FRIDAY, MAY 9

THE BACKGROUND OF POPE LEO XIV  Cardinal Robert Prevost yesterday was elected the 267th pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. Here is a quick but incisive overview of the controversies, spiritual disciplines, and academic traditions that shaped the new pope. READ

HORRIFIC 500th CATHOLIC CHURCH ATTACK SINCE 2020 A man set off an explosion that damaged the monstrance in an adoration chapel in Pennsylvania this week. It was the 500th attack on a Catholic church property since 2020. CatholicVote's Tommy Valentine, director of the Catholic Accountability Project, is pressing the Trump administration to acts swiftly to curb these acts of anti-Catholic violence.  READ

FEMA ADMINISTRATOR FIRED  The acting head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was dramatically ousted from his role yesterday, one day after he testified before Congress against President Donald Trump's criticisms of the agency. READ

TRUMP PULLS ED MARTIN NOMINATION AMID SENATE BLOCKAGE  The White House will unveil a new nominee to serve as U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, pulling Trump pick Ed Martin. Senators had held up the nomination of Martin, who served as defense attorney for Jan. 6 defendants.  READ

TRUMP TARIFFS PAYING OFF?  "President Donald Trump’s determination to restore manufacturing in the US and expand market access for American agricultural exports is yielding fruit despite an initial period of anxiety and uncertainty," writes Dr. Susan Berry for CatholicVote. Here's what business leaders are saying (and doing!) about Trump's tariffs.  READ

FLOODING SOCIAL MEDIA WITH GRACE  Catholics would do well to take advantage of faith-based news, organizations, and social media that are now the new public square, according to Corbin Hubbell, social media coordinator for the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska: “I believe it is our duty as Catholics to flood the timeline with ... good, positive, Godly, Catholic content, because you never know what may take its place." READ

AD: WE HAVE A POPE!  In this timely picture book, discover how the papacy was established by Jesus Christ and how the cardinals elect a new pope (and the role of the Holy Spirit in that process!), and even get a new beautiful prayer for the pope! See inside the walls of the Sistine Chapel, watch from St. Peter's Square, and relive the exciting words, "Habemus papam—we have a pope!" HABEMUS PAPAM!

AD: IS YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE CONNECTED TO THE ABORTION INDUSTRY?  Download the free e-book from Human Life International to find out!  DOWNLOAD

PAPAL FOUNDATION COMMITS OVER $14M TO CATHOLIC AID  The Papal Foundation, a US-based Catholic charitable organization, announced this week it will disburse over $14 million in grants and humanitarian assistance to support the Holy Father’s priorities and aid Catholic communities in developing nations. READ

CLERICAL CONFRATERNITY DEFENDS CONFESSIONAL SEAL  The Confraternity of Catholic Clergy, a national group of priests and deacons, announced May 6 that it opposes a new Washington law that requires priests to break the seal of confession if they learn during the sacrament that a penitent has committed child sex abuse. READ

TEXAS FIRE DEPT SEES FIRST BABY RESCUED UNDER SAFE HAVEN LAW  A young Dallas couple surrendered their newborn at a local fire station this week, using the state’s Safe Haven Law to ensure their child’s safety and future. The couple approached firefighters at the Garland Fire Department and explained that they were unable to provide for the baby. READ

CATHOLIC 101  The make-or-break virtue of perseverance isn’t just about enduring. It’s about trusting that each effort, no matter how small, can move you closer to freedom.  READ

SAINT OF THE DAY  Today is the feast of Saint Pachomius, a founder of monasticism and the first to put a monastic rule in writing. READ

DAILY PSALM  "Go out to all the world and tell the Good News." (Mark 16:15)  READ

DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ

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