This from EWTN News on Thursday 2/12/26: Pope Leo XIV affirmed Wednesday that sacred Scripture has been entrusted to the Catholic Church — that she preserves and explains it, and supports its purpose of making Christ known to the world.
Pope Leo went even further in his address, stating the following:
He quoted from Pope Benedict XVI’s postsynodal exhortation Verbum Domini. In that document, Pope Benedict affirmed that “the intrinsic link between the word and faith makes clear that authentic biblical hermeneutics can only be had within the faith of the Church, which has its paradigm in Mary’s fiat… the primary setting for scriptural interpretation is the life of the Church.”
Mary drove a Fiat? Kidding.
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38) is Mary’s fiat according to Catholic tradition. However, I don’t see any correlation between Luke 1:38 and the idea of Scripture belonging solely to the Catholic Church.
Although Pope Leo XIV says some helpful things about the inspired nature of the Bible and the importance of Christians studying and meditating on God’s Word, he completely misses the mark by claiming that “…biblical hermeneutics can only be had within the faith of the Church.”
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from the Middle East and around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers.
Israeli forces conducted a cross-border operation in southern Lebanon, capturing a local militant allied with Hamas. Separately, an Israeli drone strike in the region killed three people, including a child, amid continuing hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border — highlighting ongoing tension with Hezbollah and allied groups following the 2023–24 conflicts. AP
U.S. issues new guidance for ships near the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. government issued updated navigation guidance for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for oil exports, urging caution amid rising tensions with Iran. The advisory follows several confrontational incidents between Iranian forces and commercial vessels, even as diplomatic talks continue with Tehran. Reuters
Iran arrests leading reformist politicians
Iranian authorities detained at least four senior reform-minded political figures, accusing them of plotting to undermine the government. The arrests occur amid internal unrest and growing pressure from international tensions — including negotiations with the United States and continued protests. Financial Times
U.S.–Iran tensions persist as Tehran downplays military buildup
Amid continued U.S. military deployments in the region, Iranian officials stated that additional American forces in the Middle East “do not scare us,” while reaffirming Tehran’s position on uranium enrichment — a key sticking point in tensions with Washington. Hindustan Times
Churchianity and the theological status quo should be scrutinized by all people of faith regularly. That is exactly how we got the Reformation.
Is there a New Reformation brewing? It seems so. There is a difference between truth and tradition.
Man-made Christian creeds and doctrines are no longer being blindly accepted as biblical truth just because the Protestant clergy or the Catholic Papacy say so.
The nature of God, heaven, hell, sin, the apocalypse, predestination or free-will, the Rapture, the origins of the universe – all of these ideas and more need solid reexamination to see if the commonly accepted doctrines of men used to explain them measure up to the message of scripture.
The Bible Rebel blog is a resource for those seeking original and curated content, including news and commentary, covering faith, biblical studies and interpretation, and the intersection of politics, culture, and the Bible.
Our Mission
To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.
To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.
At Bible Rebel, this is our one and only creed: Our living God is a loving God and the Bible is His revealed word and will. Our hope and eternal salvation relies entirely on the work of God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
So, expect some controversial viewpoints and uncomfortable ideas in some of the coming content from Bible Rebel.
“After months of publicly threatening Iran, Israel has gone quiet, waiting to see how the protest movement develops and giving US President Donald Trump space to make his own decision on whether to take action.” From CNN
Here’s a brief reminder on the importance of Iran (Persia) in the Bible in relation to Israel in the Old Testament.
In the Bible, the land and people of ancient Persia (roughly corresponding to modern-day Iran) play a significant role in the history of Israel, especially after the Babylonian Exile.
The Persian Empire rose to power in the 6th century BC when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon and issued a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, fulfilling earlier prophetic promises (Isaiah 45:1–2; Cyrus is even called God’s “anointed”) and recorded in Ezra 1:1–4.
Later Persian rulers such as Darius I and Artaxerxes continued to support the restoration of Jerusalem’s worship and governance (Ezra 6; Nehemiah 2). The Book of Esther is set in the Persian royal court at Susa and tells of Jewish deliverance under King Ahasuerus (often identified as Xerxes) and his queen Esther, illustrating Jewish life and providence under Persian rule (Esther 1:1–2).
Persian figures and encounters also appear in prophetic visions (e.g., Daniel 8’s ram symbolizing Media-Persia) and later biblical prophecy (Ezekiel 38:5), showing both its historical influence and ongoing theological significance.
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on events from the Middle East and around the world of interest to people of faith and brings that content to our readers. Here’s the latest.
New U.S.-Proposed Demilitarized Zone on Israel-Syria Border
Jan 6 2026 The U.S. put forward a proposal during Paris-hosted negotiations that would establish a demilitarized economic zone on the Israel-Syria border. The plan aims to reduce military tensions, involve joint security coordination, and potentially lead to partial Israeli troop withdrawals — a rare move in decades of conflict along that frontier. Axios
Israel Launches Airstrikes Against Hezbollah & Hamas in Lebanon
Jan 5 2026 The Israeli military carried out strikes targeting Hezbollah and Hamas “military infrastructure” in southern and eastern Lebanon. These actions mark a clear escalation in near-daily operations along the northern border, despite a ceasefire that ended the 2023–24 Israel-Hezbollah war. Civilians were evacuated from targeted villages beforehand, but the strikes have drawn international concern over stability in the region. Reuters
Wider Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon Ahead of Disarmament Talks
Jan 5 2026 In addition to the above, additional airstrikes hit areas including Sidon, described by Israel as weapons storage sites used by militant groups. These strikes come just before crucial Lebanese government efforts to disarm Hezbollah — highlighting ongoing tensions between military pressure and political negotiation. AP News
U.S. & Allied Operations Kill or Capture IS Fighters in Syria
Late Dec 2025 The U.S. Central Command said about 25 Islamic State fighters were killed or captured in Syria during coordinated operations after an ambush that killed U.S. forces. These missions involved airstrikes and coordination with Syrian and regional partners — underscoring continued counter-ISIS activity even amid broader regional tensions. AP News
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Pardon Request & Legal Turmoil
The Israeli Prime Minister has formally asked for a presidential pardon in his years-long corruption trial — an unprecedented move while charges (bribery, fraud, breach of trust) are still pending. Reuters
The request has sparked sharp criticism: political opponents and legal experts warn that granting a pardon before a verdict could undermine judicial integrity and set a dangerous precedent. AP News
Supporters argue a pardon could help unify a deeply divided country amid war and regional instability. Reuters
Hostage Remains Returned from Gaza; Continued Violence Despite Ceasefire
Militants in Gaza, according to Hamas, have handed over the body of one of the two remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack — believed to be either an Israeli officer or a foreign national. Israel is preparing to receive the remains via the Red Cross and conduct forensic identification. Reuters
The handover comes even as violence persists: an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a Palestinian journalist, and Gaza authorities report continued casualties. Reuters
The return of remains underscores the fragile and incomplete nature of the ceasefire and hostage-return process, and highlights ongoing humanitarian and security risks. Reuters
Netanyahu Suggests Possible Deal with Syria — New Diplomatic Push
Netanyahu has signaled that a deal with Syria could be possible — conditional on Syria’s agreement to establish a demilitarized buffer zone stretching from Damascus to Mount Hermon. Reuters
The proposition comes amid ongoing tensions: Israel recently conducted a strike in southern Syria that killed 13 people, reportedly targeting a Lebanese militant group. Reuters
If Syria agrees, the deal could reshape regional alignments and constitute a major strategic shift, though deep mistrust remains on both sides. Reuters
The kidnappings, murder, and ongoing Christian persecution happening in Nigeria right now is an alarming reminder of the darkness and evil in our current age.
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 remains loose in Nigeria.
According to a January 2025 report by Open Doors, Nigeria topped the world’s list for the number of Christians killed (3,100) and kidnapped (2,830) in 2024 — far more than any other country. Catholic News Agency
A watchdog group, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), estimated that in the first seven months of 2025 alone, over 7,000 Christians were killed and around 7,800 abducted. wng.org
In state-level incidents earlier in 2025: for instance, “Fulani herdsmen” reportedly killed five Christians during a Bible study in Kaduna. CBN
In response to mounting pressure, the Nigerian government has denied systematic persecution claims, characterizing reports as distortions propagated by “foreign lobbyists.” Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom. The Nigerian Inquirer
Here’s the Latest
More than 300 students and teachers abducted from Catholic school in Niger State
Gunmen attacked St. Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Papyri, Niger State, and abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers — one of the largest mass kidnappings recorded in Nigeria. Victims were both male and female. TIME
This attack came in a week that also saw other kidnappings and church attacks. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) issued alarm, and the incident has increased international scrutiny on Nigeria’s ability to protect religious minorities. TIME
Christian leaders call on U.S. action amid alleged systemic “genocide” against Christians
On November 20, 2025, a coalition of Nigerian Christian and civil-society groups publicly urged the U.S. government to intervene, warning that the ongoing targeted killings, mass displacements, and destruction of Christian communities may amount to genocide. International Christian Concern
Their appeal signals a growing belief among Nigerian Christians that the violence is not random or isolated — but rather a systematic and sustained campaign against them. This raises major human rights, diplomatic, and security concerns. International Christian Concern
As watchdogs we need to be aware of current spiritual trends in our culture so that we can boldly and pointedly proclaim our faith in Jeshua our Messiah as the antidote to darkness, nihilism, and occultism.
CNN is currently reporting on the popularity of witchcraft among the among the population.
“Witchcraft, Wicca and Paganism are more popular than ever, with some estimates topping 2 million practitioners in the US. CNN’s Donie O’Sullivan met with modern witches to discover what they’ve found in witchcraft that they haven’t elsewhere.”
CNN reports that there may now be 2 million or more people in the U.S. identifying as witches, pagans, or Wiccans.
The story follows modern practitioners and explores why people are drawn into witchcraft today — for some, it’s disillusionment with organized religion; for others, it’s community, healing, or a more personal spiritual path. Modern Ghana
It also looks at how witchcraft is being reimagined in contemporary culture (not just as fantasy or superstition). Modern Ghana
“Although the practice of witchcraft is not new—people have long turned to the occult for cosmic intervention during difficult times—this trend is unique because the practice of hiring witches to do spellwork is no longer considered taboo.”
To monitor current news and events related to faith and culture.
To provide an alternative viewpoint to the world’s pervasive climate of darkness, nihilism, and hopelessness for those seeking truth, light, and purpose.
To examine and question the assumptions of religious tradition and provide a resource for information and inspiration for people of faith who have become dissatisfied with an increasingly lifeless and empty ‘churchianity’.
To present the Biblical truths which reveal God’s nature and purposes and proclaim the lifechanging, world-altering, radical message of Yeshua the Messiah – Jesus Christ, our risen Lord and Savior.
At Bible Rebel, this is our one and only creed: Our living God is a loving God and the Bible is His revealed word and will. Our hope and eternal salvation relies entirely on the work of God’s only begotten son, Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life.
So, expect some controversial viewpoints and uncomfortable ideas in some of the coming content from Bible Rebel.
Coming in November and December
More in our “Your Life and What Comes After” series.
More in-depth content on deeper biblical studies and theological issues.
We’ll also be continuing our regular features, guest articles, and series:
Biblical Literacy: What the Bible does and doesn’t say
They Said It: Poignant quotes on a variety of topics
Guest articles
And more…
Watchdogs
As always, we’ll be keeping a watchdogs eye on all of the latest political, religious, biblical archaeology, and cultural news and events from around the world and bringing to you in bite-size chunks to keep you informed.
Here’s a Grok summary of X (Twitter) posts on the topic.
On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a pastoral message and video in a 216-5 vote during their Baltimore assembly, criticizing the Trump-Vance administration’s mass deportation efforts and dehumanizing rhetoric. The statement, the first collective rebuke since 2013, addresses restricted pastoral access in detention centers, threats to sacred spaces, and a climate of fear among immigrants, while advocating for comprehensive immigration reform with safe legal pathways. Bishops from diverse backgrounds, including conservatives like Archbishops Alexander Sample and Salvatore J. Cordileone, emphasize human dignity rooted in Catholic teaching and stand in solidarity with immigrants amid escalating enforcement actions.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) overwhelmingly voted to adopt a statement that opposes the indiscriminate mass deportation of immigrants who lack legal status and urged the government to uphold the dignity of migrants. The bishops approved their special message on immigration at the 2025 Fall Plenary Assembly on Nov. 12. The motion passed with support from more than 95% of the American bishops who voted. It received 216 votes in favor, just five against, and only three abstentions. “We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people,” the message emphasized.
Some Pushback
And here is an X post from conservative commentator Matt Walsh (@MattWalshBlog) raising some very interesting points/questions worth considering regarding the USCCB statement and video message.
I don’t recall the bishops making any sort of video like this to condemn the Biden White House for supporting, funding, and facilitating the mass slaughter of children in the womb. I also can’t remember seeing any video with solemn condemnations of the Biden White House and its support for the castration and sexual mutilation of children. That’s in spite of the fact that Biden is actually “Catholic” and he was actively engaged in activities that are explicitly condemned as mortally sinful by the Church. Trump is neither Catholic nor is he doing anything, policy wise, that contradicts Church teaching. Deportations certainly do not. And yet the bishops suddenly find their voice and their courage for this issue. Very strange indeed.
My Take
Finally, a few stats and my brief thoughts on the subject.
During the two terms under the Obama administration, according to ICE and DHS data, from 2009 to 2016 the U.S. conducted roughly 3.06 million formal removals (i.e., deportation orders).
During his first term, according to The Independent, Trump’s administration carried out about 1.2 million “removals” (formal deportation orders) during his first term, and so far in this term, by September 2025, the Trump administration claimed 400,000 deportations since January.
Question: Did the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops denounce Obama’s deportation policies?
Answer: No — the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) did not issue a denunciation of Barack Obama’s deportation policies.
