Cardinal Dolan and the Next Pope

Conclave News 🚨

When asked what he will be looking for in the next Pope, Cardinal Dolan said:

"The warm heart of Francis.... with ummm what would I say, more clarity in teaching, more refinement of the Church's tradition, more digging in the treasures of the past" pic.twitter.com/y5cv6dUS6L

— Al Carbo (@carbo_al) April 23, 2025

Feast of the Epiphany - Twelfth Night

It's the twelfth day of Christmas.

“Like a rising star, Jesus comes to enlighten all peoples and brighten the nights of humanity. Today, with the Magi, let us lift our eyes to heaven and ask: ‘Where is the child who has been born?’”#PopeFrancis #Epiphany #Mass pic.twitter.com/WGk9ip77dP

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) January 6, 2023

I’m on my way home. A blessed Feast of the Epiphany! On Epiphany, we remember there might have been darkness, but there is a great light. The Three Wise Men sense the great light of the star, Jesus, who is the light of the world.@thegnewsroom https://t.co/9mshKutQge pic.twitter.com/Ec0xQKwEYX

— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) January 6, 2023

ONE BILLION PERCENT THIS: Jan. 6 Is Important Because It’s Epiphany, Not The Solemn Anniversary Of A Fake Insurrection -- by @johnddavidson https://t.co/dr0Ua2VTm9

— Mollie (@MZHemingway) January 6, 2023

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Burial of Pope Benedict XVI

The burial of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: the closing of the coffin Wednesday evening and placement in the grottos under St. Peter’s Basilica following the burial rituals and tradition of Popes. pic.twitter.com/ZOivIat8yT

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) January 5, 2023

Cardinal Dolan in Rome for Pope Benedict's Funeral

I’m in Rome for the funeral of our beloved Pope Benedict XVI. I always stop at the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and I came here especially for Pope Benedict, because he had such a deep love of Mary. https://t.co/9efEPfUL11 pic.twitter.com/QUNTSJdBfa

— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) January 2, 2023

Pope Benedict XVI Dies

“With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.

Further information will be provided as soon as possible.” pic.twitter.com/O5dxoPaVkT

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) December 31, 2022

Former Pope Benedict XVI has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health. https://t.co/nQBBPKNX9E

— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) December 31, 2022

READ MORE:https://t.co/3dhrWdo01t

— GB News (@GBNEWS) December 31, 2022

When Pope Benedict visited the U.S. in April 2008, this touched me deeply: Pope Benedict Blesses the Disabled and their Caregivers

Pope Benedict's visit to the United States has been filled with so many deeply touching and inspiring moments.

One that I'm sure will stay with me is the Pope's visit to the chapel at St. Joseph's Seminary in Younkers.

Before the Pope attended an outdoor youth rally at the seminary, with thousands and thousands of young people in attendance, and entertainment by Kelly Clarkson, the Pope met with the disabled and their caregivers in the chapel.

From Catholic News Service:

In the most intimate public event of the papal visit so far, Pope Benedict XVI blessed 56 disabled youths and their caregivers in the chapel of St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers April 19.

"God has blessed you with life, and with differing talents and gifts. Through these you are able to serve him and society in various ways," the pope said. "While some people's contributions seem greater and others' more modest, the witness value of our efforts is always a sign of hope for everyone."

He said, "Sometimes it is challenging to find a reason for what appears only as a difficulty to be overcome or even pain to be endured. Yet your faith helps you to break open the horizon beyond your own selves in order to see life as God does.

"God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life," he continued. "Through his cross, Jesus in fact draws us into his saving love and in so doing shows us the way ahead -- the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too, become bearers of that hope and charity for others."

The youths, ranging in age from 3 to 18, were chosen from throughout the Archdiocese of New York by Catholic Charities and displayed a range of physical, emotional and developmental disabilities. Some were in wheelchairs or strollers. Others sat with their caregivers in the pews, which face the center aisle of the small chapel.

...As he walked up the chapel's aisle, he greeted each youngster, laying a hand on some of the children's heads, grasping their hands, coddling their faces or tracing a blessing on foreheads.

At the front of the chapel, he greeted and spoke quietly with a smiling Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, director of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of New York.

Then three youths approached the pope: Neyshadli Kenney, from St. Ursula Learning Center in Mount Vernon; Lauren Kurtz from Holy Family Parish in the Bronx; and Caitlin Menno from St. Charles Parish on Staten Island.

Kenney thanked the pope for taking the time to visit. She said, "Your presence inspires us to be stronger Christians and love Jesus more. May your presence also remind everybody in our world that all human life is sacred, even when challenged."

Kurtz and Menno presented the pope with a painting by a young artist who lives at a Catholic Charities residence.

The Cathedral of St. Patrick Young Singers and the New York Archdiocesan Deaf Choir performed "Take Lord, Receive" by Jesuit Father John Foley.

Pope Benedict was so gentle and loving with the children and their parents and caregivers.

His message was so beautiful:

"God's unconditional love, which bathes every human individual, points to a meaning and purpose for all human life. Through his cross, Jesus in fact draws us into his saving love and in so doing shows us the way ahead -- the way of hope which transfigures us all, so that we too, become bearers of that hope and charity for others."

There was such tenderness in the way Pope Benedict spoke and the way he interacted with the children.

Every human life is precious and has meaning and worth, bathed in God's unconditional love. Every life is a blessing. Pope Benedict calls us all to be bearers of hope and charity for others.

Of all the many events on the Pope's U.S. itinerary, this one wasn't historic or as majestic as the others, but it was just as important and powerful.

Prayer for the Health of Pope Benedict XVI

A prayer for the health of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. pic.twitter.com/UTZsIUkzNI

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) December 28, 2022

"I would like to ask you all for a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict, who in silence is supporting the Church. Remember him - he is very ill - asking the Lord to console him, and sustain him in this witness of love for the Church, until the end."#PopeFrancis pic.twitter.com/olWyYugUaU

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) December 28, 2022

Obama, Pope Francis, and Climate Change

This ticks me off:

Watch @Pontifex say why it's so important for everyone to come together to #ActOnClimate. #PopeInDC http://t.co/ouZ0PDWQKt

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) September 23, 2015

The Holy Father is being used as a political prop by Obama and his administration.

That offends me as a Catholic.

If Pope Francis ever gets around to speaking out for the unborn, will the White House tweet about that?

Obviously, no chance.

I'm not experiencing any spiritual renewal as a result of Pope Francis' visit. Everything is so political.

Very disappointing.

Maybe there will a be at least one moment that will touch me in terms of my faith. When Pope Benedict was here in 2008, I followed his visit closely. That wasn't as easy to do then because the Leftist media didn't embrace him the way they do Pope Francis.

It was so moving when Pope Benedict went to St. Joseph's Seminary in Younkers and met with the disabled and their caregivers.

The problem with the Pope Francis visit is that it all feels staged and political. I don't think that's the pope's doing. It's the Leftists and their media.

'Eggs Benedict' in the New York Times

From the New York Times:
Portrait of Pope Benedict XVI Made of Condoms Draws Complaints in Milwaukee.

I'm assured that a portrait of Mohammed made from 17,000 pieces of bacon will run next week. https://t.co/jC0wR4IeZt

— Matt (@mdrache) June 29, 2015

Pope Benedict Condom Portrait and the Milwaukee Art Museum

The Milwaukee Art Museum has acquired and plans to put on permanent display a picture of Pope Benedict XVI made of condoms.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Niki Johnson's portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, fashioned from 17,000 colorful condoms, made news-of-the-weird headlines in countries around the globe two years ago.

Now, that artwork is getting a serious nod. It has been acquired by the Milwaukee Art Museum, where it will be displayed when the museum reopens its permanent collection galleries, which are closed for renovation and a top-to-bottom reorganization.

Johnson's artwork, called "Eggs Benedict," was inspired by the former pope's 2009 comments about condoms while in Africa. He suggested condom use could increase the spread of AIDS.

"Particularly when you see it from the back, it kind of makes you realize what a crazy medium it is, but also just how artists mix color," said Brady Roberts, the museum's chief curator.

"You can do that with paint or you can do it with condoms," he said. "She's figured it out, and that's what she is so good at, creating images and sculptures with these everyday objects."

While there are many artworks in MAM's collection that are internationally known, Johnson's is the first to have achieved "global fame via the Internet," Roberts said.

"Eggs Benedict" will be on display in the museum's permanent collection galleries.

I suppose it will be right next to the portrait of the "Prophet Muhammad," a mosaic made of little images of beheaded infidels.

No images of Muhammad in the museum's collection?

Sorry, my mistake.

Here's a post on "Eggs Benedict," from March 21, 2013:

Do you think this is a nice portrait of Pope Benedict XVI?

Would you judge it differently if you knew the "artist" made it with condoms?

The work is titled Eggs Benedict.

Photo here.

Not very respectful, is it?

The artist, Niki Johnson, is not praising Pope Benedict. She's condemning and mocking him.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, once again a step behind and slow in its reporting:

A Milwaukee artist is drawing national attention, some of it negative, for one of her creations: a portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI constructed out of 17,000 colorful condoms.

The piece by Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design instructor Niki Johnson, a kind of latch hook portrait, is a commentary on the artist's views on sex and Benedict's statements on condoms -- including the now famous 2009 quote while on a trip in Africa stating that condoms increase the spread of AIDS.

Local church officials did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment. But it's been featured on the Huffington Post news website and described as "disgusting" by MediaBusters, a conservative website.

Ironically, Johnson's commentary on her blog is in some ways in sync with Catholic teaching. She says, in part: "Healthy sexual choices are at the root of creating a healthy nation." However, they clearly differ on what constitutes "healthy."

The church holds holds that sex is a gift to be expressed only between a man and a woman in the confines of marriage. Johnson, who lives in Shorewood, says: "Love in all of its colors, partners and kinky curiosities is to be enjoyed by those who are in it."

Note to the JS: It's ridiculous to suggest that Johnson's commentary is at all in sync with Catholic teaching.

Read Johnson's post about her portrait.

She writes:

Eggs Benedict exists because I believe it is my responsibility as an able bodied person living in our current cultural climate to incite further discussion about the direction our leaders point us in. As an artist, my thoughts manifest in my artwork best. It’s a pretty simple relationship. During the production of this piece I made many intentional choices; from selecting a cheerful moment from the Pope’s earlier years to reproduce, to going with a festive color palette, to putting great care into the making of the portrait to ensure that both the subject matter and the materials were on some level being celebrated in the midst of the questions that their combination raises. I made these choices because it is important to me that this piece opens more doors than it closes, by remaining both glorious and irreverent at the same time, if that’s possible. Like other portraits I have made, I see Eggs Benedict conceptually existing in a grey space between the black/white nature of political statements- creating room for a nuanced experience that has an added degree of complexity.

There's nothing nuanced or complex about this work.

Johnson expresses her disdain for Pope Benedict, something she has the right to do.

But let's be honest. Johnson isn't opening any doors to discussion. Her portrait is not operating in a "grey space." It's perfectly black and white.

Personally, I don't find Johnson's portrait to be nearly as offensive to me as a Catholic as Piss Christ, Andres Serrano's photograph of a crucifix submerged in his own urine. Adding insult to injury was the fact that the National Endowment for the Arts was supporting Serrano's "art," that tax dollars had gone to the creator of Piss Christ.

The offensive "art" was defended by liberals. It was deemed artistic expression, not desecration. Although it caused some uproar and offended some Christians in the U.S. in the late 1980s, there were no riots. The taxpayer funds supporting it irritated many; but there were no fires, no calls for beheadings.

Like Serrano, I think Johnson wanted attention. She got it. She knew the way to get noticed would be to mock the Pope.

To some, she's a hero. To others, she's intolerant and hateful.

Bottom line: The Constitution doesn't protect us from being offended. It protects freedom of expression.

Johnson makes a lame portrait. Fine. That's her right.

Having it on permanent display at the Milwaukee Art Museum?

I don't think that's a good idea. The purpose is to offend.

Get a portrait of Muhammad up there and then I'd understand the offensive Pope Benedict portrait's place in a permanent gallery. Have a gallery focusing on attacks on religion and faith. Be inclusive, not just targeting Christians.

The Milwaukee Art Museum must acquire some more offensive religious pieces, from all faiths.

I'd be OK with that. I don't like the fact that just Catholics can be mocked by the museum with impunity. Spread the hate around.

Pope Francis: Celibacy, Pedophile Cardinals

Here we go again.

The Leftist media run with comments allegedly made by Pope Francis, and the Vatican cries that he was misquoted.

From BBC News:

Pope Francis has been quoted as saying that reliable data indicates that "about 2%" of clergy in the Catholic Church are paedophiles.

The Pope said that abuse of children was like "leprosy" infecting the Church, according to the Italian La Repubblica newspaper.

He vowed to "confront it with the severity it demands".

But a Vatican spokesman said the quotes in the newspaper did not correspond to Pope Francis's exact words.

The BBC's David Willey in Rome says there is often a studied ambiguity in Pope Francis' off-the-cuff statements.

He wants to show a more compassionate attitude towards Church teaching than his predecessors, but this can sometimes cause consternation among his media advisers, our correspondent adds.

..."Among the 2% who are paedophiles are priests, bishops and cardinals. Others, more numerous, know but keep quiet. They punish without giving the reason," Pope Francis was quoted as saying.

...Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi denied that Pope Francis had said that there were cardinals who were paedophiles.

...Asked in the same La Repubblica interview about the celibacy rule for priests, Pope Francis recalled that it was adopted 900 years after the death of Jesus Christ and pointed out that the Eastern Catholic Church allows its priests to marry.

"The problem certainly exists but it is not on a large scale. It will need time but the solutions are there and I will find them."

Father Lombardi also denied that these were the Pope's exact words.

I don't remember the Vatican needing to constantly walk back comments made by Pope John Paul II.

I don't remember the Vatican needing to deny reports of statements made by Pope Benedict XVI.

Why does this keep happening with Pope Francis?

Cardinals and bishops are among the pedophiles.

What?

Nope. Pope Francis didn't say that.

What?

Priests should be allowed to marry.

Really?

No. Pope Francis didn't say he'd find a "solution" to the celibacy requirement.

I'm so tired of these political games.

Faith?

God?

Irrelevant.

John Paul II and John XXIII: Canonization (Video)

This a great day.

Today is the canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII.

From FOX News:

On Sunday, Pope Francis makes history yet again. He makes two Popes saints in a single ceremony--John Paul II and John XXIII, the man who convened the Second Vatican Council in 1959.

A lot has been made of the contrasts between the two Pontiffs. John the XXIII is known as having been a great liberalizing force for the Catholic Church, and John Paul II a real advocate for adhering to its most conservative tenets. But many church insiders say actually the two men represent continuity in the Church. John XXIII made it more accessible to people by replacing Latin masses with vernacular ones, and having priests face the congregations rather than stand with their backs to them. And John Paul II, with his tireless globetrotting, brought the Church to the people.

...Senior Communications Adviser Greg Burke said, "John Paul II brought the Gospel to the people, so many of the people you see on the streets these days, you talk to them and they have, they might not have met the Pope, but they had a personal experience with him. They saw him, probably in their hometown, they remember it, they were moved by it."

The Archbishop of Washington, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, knew John Paul II from the time he was Archbishop Wojtyla of Krakow. They worked together on a committee. Ultimately it was Pope John Paul II who ordained Wuerl when he became a Bishop. Wuerl said, "That will always be the high point of my relationship with him. To be ordained a Bishop by a man today the whole world recognizes as worthy of being called a saint."

Pope John Paul II was the first non-Italian Pope in centuries, and his election, at a time when Poles, along with their East European neighbors were struggling under the yoke of Soviet Communism, deprived of freedom of expression and religion. He became a symbol of resistance in that part of the world and is credited with helping bring about the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent regime changes in its satellite states.

Among the groups who embraced John Paul II with the most enthusiasm were young people around the world. He did a lot to grab their attention and fire up their faith.

Father Thomas Rosica of the Holy See Press Office noted, "What is amazing about this unique relationship of John Paul II and young people is the older he got and the more infirm he became, the more significant he was for young people. One would think that young people would only look tothose that are agile and beautiful and standing tall, athletes and stars that the world offers us."

And Rosica adds, John Paul did not water down religion for them.

"He held the bar high for them, he was no quick sell for them, he didn't pander to them. He held the bar high and he invited them to follow him."

There is a powerful Polish contingent on St. Peter's Square getting ready for the big day. 2000 busloads of Poles were said to have made the journey to Rome overland.

Video: Announcement of John Paul II becoming Pope, October 1978




Watch video of the Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II:



_________________


In their own words: Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII

_________________

Saint John XXIII pray for us! Saint John Paul II pray for us!

— Cardinal Dolan (@CardinalDolan) April 27, 2014

Pope Francis: Abortion 'Abominable Crime'

It will be tough for lovers of abortion, like Obama, to embrace Pope Francis after his recent comments. Sorry, all you Democrats and other Leftists. The Pope Francis party is over.

From LifeSiteNews:

Human life is “sacred and inviolable” and “every civil law is based on the recognition of the first and most fundamental right, the right to life,” Pope Francis told an Italian pro-life organization today.

The pope thanked the Movimento per la Vita, one of Italy’s leading political pro-life groups, for their work, urging them to continue “with courage and love” for life “in all its phases.”&bbsp;

“It is therefore necessary to reiterate the strongest opposition to any direct attack on life, especially innocent and defenseless, and her unborn child in the womb is the innocent par excellence,” the pope told the gathering of politicians and pro-life activists at the Vatican today.

“If you look at life as something that is consumed,” the pope said, “it will also be something that sooner or later you can throw away, with abortion to begin with.”

Human life, however, is “a gift from God” and if it is accepted as such, “then you have before you a valuable and intangible asset, to be protected by all means and not to be discarded.”

So, Pope Francis is speaking out for the weakest and most vulnerable among us - human life in the womb. Just like Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul, Pope Francis is preaching about the sanctity of life.

...In his brief address, Pope Francis quoted the document Gaudium et Spes of the Second Vatican Council, that says, “Life once conceived, must be protected with the utmost care; abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.” He encouraged pro-life workers to fight for life “with a style of closeness” to women so that “every woman feels regarded as a person, heard, accepted, accompanied.”

In a speech on Friday to the International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE), the pope also spoke of the need to reaffirm the rights of parents to decide “the moral and religious education of their children” and reject all forms of “educational experimentation with children and young people.”

Every child, he said, has the right to grow up in a family “with a father and a mother” capable of creating “a suitable environment for the child’s development and emotional maturity.” The Pope also warned against the effort to push a “dictatorship of one form of thinking” on children comparing these to the “horrors of the manipulation of education that we experienced in the great genocidal dictatorships of the twentieth century.”

Bad news for the Leftist thought police.

Pope Francis gets religion.

Pope Francis: Marriage - Man and Woman

Pope Francis spouted some hateful rhetoric on April 2nd.

He had the audacity to publicly state that marriage is between one man and one woman, that it's "God's design."

From CNSNews:

During his General Audience speech at St. Peter’s Square on Apr. 2, before a crowd estimated at 45,000, Pope Francis first cited Genesis, saying, “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them. … Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.”

“The image of God is the married couple: the man and the woman; not only the man, not only the woman, but both of them together,” said the Pope. “God’s covenant with us is represented in that covenant between man and woman. And this is very beautiful.”

“When a man and a woman celebrate the Sacrament of Matrimony, God as it were ‘is mirrored’ in them; He impresses in them his own features and the indelible character of his love,” said Pope Francis. “Marriage is the icon of God's love for us.”

He continued, “Indeed, God is communion too: the three Persons of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit live eternally in perfect unity. And this is precisely the mystery of matrimony: God makes of the two spouses one single life. The Bible uses a powerful expression and says ‘one flesh,’ so intimate is the union between man and woman in marriage. And this is precisely the mystery of marriage: the love of God which is reflected in the couple that decides to live together.”

“Therefore a man leaves his home, the home of his parents, and goes to live with his wife and unites himself so strongly to her that the two become — the Bible says — one flesh,” said the Pope.

These remarks should be no surprise to anyone.

Pope Francis is reiterating the position of the Church.

How will Leftists reconcile what the Pope said last Wednesday with their image of him as a pro-gay marriage proponent?

Leftists embraced Pope Francis as a class warrior, uninterested in focusing on the Church's opposition to gay marriage and abortion.

That's what Obama stressed when he recently met with the Pope.

The fact is Pope Francis is on the same page as Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul.

Pope Francis wants all people to come to God and live in His love, just like his predecessors. He's not about excluding anyone. In that respect, Pope Francis shares the beliefs of Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty.

Bottom line: Leftists, including Obama, must stop cherry picking the statements of Pope Francis and exploiting him as a tool to advance their political agenda.

Pope Francis: Abortion 'Horrific'

Pope Francis, the darling of the Left, may have turned off of some his fans.

He had the audacity to reiterate what popes before him have declared: Abortion is HORRIFIC.

From NBC News:

Pope Francis made his toughest remarks to date on abortion when he called the practice "horrific" on Monday.

"It is horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day," the pontiff said during his yearly address to diplomats accredited to the Vatican, a speech known as his "State of the World" address.

Conservatives in the Roman Catholic Church had previously accused the pope of not speaking out forcefully enough against abortion.

While showing no signs of changing the Church's position against abortion, Francis has not spoken out against it as sternly or as repeatedly as his predecessors Pope Benedict XVI and the late John Paul II since his election in March.

The notion that Pope Francis would change the Church's position against abortion is absurd. The Leftists under the impression that Pope Francis planned to reject or simply ignore the immorality of the killing of the unborn could not have been more wrong. Duh.

...His stance favoring mercy over condemnation has disoriented conservative Catholics, notably in rich countries such as the United States, where the Catholic Church has become polarized on issues such as abortion.

Mercy over condemnation is a cornerstone of the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul didn't condemn. They favored mercy, like Jesus. Good grief.

The cluelessness of the mainstream media and other Leftists is frustrating. They are so uninformed.

I'm glad Pope Francis stated unequivocally that it's "horrific even to think that there are children, victims of abortion, who will never see the light of day."

I assume that statement is clear enough for even the Leftists to understand. They can't twist his words to be a signal that the Church is changing its stance on abortion.

Then again, I may be assuming too much.

Pope Francis and Leftists

This @pontifex helps me experience a sacramental life in Church that makes me better love my faith.
— Graeme Zielinski (@gjzielinski) January 2, 2014

The Leftists, like Graeme Zielinski, disgraced former spokesman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, drool over Pope Francis. Yeah, they got religion.

On Twitter, I've seen Zielinski attack Catholic Republicans, like Paul Ryan, accusing them of being hypocrites and bad Christians.

It's so unseemly, but Zielinski continues to present himself as a man of great faith.

What's odd about these Leftist worshippers of Pope Francis is that this pope's message is the same as his predecessors.

Both Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II called for people to care for the least among us. They both called for an end to violence and promoted peace.

Pope Benedict embraced the poor, sick, and weak. In 2008, he visited the U.S., a trip marked by many dramatic, moving, and joyful moments. However, since Pope Benedict was never the darling of the Leftist media, his trip didn't garner the positive press it deserved.

Read: Pope Benedict Blesses the Disabled and Their Caregivers.

Of course, Pope John Paul spent a quarter century serving God and caring for God's children, but the Leftists want to forget that. They act as if Pope Francis has transformed the Church. Not so.

Let's be realistic. Let's talk substance rather than get caught up in media hype and a cult of personality.

Leftists like Zielinski love to sing the praises of Pope Francis as a means to accuse Catholic Republicans of being bad Christians. I'm waiting for those Leftists to embrace the message of Pope Francis when it comes to the sanctity of life.

When will they acknowledge that they stand in complete opposition to the great Pope Francis when it comes to accepting the personhood of the unborn?

I think it's wrong for the Leftists to claim to embrace Pope Francis while still clinging to their total adoration of abortion.

Niki Johnson: Condom Portrait of Pope Benedict

Do you think this is a nice portrait of Pope Benedict XVI?

Would you judge it differently if you knew the "artist" made it with condoms?

The work is titled Eggs Benedict.

Photo here.

Not very respectful, is it?

The artist, Niki Johnson, is not praising Pope Benedict. She's condemning and mocking him.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, once again a step behind and slow in its reporting:

A Milwaukee artist is drawing national attention, some of it negative, for one of her creations: a portrait of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI constructed out of 17,000 colorful condoms.

The piece by Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design instructor Niki Johnson, a kind of latch hook portrait, is a commentary on the artist's views on sex and Benedict's statements on condoms -- including the now famous 2009 quote while on a trip in Africa stating that condoms increase the spread of AIDS.

Local church officials did not immediately return telephone calls seeking comment. But it's been featured on the Huffington Post news website and described as "disgusting" by MediaBusters, a conservative website.

Ironically, Johnson's commentary on her blog is in some ways in sync with Catholic teaching. She says, in part: "Healthy sexual choices are at the root of creating a healthy nation." However, they clearly differ on what constitutes "healthy."

The church holds holds that sex is a gift to be expressed only between a man and a woman in the confines of marriage. Johnson, who lives in Shorewood, says: "Love in all of its colors, partners and kinky curiosities is to be enjoyed by those who are in it."

Note to the JS: It's ridiculous to suggest that Johnson's commentary is at all in sync with Catholic teaching.

Read Johnson's post about her portrait.

She writes:

Eggs Benedict exists because I believe it is my responsibility as an able bodied person living in our current cultural climate to incite further discussion about the direction our leaders point us in. As an artist, my thoughts manifest in my artwork best. It’s a pretty simple relationship. During the production of this piece I made many intentional choices; from selecting a cheerful moment from the Pope’s earlier years to reproduce, to going with a festive color palette, to putting great care into the making of the portrait to ensure that both the subject matter and the materials were on some level being celebrated in the midst of the questions that their combination raises. I made these choices because it is important to me that this piece opens more doors than it closes, by remaining both glorious and irreverent at the same time, if that’s possible. Like other portraits I have made, I see Eggs Benedict conceptually existing in a grey space between the black/white nature of political statements- creating room for a nuanced experience that has an added degree of complexity.

There's nothing nuanced or complex about this work.

Johnson expresses her disdain for Pope Benedict, something she has the right to do.

But let's be honest. Johnson isn't opening any doors to discussion. Her portrait is not operating in a "grey space." It's perfectly black and white.

Personally, I don't find Johnson's portrait to be nearly as offensive to me as a Catholic as Piss Christ, Andres Serrano's photograph of a crucifix submerged in his own urine. Adding insult to injury was the fact that the National Endowment for the Arts was supporting Serrano's "art," that tax dollars had gone to the creator of Piss Christ.

The offensive "art" was defended by liberals. It was deemed artistic expression, not desecration. Although it caused some uproar and offended some Christians in the U.S. in the late 1980s, there were no riots. The taxpayer funds supporting it irritated many; but there were no fires, no calls for beheadings.

Like Serrano, I think Johnson wanted attention. She got it. She knew the way to get noticed would be to mock the Pope.

To some, she's a hero. To others, she's intolerant and hateful.

Bottom line: The Constitution doesn't protect us from being offended. It protects freedom of expression.

Jim Gaffigan: Pope Benedict and Brett Favre

There have been some really offensive "jokes" lately about Pope Benedict and the Catholic Church.

I think this tweet from Jim Gaffigan is funny. It doesn't mock Catholics or degrade Pope Benedict.

Yes, it involves the Church and Pope Benedict, but it's not disrespectful. It's light-hearted and not meant to offend people of faith.

I think it would be great if Benedict pulled a Favre and came back for one Advent season. Or became the leader of the Episcopalians.
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) March 13, 2013

Pope Francis

"Habemus Papam!"

We have a Pope!

On March 13, 2013 the College of Cardinals elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who has taken the name of Pope Francis, as our next Holy Father.

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki and Auxiliary Bishop Donald J. Hying both express great joy in the announcement:

“With joy in our hearts and gratitude to God, we give thanks for our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, "said Archbishop Listecki. "May the Holy Spirit guide him in his ministry to the Universal Church as the Spirit guided the College of Cardinals in his election as pope. As the Archbishop of Milwaukee, I pledge to Pope Francis, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, my love and support, along with the prayers of the entire Church of southeastern Wisconsin.”

"With great hope and joy, we thank Almighty God for our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, as he begins his Petrine ministry," said Bishop Hying. "We pledge our prayers and support to him, as he continues the challenging but fruitful task of shepherding the universal Church. Amidst the challenges of rising secularity, materialism, violence and poverty, the voice, example and leadership of Pope Francis will continue to call the world to the light of Christ, the One who offers everyone peace and salvation."

"What an exciting time for us, as we join fellow believers around the world in proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord with fresh enthusiasm, in union with our new Holy Father."

As a Catholic, I don't like a lot of what's being said in the media about Pope Francis and the Catholic Church. I don't like the public dissection of the Holy Father. I don't like hearing non-Catholics pass judgment on his selection.

"He's 76. That's bad!"

"He's from Latin America. That's good!"

"He's anti-abortion. That's VERY bad!"

Blah, blah, blah.

Will the media rip him to shreds like they did to Pope Benedict, the "Nazi pope" and "God's Rottweiler"?

The anti-Catholic contingent will no doubt find a way. He's the enemy, unless he declares abortion to be a choice. He's the enemy, unless he declares that women should be priests. He's the enemy, unless he declares his support for gay marriage.

Forget the fact that he's a man of great faith and conviction and humility. His Latin American connection will probably score him some points, but not for long.

He does need our prayers.

I heard Archbishop Jerome Listecki give some interesting perspective on the weight of being chosen as pope. He said it's not an election, it's a "sentence." The pope sits in the throne of the Cross of Jesus. It's not a throne of glory. It's not an easy role to assume.

Personally, I am thrilled with the election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as our new pope.

I love the name he selected.

In choosing to call himself Francis, the new pope was associating himself with the much-loved Italian saint from Assisi associated with peace, poverty and simplicity. St. Francis was born to a wealthy family but later renounced his wealth and founded the Franciscan order of friars; he wandered about the countryside preaching to the people in very simple language.

He was so famed for his sanctity that he was canonized just two years after his death in 1226.

St. Francis Xavier is another important namesake. One of the 16th century founders of the Jesuit order, Francis Xavier was a legendary missionary who spread the faith as far as India and Japan - giving the new pope's name selection possibly further symbolic resonance in an age when the church is struggling to maintain its numbers.

I hope there will be a resurgence of faith among Latin American Catholics in the U.S.

I hope they will reconsider their support for officials aligned with the culture of death.





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Video from FOX 6 News, of Archbishop Listecki's reaction to the election of Pope Francis.

Audio of Archbishop Listecki discussing Pope Francis with Jerry Bott, sitting in for Mark Belling. The interview begins at 4:20.

Letterman: Pope Benedict Achievements Top Ten

In one of his trademark Top Ten lists, David Letterman mocked Pope Benedict XVI's achievements.

Each item was accompanied by an insulting image or bit of video.

TOP TEN POPE BENEDICT ACHIEVEMENTS

10. Invented the vibrating desk

9. Designs new summer line of papal vestments

8. Announces Vatican's two-for-one lobster Tuesdays

7. Invents rechargeable pope hat

6. Departs St. Peter's Square via jetpack

5. Makes historic trip to Mexico (Places a sombrero on a cardinal's head)

4. Serves as judge on "Vatican City's Got Talent"

3. Releases best-selling iPad app, "Angry Popes"

2. Host of his own game show

1. Performs first miracle: Turning bread into toast

"Turning bread into toast"? Letterman is mocking the consecration during the Mass, bread becoming the Body of Christ.

Not funny.

Here's video.

Leno: 'Where is Benedict Pope Emeritus Today?'

Jay Leno enjoys bashing the Catholic Church.

Since Pope Benedict XVI announced his resignation, Leno has taken jabs at him in his monologue. His slams have gone beyond jokes. During an interview with Bill O'Reilly, Leno expressed some bizarre conspiracy theories about Pope Benedict's decision to step aside. Very offensive.

The mocking continues. On Monday in his monologue, Leno introduced a new segment, "Where is Benedict Pope Emeritus Today?"

Leno did a similar segment when President George W. Bush left office, "What's George Bush Doing Today?"

Of course, they were all goofy and insulting things. Leno did the segment at least SIX times.

So, I fear Pope Benedict will receive the same treatment, extended ridicule.

Here's video from Leno's monologue Monday night. The bit starts at 2:23.

It began with this:

JAY LENO: It's now been a week since Benedict Pope Emeritus has entered civilian life on his own, which leads us to a new segment we call 'Where is Benedict Pope Emeritus Today?'

Then, Leno showed a clip of a man in a red hat riding a Hoveround-type scooter, having difficulty trying to make it up some shallow steps.



The audience laughed and Leno applauded the alleged Pope Benedict's "civilian" activity.

I see nothing funny about it. It's degrading to Pope Benedict, degrading to the elderly, and degrading to any individual requiring that sort of vehicle.

Furthermore, Pope Benedict is not a "civilian."

I suspect Leno will do a series of these disrespectful bits, mocking the previous leader of more than one billion Catholics.

It's not OK.