. This is confusion dressed in piety. Archbishop Coakley said it plainly: “The Pope is not Trump’s rival, nor is the Pope a politician. He is the Vicar of Christ who speaks from the truth of the Gospel and for the care of souls.” Communion, in Catholic theology, is not a feeling of spiritual warmth. It is a participation in the Body of Christ that carries radical obligations — to the poor, the stranger, the enemy, to peace. It is a table the powerful do not preside over. They are guests at it, like everyone else.

 

A seven-year Catholic who tells the pope to watch his theology, while defending an administration that posted an AI image of the president as Jesus Christ and refused to apologize, is not in communion with the tradition he claims to be writing about. He is in communion with power. And that, as Augustine himself understood deeply, is a very different thing.

 

by Arthur Holquin, retired Pastor of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano 

THREE AMERICAN CARDINALS 04.12.2026

  

In the months since his election, Pope Leo has spoken up against both the war in Iran and the mass deportation of migrants in the U.S. His statements have inspired American cardinals to speak out. "60 Minutes" is the most successful television broadcast in history. Offering hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, the broadcast began in 1968 and is still a hit, over 50 seasons later, regularly making Nielsen's Top 10.

TRUMP'S WAR ON CATHOLICISM

Spain Finally Completes Sagrada Familia After 144 Years

 

Mar 19, 2026

Spain Finally Completes Sagrada Familia After 144 Years Of Impossible Construction Sagrada Familia is not just a church — it is one of the most ambitious construction projects ever attempted, rising above Barcelona with a design that defies traditional architecture. Built from massive stone blocks shaped into twisting columns and branching structures, this basilica transforms geometry, gravity, and light into a single living system. What began in the nineteenth century has evolved into a modern engineering masterpiece. Today, Spanish engineers combine CNC-cut stone panels, hidden steel reinforcement, and modular assembly to construct towers with millimeter-level precision. Each panel, weighing several tons, is lifted into place high above the city, forming structures that would have taken decades using traditional methods. Join Mandarin Tech as we step inside this extraordinary build — uncovering how Spain turned a century-old vision into the world’s tallest church, using techniques so advanced and precise that even American engineers were left stunned.

"Eventually You Have To Be Your True Self"

 

Feb 4, 2026

Writer, podcaster and the official chaplain of Colbert Nation, Father James Martin, tells Stephen about the life lessons he learned at jobs as varied as dishwasher and corporate executive, and how each functioned as a step on his path towards the priesthood. His book, "Work in Progress," is out now.

 

The Liturgy of the Hours Explained

 

 

You may have heard of the Liturgy of the Hours, but not quite like this. Fr. Mike Schmitz shares why this ancient prayer holds such a special place in his heart and how praying it can transform your relationship with God.

“Beat Swords Into Plowshares!”

 

Nov 29, 2025 

Pope Leo XIV presided over a historic Holy Mass at Istanbul’s Volkswagen Arena, reflecting on faith, unity, and the call to peace during his first apostolic journey. Speaking on the legacy of saints, Advent, and Isaiah’s prophecy, he encouraged believers to live in charity, build bridges of unity, and embody light in a world longing for reconciliation. For more details, watch our story and subscribe to our channel, DRM News.

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration

 

Nov 13, 2025

On November 12, 2025, and for the first time in 12 years, the U.S. bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. Collectively, the bishops have invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops. Here, some of those bishops come together to give voice to the message, which advocates for a meaningful reform of immigration laws and the recognition of the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.

“So once again, I, the LORD All-Powerful, tell you, "See that justice is done and be kind and merciful to one another! Don't mistreat widows or orphans or foreigners or anyone who is poor, and stop making plans to hurt each other." Zechariah 7:9-10 CEV

 

Vatican II Special

 

Nov 26, 2025

We explore the lasting impact of the Second Vatican Council and other ecumenical councils, including Ephesus, Chalcedon, Trent, and Vatican I. We examine why St. John Henry Newman is referred to as the “Father of Vatican II” and reflect on the legacy of St. John Paul II, 20 years after his death.

King Charles prays with Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel

 

 

The King and the Queen are in Rome today for a landmark visit that will include a historic moment. Charles is expected at the Vatican this morning to pray alongside Pope Leo, marking the first joint prayer of a British monarch and a Pope in some 500 years. That dates back to the formation of the Church of England, breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church.

Charllie Kirk was no "martyr for Jesus"; nor "modern St Paul"

 

 

Charlie Kirk is being described by right wing Catholics as a "modern St. Paul" (Cardinal Dolan) and a "martyr for Jesus Christ" (Cardinal Mueller) and similar terms. This raises a question for me:- which is it that they do not know the teaching of Jesus or they do not know the words and actions of Charlie Kirk? Fr. Thady Doyle (full name: Rev. Thaddeus Doyle) is an Irish Catholic priest born in Monaseed, County Wexford, Ireland. Ordained on June 10, 1974, in his home parish of Craanford by the Diocese of Ferns (where he continues to serve), Fr. Thady's early path to priesthood was marked by personal challenges. He nearly left seminary due to feelings of emptiness and doubt but experienced a profound spiritual conversion at a prayer meeting, where he felt "touched by the presence of Jesus" in his heart. This encounter redirected his life toward a deep commitment to evangelization and helping others form personal relationships with Christ. His ministry emphasizes healing, prayer, and breaking spiritual "bondages," often drawing from his own journey of overcoming hardships as a young man.

Completing La Sagrada Familia

 

 

Antoni Gaudí is one of the world’s most renowned architects - and his most famous project, La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, is still under construction 140 years after work first began. Reporting for Tech Now, the BBC’s Yasmin Morgan-Griffiths has exclusive behind-the-scenes access to see how a new generation of architects and engineers are using technology to completing Gaudi’s vision.  

“The Conversion of England is Very Near”

 

Sep 16, 2025 ALL SAINTS CHURCH

In this powerful homily, Fr Leon Pereira O.P. reflects on the central message of the Angelus - the mystery of the Incarnation, God made flesh. He highlights Walsingham as a shrine uniquely dedicated to this profound truth, calling it a sacred place where heaven touches earth through Mary's "yes." Fr Leon then turns to the tragic consequences of the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII, emphasising the spiritual rupture it caused in England’s Catholic heritage. Prophetically, Fr Leon speaks of a coming conversion of England, made inevitable by the prayers, sufferings, and blood of the martyrs. He reminds us that England is not lost - but destined to return to its true Queen, as Our Lady’s Dowry. Finally, he shares a powerful vision of how this spiritual revival will unfold, and the profound impact it will have not only on England but on the whole world.

Bishop Michael Pham of San Diego

 

Sep 23, 2025

Bishop Michael Pham, appointed by Pope Leo as the first U.S. bishop under his papacy, has emerged as a new voice of the Catholic Church. Through his own story of survival as a child refugee from Vietnam, he’s stepped into the national spotlight, showing up at immigration courts to support families caught in the current crackdown. Amna Nawaz spoke with Pham about his mission.

An American is the successor to Pope Leo XIV as head of the Order of Saint Augustine

S Korean bishops discuss abortion law with lawmakers

ZENIT Staff

Bishop Moon of Cheju, chairman of the Bishops’ Conference’s Committee for Family and Life, met with Democratic Party lawmakers who are promoting a bill that the Church sees as a path towards unlimited abortions. The issue came to the fore in 2019 after a ruling by the Constitutional Court. For Bishop, “We must move towards respect for life.”

Pope Leo expresses «prayerful closeness» to the Royal Family on the occasion of the funeral of Katharine, The Duchess of Kent

ZENIT Staff

The Holy Father gave thanks to God for «the Duchess’s legacy of Christian goodness, seen in her many years of dedication to official duties, patronage of charities, and devoted care for vulnerable people in society.»

Relic of Saint Carlo Acutis stolen in Venezuela: risk of online sale?

Enrique Villegas

For those closest to the relic, its loss is not about material value. “It has a great spiritual significance,” said Adrián García, coordinator of the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group, who confirmed that police are investigating. He added, with quiet hope, “We believe it will be found.”

Pope Leo calls on Catholics in Gaza; more than 500 Catholic priests announce march in support of Gaza in Rome

Valentina di Giorgio

The movement’s imagery — a mother weeping over her dead child, captioned with the words “Christ Died in Gaza” — leaves little doubt about its moral urgency. Its first public action will be a prayer vigil and march through Rome on September 22, coinciding with the close of the UN General Assembly

Strasbourg ruling leaves unresolved the issue of restrictions on worship and Masses during the pandemic

Joachin Meisner Hertz

The judgment highlights a striking gap: the Strasbourg court has yet to issue a single ruling on pandemic-era restrictions and freedom of religion, despite years of appeals and the profound impact on faith communities

Have you experienced hardship, grief, suffering, abuse, or poverty? This message from Pope Leo is for you

ZENIT Staff

Words of the Pope during the Vigil of the Jubilee of Consolation in St. Peter’s Basilica

Vietnam and Holy See Deepen Ties in Twelfth Round of Bilateral Dialogue

ZENIT Staff

Both delegations praised the Catholic community’s role in national life, describing it as a force for both Gospel witness and civic contribution. In recent years, Vietnam has cautiously allowed the Church to expand its pastoral and charitable work, while the Vatican has encouraged the faithful to integrate fully into society

Vatican commission documents 1,600 martyrs of the faith in 25 years

ZENIT Staff

Of these, 643 were killed in Sub-Saharan Africa, 357 in Asia and Oceania, 304 in the Americas, 277 in the Middle East and the Maghreb, and 43 in Europe.

Jubilee: The Patriarchate of Jerusalem forgives debts owed to its schools

ZENIT Staff

In the Holy Year of Hope, such a deed is designed to provide relief and comfort to the many families experiencing financial hardship. This crisis has been ongoing for some time, partly due to Israeli government cuts, and exacerbated by the recent years of war. For Cardinal Pizzaballa, “This was not an easy decision” because it means loss of revenues, but it is a sign of “grace” in “a context of violence”.

Questions about liturgy: Celebrating the Day of a Blessed

ZENIT Staff

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology and director of the Sacerdos Institute at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.

US to UN Women: Stop Pushing Gender Ideology

ZENIT Staff

While the U.S. delegation was alone in voting against the plan, ten other delegations, mostly from Africa and the Middle East. Also India and Russia expressed concerns about UN Women’s work on gender and sexual rights.

WHO Continues Attack on Conscience Rights

ZENIT Staff

According to the authors of the review, in the eleven countries they surveyed, they were unable to “identify any country or setting where conscientious objection was regulated in a way that was effective in ensuring the availability and accessibility of abortion in practice.”

This is the new bronze statue of Saint Carlo Acutis unveiled in Assisi

ZENIT Staff

Acutis was canonized by Pope Leo XIV in a ceremony held in St. Peter’s Square. Within the Sanctuary of the Spogliation are now two statues: one honoring St. Francis, and another dedicated to Acutis, who is buried precisely in this place.

U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee Approves Transition of Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism to a Permanent Subcommittee

ZENIT Staff

The new subcommittee will begin its work following the conclusion of the November Plenary Assembly

USA: Female athletes, states to high court: Save women’s sports

ZENIT Staff

A legal challenge to West Virginia’s Save Women’s Sports Act that, if successful, would undermine women’s sports by allowing males who identify as female to compete with females in girls’ and women’s sports.

An American is the successor to Pope Leo XIV as head of the Order of Saint Augustine

ZENIT Staff

Father Joseph Farrell, OSA, who until now has been Vicar General of the Order and Assistant General for North America, takes up the mantle of Father Alejandro Moral Antón and accepts his new position at the head of the Order. He is the 98th Prior General in the more than 750-year history of the Augustinians.

Bishop announces resignation if Vatican does not rule in his favor in dispute with Opus Dei

Covadonga Asturias

On September 8, Bishop Ángel Pérez Pueyo of Barbastro-Monzón used the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin to deliver a homily that went far beyond pious celebration

We don’t support what happened to Charlie Kirk

 

"We mourn the tragic deaths of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the grievous injuries sustained by Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette," Father Whalen said in a statement posted June 14 on the parish website. "Our parish community feels deeply this loss and we offer our prayerful support and condolences to the Hortman and Hoffman families."

 

We don’t support what happened to Charlie Kirk but sadly; Charlie Kirk supported what happened to Charlie Kirk. You don’t have to mourn Charlie Kirk to feel uneasy today. His death brings real fear about what comes next — how those in power will seize on this moment to justify even more authoritarian control.

Father Joseph Whalen, pastor of St. Timothy, said the Hortman family had been part of the parish community and Melissa Hortman at one point had volunteered in the children’s faith formation program.

Canonization of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati 09.07.2025

 

Sep 7, 2025

From Saint Peter’s Square, Holy Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV with the Canonization of Blesseds Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. In conclusion, recitation of the Angelus Prayer

The Pope's mysterious army

 

 

It’s the smallest and most mysterious army in the world: the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The film accompanies these men of faith and combat, from their recruitment in Switzerland to their military training in the heart of the Vatican. Made up of 150 men, this elite corps lives in barracks in the heart of Vatican City. All must be Swiss nationals and devout Catholics. All have sworn to fight to the death to protect their faith and the Holy Father. They are heirs to a 500-year-old tradition in which the Pope’s protection and security were assured by mercenaries from Switzerland. Trained to wield both halberds and semi-automatic assault rifles, the Swiss Guards form a unique army. But who are they really? What motivates these young boys to join this military and religious corps? An insight into a world usually closed to the cameras.

The Tomb of Saint Peter Explained

 

 

Beneath layers of history in the Vatican City lies the tomb of Saint Peter, the apostle. Explore its fascinating story and the groundbreaking AI technology that's making its legacy more accessible than ever.