According to LGBTQ+ Nation, “In a historic first this weekend, LGBTQ+ Catholics joined the church’s Jubilee Year pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, a once-every-25-year ritual that grants a “plenary indulgence” to participants.”
Some Mixed Signals and Leadership
The pilgrimage was included in the Vatican’s official Jubilee calendar, sparking a notable shift in visibility for LGBTQ+ Catholics—but the Vatican continued to clarify that the inclusion did not equal formal endorsement.
“While the LGBTQ+ pilgrimage is not explicitly endorsed by the Vatican — nor will participants receive a dedicated papal audience as other groups have — organizers and attendees say the event nevertheless represents a historic form of ecclesial engagement with a long-marginalized group of Catholics.” – National Catholic Register
Pope Leo XIV did not publicly acknowledge the group during Jubilee events but privately gave his blessing for Bishop Savino to conduct the Mass, signaling a discreet but meaningful continuity of Pope Francis’s inclusive approach.
“Pope Leo XIV celebrated a special Jubilee audience Saturday at the Vatican for all pilgrim groups in Rome this weekend, but made no special mention of the LGBTQ+ Catholics.” – Coeur d’Alene Press
Some Pushback and Continued Tensions
There were also institutional frictions—initial removal of the pilgrimage from the Jubilee calendar, followed by reinstatement, triggered by media leaks and internal disagreements over how public the recognition should be.
Some conservative voices sharply criticized the pilgrimage. Roberto de Mattei of the Lepanto Foundation labeled it “provocative and irreverent,” questioning whether it contradicted Church teachings on sin and redemption.
“The participants sparked outrage among some Catholics, who took note of the placards and T-shirts carrying slogans (in at least one case, crudely obscene) critical of Church teaching on sexuality, and the irreverent behavior of activists.” – Catholic Culture
Bible Rebel keeps a watchdog’s eye on news and events from the world of faith and religion and brings that content to our readers.
Catholic Diocese of Syracuse Bankruptcy Exit Plan Accepted
A bankruptcy court has approved the Diocese of Syracuse’s exit plan, which includes a comprehensive settlement sending $176 million to survivors of clergy sexual abuse. From WSTM
Pope Leo XIV Condemns Forced Evacuation in Gaza
Pope Leo XIV strongly criticized Israeli plans for forcibly evacuating Gaza City, calling it a violation of international law. He urged for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, and emphasized the duty of clergy to remain with the vulnerable, condemning the evacuation as a form of “collective punishment.” From The Times
Catholic Men Answer Call to Protect Parishes
An apostolate inspired by traditional Church practices is now training Catholic men to enhance parish security. This initiative is a modern response to growing safety concerns, aiming to prepare volunteers to act as guardians of their local communities. From National Catholic Register
Tragic Mass Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic School
A horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis left two children dead and around 17 injured during a school Mass. Authorities are investigating the event as a potential hate crime and act of domestic terrorism. The community mourns, with leaders calling for stronger protections for places of worship. From AP News
Pope Leo XIV Blesses Giro d’Italia Cyclists in Historic Vatican Ride
On June 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV blessed 159 cyclists participating in the Giro d’Italia as the race’s final stage commenced with a historic three-kilometer ride through the Vatican Gardens. This marked the first time the route entered Vatican walls. The peloton, including race leader Simon Yates, paused to meet the pope and presented him with a replica of the leader’s pink jersey. The route passed key Vatican landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Santa Marta residence of the late Pope Francis. This event was part of the race’s neutralized zone before the competitive segment started. The 143-kilometer final stage concluded with a circuit through downtown Rome, ending near the Circus Maximus. This event marked Pope Leo XIV’s third engagement with the sports community since his recent election. – From AP
Pope Leo XIV Visits Castel Gandolfo, Raises Questions About Its Future Use
On May 29, 2025, Pope Leo XIV visited Castel Gandolfo, the traditional papal summer residence south of Rome. This raised questions about whether he will restore its use as a retreat or maintain it as a museum and environmental center, as his predecessor Pope Francis did. The estate, originally built in 1624 by Pope Urban VIII and spanning 136 acres—larger than Vatican City—served for centuries as a summer escape for popes. Pope Francis ended the tradition, opting to stay in Rome and opening the palace’s gardens to the public in 2014, later converting parts of the property into a museum to support local tourism. During his visit, Leo toured the Borgo Laudato Si, an environmental education initiative inspired by Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Praised Be.” This public project incorporates sustainable practices and operates a working farm that supplies the Vatican with fresh produce and dairy, embodying a vision for a “circular economy.” Leo, who previously served as a missionary in Peru, has not yet announced where he will reside in Rome or whether he will use Castel Gandolfo as a personal retreat. From AP
New Allegations Emerge in Emanuela Orlandi Disappearance Case
In May 2025, new allegations emerged in the decades-old mystery of Emanuela Orlandi, a 15-year-old Vatican schoolgirl who vanished in Rome in 1983. A blogger recently claimed on Facebook that Emanuela was pregnant and died following a botched abortion. The blogger, identified as MB, reportedly relied on an informant known only as LC, who claimed to have witnessed Emanuela’s visit to a gynecologist and was later asked to destroy related documents. Italian police have seized MB’s communication devices, and he is under investigation for aiding and abetting a crime after refusing to name his source. Emanuela’s brother Pietro Orlandi, a longstanding campaigner for truth in her case, has dismissed the claims as false and defamatory. Her disappearance has long been associated with conspiracy theories involving the Vatican, Cold War politics, and internal scandals. The Vatican, once criticized for obfuscation, opened its own investigation after Pope Francis cryptically told Pietro that “Emanuela was in heaven.” Rome magistrates reopened their inquiry in 2023, alongside a parliamentary investigation. These developments may pose early challenges for Pope Francis’s successor. – From The Times
Pope Leo XIV’s Inauguration Mass Draws Global Attention
On May 18, 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated the inauguration Mass of his pontificate, formally known as the Mass for the Beginning of the Petrine Ministry of the Bishop of Rome. The event was attended by approximately 200,000 people, including dozens of world leaders and 150 formal delegations. While Leo became the Roman pontiff at the moment of his acceptance in the Sistine Chapel upon being elected in the 2025 papal conclave, the inauguration celebration marked the formal beginning of his ministry as the bishop of Rome. The Mass included the bestowal of the pallium and Ring of the Fisherman, and was followed by meetings with various delegations and world leaders. In his homily, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity and communion in the Church and the world, condemned exploitation of Earth’s resources and marginalization of the poor, and referenced his papal motto, “in the one Christ, we are one.” He concluded with the exhortation, “Look to Christ! Come closer to him!” – From Wikipedia
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 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.
Bible Rebel continues keeping a watchdog’s eye on religious news and events, here’s the latest from the Vatican.
On Tuesday, Pope Francis sent a letter to U.S. bishops addressing the Trump administration’s immigration policies and criticizing Vice President J.D. Vance’s interpretation of the hierarchy of love starting with one’s family and extending outward.
Pope Francis’ own interpretation is that Christian love should be inclusive and compassionate towards all people, regardless of their nationality or legal status and that we should all be meditating on the parable of the Good Samaritan and promoting a fraternity that is open to all.
He argued that measures based on force rather than the inherent dignity of every human being are destined to fail.
“Vatican cracks down on illegal entry into its territory
The document also stipulates that unauthorized overflight of Vatican airspace, including through the use of drones, may be punished with prison sentences from six months to three years in addition to a fine that could reach 25,000 euros (about $26,000).
Anyone convicted of illegal entry will be banned from entering Vatican territory for a period of up to 15 years. If this sanction is breached, the offender may be punished with a prison sentence of one to five years.
In addition, the Vatican’s promoter of justice may summon any person who has committed an offense to appear before the court the day after receiving the complaint or immediately after questioning him.”
Hmmm, reminds me a bit of what Jesus said to the Pharisees in Matthew 15:7-9.
Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men…
Whatever your interpretation of ordo amoris, (Latin for “order of love”) shouldn’t it at least be consistent? Maybe the Pope needs to take a look in the mirror so he can better see how to remove that big ol’ beam lodged in there.
All of this is just another example of why people are fleeing churchianity – of all brands.
The article goes on to say, “A religious schism has turned deadly in Nigeria, with a church member fatally shot and two young children killed as homes were set ablaze, according to United Methodist News Service. The news service said the reported violence on Sunday stemmed from a schism in the worldwide United Methodist Church over its decision to repeal LGBTQ bans — and the ensuing formation of the new Global Methodist Church by breakaway conservative churches.”
Catholic Movement Dissolved Over Abuses
Also from the AP, Dissolution of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae: Pope Francis has dissolved the Peru-based conservative Catholic movement, Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, following a comprehensive investigation that uncovered extensive sexual, financial, and spiritual abuses by its founder and leaders. This action reflects the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to address and rectify abuses within Church-affiliated organizations.
Across The Pond: Archbishop of Canterbury Resigns in Wake of Abuse Scandal
From The Times – It is right that Justin Welby resigned after the publication of the Makin review into the Church of England’s most prolific abuser, John Smyth. If the former Archbishop of Canterbury, and others, had acted with more resolution when they were made aware of the scale of Smyth’s offending then some boys he victimized might have been spared.
What’s Going On?
Do you notice a pattern in these three stories? I do – abuse and division. No wonder folks are fleeing religion in droves.
The words of Jesus come to mind. Abuse:“It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” Luke 17:2 Division:“And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25
And no wonder the chief enemies of Jesus were the religious leaders of the time. He exposed them.
What are we as followers of Jesus doing to expose the ‘whited sepulchers’ of our day and time?
