Israel Intensifies Gaza Bombardment Amid Trump’s Visit – USA Today
Israeli military strikes killed at least 50 Palestinians in Gaza, escalating the conflict as former U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Middle East. Reports suggest Hamas military leader Mohammad Sinwar may have been killed in an airstrike, though confirmation is pending. Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad fired rockets toward Israel, prompting further military responses.
Israel’s Druze Leaders Call for Protection of Syrian Kin – AOL
Leaders of Israel’s Druze minority are urging the Israeli military to continue defending Druze communities in Syria following deadly clashes with Islamist militants. The Druze, who have strong ties to Israel, argue that protecting their Syrian counterparts is both a moral duty and a strategic necessity for Israel.
Hamas Welcomes U.S.-Israel Rift After Hostage Release – Newsweek
Hamas officials see potential in growing tensions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The group recently released the last known American hostage in Gaza, a move seen as a political gesture ahead of Trump’s Middle East trip. Hamas hopes this shift could lead to negotiations to end the war.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, is the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church and the first American-born pontiff. He was elected on May 8, 2025, following the conclave that selected him as the successor to Pope Francis.
Early Life and Education
Born: September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Citizenship: Holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.
Education:
Villanova University (Degree in Mathematics and Philosophy)
Catholic Theological Union in Chicago (Theological Studies)
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome (Canon Law)
Religious Career
Joined the Order of Saint Augustine (O.S.A.) in 1977.
Ordained as a priest in Rome on June 19, 1982.
Served as a missionary in Peru, working in Trujillo for over a decade.
Held positions such as judicial vicar, professor of Canon Law, and parish administrator.
Became Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing global bishop appointments.
Papacy
Elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, 2025, after a two-day conclave.
Known for his missionary work, social justice advocacy, and reform-oriented leadership.
Delivered his first speech in Italian, Latin, and Spanish, reflecting his global pastoral experience.
Timeline of Key Events
Year
Event
1955
Born in Chicago, Illinois
1977
Entered the Order of Saint Augustine
1982
Ordained as a priest in Rome
1985
Sent to Peru for missionary work
1998
Became judicial vicar and professor in Trujillo
2018
Appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops
2025
Elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American pope
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events in the Middle East. That is not to say that we are watching for any fulfillment of biblical prophecy there, we keep our eyes and ears open to news that affects people of faith from every region around the world.
The Holy Land is of particular interest for three reasons:
It is a geographical crossroads, referred to by some the “Center of the Earth”.
It is also the historical birthplace of the two largest religions of the world; Christianity and Islam, as well as the ‘Father’ of both those religions – Judaism.
It is of major military and strategic importance because of oil production and logistics.
Are the biblical prophecies focusing on geographical locations in the Middle East, especially in and around current-day Israel, relevant to the Church in our times today?
Or will those prophecies only come to pass and be revealed in some future time after the destiny of the Church has been realized? This is a subject Bible Rebel will be exploring in some depth going forward. Stay tuned.
For now, here’s the latest from the Middle East.
Israel Strikes Near Syrian Presidential Palace
Israel conducted an airstrike near Syria’s presidential palace in Damascus, targeting the new Islamist-led government under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The strike aimed to signal Israel’s commitment to defending the Druze minority amid escalating sectarian violence in Syria. From Reuters
US attacks Yemen port again; Houthis launch missiles at Israel
The Houthi-affiliated Al Masirah TV media outlet has reported that seven US strikes hit the Ras Isa oil port in al-Salif district in Hodeidah in the last few hours, where a US strike at the same port last month killed at least 80 people and wounded 150 in one of the deadliest attacks on the country by US forces.
Earlier Friday, the Houthis claimed responsibility for launching two missiles towards northern Israel, targeting the Ramat David military airbase and the Tel Aviv area, as the group continues its military pressure in solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli fire. From Al Jazeera
U.S.-Iran Talks Postponed
A fourth round of talks between the United States and Iran, scheduled to take place in Rome, has been postponed. An Iranian official stated that the new date depends on the U.S. approach, citing contradictory behavior and provocative statements from Washington. From Reuters
Netanyahu calls defeating Israel’s enemies the ‘supreme objective,’ not freeing hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that defeating Israel’s enemies is more important than securing the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
While the prime minister acknowledged that freeing the 59 remaining hostages is a “very important goal,” he described Israel’s fight against its enemies as the “supreme objective” of the war.
“We have many objectives, many goals in this war. We want to bring back all of our hostages,” Netanyahu said. “That is a very important goal. In war, there is a supreme objective. And that supreme objective is victory over our enemies. And that is what we will achieve.” From CNN
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on events around the world.
But don’t be overly troubled, remember the words of our Lord in Matthew 24:6-8.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Here’s the latest:
Pakistan Claims It Downed Indian Drone
Pakistan’s army reported shooting down an Indian quadcopter in the Manawar sector of Bhimber, Kashmir, along the Line of Control (LoC). This follows escalating tensions after an April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, leading to retaliatory measures such as suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Wagah-Attari border. Pakistan responded by shutting its airspace to Indian flights and halting trade. Both nations have increased military posturing, with Pakistan upgrading airbases and India testing anti-ship missiles. From The Times of India
India and Pakistan on War Footing
A terror attack in Kashmir has pushed India and Pakistan closer to conflict. India claims the attack was cross-border terrorism supported by Pakistan and has vowed to retaliate. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, depriving Pakistan of crucial water resources. Pakistan condemned this as an “act of war.” Both sides have put their forces on high alert, with low-level clashes occurring along the LoC. The historical dispute over Kashmir continues to fuel tensions, with India revoking Article 370 in 2019 to bring the region under its control, further straining relations. From The Conversation
India-Pakistan Conflict Escalates
Following the Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan have engaged in tit-for-tat measures, including diplomatic downgrades, trade restrictions, and border closures. India has accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan denies involvement and calls for a neutral investigation. Military skirmishes have intensified along the LoC, with both sides exchanging gunfire. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation as both nations bolster their military presence. From Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Atlanta Pastor Apologizes for Remarks on Police Killings
A pastor in Atlanta issued an apology after controversial remarks blaming police killings on disobedience sparked backlash within his congregation and the broader Christian community. From Christianity Today
Aaron Renn’s ‘Three Worlds’ Theory Sparks Debate
Conservative commentator Aaron Renn’s framework for understanding Christianity’s transition from a socially desirable faith to one facing cultural opposition has ignited discussions among evangelicals and critics alike. From Baptist News
Islamic State claims pope’s burial is ‘marketing tool in theological war’ as it gains renewed strength
“The Islamic State has declared Pope Francis’ burial a “marketing tool in a theological war,” asserting that tributes paid to the late pope undermine Islamic beliefs. The terror group is concurrently experiencing a resurgence, raising concerns about its growing strength and influence in the Middle East.” From The Christian Post
Religious ‘nones’ outnumber Catholics and Protestants in Germany
For the first time in modern German history, more Germans identify as religiously unaffiliated than as Roman Catholics or Protestants, according to a new survey. From the Christian Post
India has accused Pakistan of being involved, though Pakistan denies any connection. In response, India has downgraded diplomatic ties, revoked visas for Pakistani nationals, and suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty.
Pakistan has retaliated by canceling visas for Indian nationals, suspending trade, and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft. The situation remains volatile, with both nations exchanging strong statements.
This is very concerning because both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons.
From the AP article linked above: “India and Pakistan have built up their armies and nuclear arsenals over the years. India was the first to conduct a nuclear test in 1974, followed by another in 1998. Pakistan followed with its own nuclear tests just a few weeks later. The sides have since armed themselves with hundreds of nuclear warheads, missile delivery systems, advanced fighter jets and modern weapons to take on each other.“
This situation is certainly worth putting on your radar. We will keep our readers alerted to ongoing developments.
Bible Rebel continues to keep a watchdog’s eye on news and events from the world of churchianity. In this article, we take a look at the process of choosing a new Pope, which is based on Roman Catholic ceremony and tradition – not scripture.
Papal Ceremonies and Biblical Doctrine
While the Catholic Church bases its teachings on scripture, many papal ceremonies are rooted in tradition rather than biblical doctrine. The conclave, the papal coronation, and the rituals surrounding the election are not explicitly found in the Bible. Instead, they evolved over centuries as part of the Church’s governance structure.
Critics argue that certain practices—such as the vesting of the Pope in elaborate robes and the use of Latin in official ceremonies—reflect historical customs rather than biblical mandates. However, the Church maintains that these traditions uphold continuity and reverence within Catholicism.
The selection of a new Pope is a momentous event, steeped in history and ritual. While the process is not biblically mandated, it remains a defining aspect of Catholic tradition.
The Conclave Process
The election of a new Pope follows a centuries-old tradition rooted in secrecy and ritual. When a Pope passes away or resigns, the College of Cardinals—a body of senior Catholic officials—gathers in Vatican City to elect his successor in a process known as a conclave.
The conclave typically begins 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s death. Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, with the number of electors capped at 120. The process takes place in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals swear an oath of secrecy before casting their votes.
Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot, which is then placed in a ceremonial urn. The votes are counted, and if no candidate secures a two-thirds majority, the process repeats until a consensus is reached. After each round, the ballots are burned, producing either black smoke (indicating no decision) or white smoke (signaling the election of a new Pope).
Once elected, the new Pope is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where he delivers his first blessing.
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. (KJV)
The roaring lion is loose in Nigeria.
The situation in Nigeria remains deeply troubling. Recent reports highlight ongoing violence against Christians, particularly in Plateau State. On Palm Sunday, suspected Islamist Fulani militias attacked Christian villages, killing at least 51 people.
“The coordinated assault targeted two predominantly Christian villages, with the worst carnage reported in Zikke village, Bassa County. Witnesses described a night of horror as gunmen stormed homes, setting them ablaze and killing entire families — including women, children, and the elderly — in what local leaders are calling a deliberate act of religious persecution.” From The Herald
The Continuing Violence, No End In Sight
This follows a series of brutal incidents, including the slaughter of over 60 Christians and the destruction of 383 homes earlier this month.
It’s going to be a wretched and fearful Easter for Christians in Nigeria. The killing and persecution of Christians by Islamist militants intent on creating a Muslim caliphate in this West African country is continuing apparently unchecked despite the population being 46% Christian. “Nigeria’s Christians are being wiped out; we need to call it what it is — genocide,” Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern (ICC), a persecution watchdog, told Fox News Digital. “Let’s start with the horrible attacks on April 2-3, 2025, in (Nigeria’s) Plateau State’s Bokkos County. Over 60 Christians (were) slaughtered, and 383 homes torched” King said. “Families were burned alive, and kids were left homeless. It’s gut-wrenching. The worst thing is that there’s nothing truly “special” about this attack. This has gone on for 20 years and has only expanded.” From Fox News
A Dark And Broken World
Why does God allow this kind of butchery to happen? Part of the answer is in 1 Peter 5:8, referenced at the beginning of this post. He expects us to be “sober and vigilant”.
We should always be aware that the roaring lion is seeking to devour us, so that we can be prepared, and so that we can cover ourselves and our brothers and sisters in prayer and intercession – and so that we can walk in wisdom and strength to avoid the lion, or destroy him and his attempts to devour us.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly targeted a Russian brigade responsible for a recent missile strike that killed civilians. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Russia and the U.S. continue, though peace talks remain challenging. – From Sky News
As Anti-Hamas Protests Gather, Christians Stay Away
“In a rare show of defiance, thousands of Gazans took to the streets of the northern city of Beit Lahia and other cities in the past few weeks, demanding Hamas step down and end the war. Videos from the protests, which started two weeks ago, show protesters chanting, “Out, out, out! Hamas get out!” and carrying banners with the words “Hamas does not represent us.” Demonstrations lasted three days before scattered protests resumed last week.“ From Christianity Today
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Warns of Global Security Threat Amid Russia’s War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns that Russia’s ongoing invasion could escalate into a broader global conflict. He emphasized that the security of the entire world is at stake if Ukraine and its allies do not stand firm against Russian aggression. From CBS News
