Catholic Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Who Are the Frontrunners to Be the Next Pope?

April 28th, 2025

With Pope Francis’ passing, the Catholic Church will soon be entering conclave to elect his successor. Will the next pope carry his progressive legacy—or chart a new course? These are some of the top contenders.

Christian 15 Comments

Remembering Pope Francis (1936-2025)

April 21st, 2025

Pope Francis has passed away at 88 this Easter Monday, concluding a historic and transformative papacy that spanned 12 years and redefined the tone of the Catholic Church, pushing it in a more progressive direction.

Life and Death 55 Comments

Catholic Clergy Push Back on Mandatory Abuse Reporting

February 20th, 2025

Should priests be legally required to report child abuse? Washington state lawmakers are pushing for clergy to join the mandatory reporter list, but Catholic leaders are pushing back, arguing clergy-penitent privilege.

Political & Religious Controversy 92 Comments

Vatican Debuts New Anime-Inspired Mascot in Effort to Appeal to Kids

November 7th, 2024

The Vatican just debuted their new anime-inspired mascot, Luce, for the 2025 Jubilee. With big, glistening eyes and a cutesy design, the Vatican hopes Luce will resonate with kids and bring more youth to the faith.

Christian 81 Comments

Judge: Catholic Employers Can Deny Workers Time Off to Seek Abortions, IVF Treatments

September 26th, 2024

A North Dakota judge recently just ruled that Catholic employers do not have to provide time off for workers to seek abortions or IVF treatments, arguing that such federal regulations violate their freedom of religion.

Political & Religious Controversy 100 Comments

Pope Francis Accused of Heresy for Embracing Other Faiths

September 19th, 2024

At an interfaith event in Singapore, the final stop of his Asia Pacific tour, Pope Francis said that "all religions are paths to reach God,” prompting criticism and even accusations of heresy from some Catholics.

Political & Religious Controversy 124 Comments

Pope Francis: Letting Migrants Die a "Grave Sin"

September 4th, 2024

In a recent address on immigration, Pope Francis condemned countries who turn away migrants at their border, arguing that doing so is a "grave sin" and that countries must offer sanctuary to end the migrant crisis.

Political & Religious Controversy 150 Comments

Does The Lord of the Rings Have Hidden Catholic Messages?

August 29th, 2024

Is The Lord of the Rings a religious story? J. R. R. Tolkien was a lifelong Catholic, and his devout faith strongly influenced his writing – including, some fans say, the most famous fantasy story of all time.

ULC Minister Training & Education 36 Comments

Texas Tries to Shut Down Catholic Charity for Housing Migrants

August 2nd, 2024

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is accusing the Annunciation House, a Catholic charity in El Paso, of "human smuggling" and "operating a stash house" for feeding and housing migrants crossing the border.

Political & Religious Controversy 558 Comments

Removal of "Apache Christ" Painting Devastates Indigenous Catholics

August 1st, 2024

Catholic Apaches in New Mexico were shocked when a painting depicting Jesus as a Mescalero medicine man was removed from their church. They say it's another example of being forced to choose between faith and culture.

Political & Religious Controversy 94 Comments

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