Catholic Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Vatican's New Social Media Strategy? Hot Priests

August 4th, 2025

The Vatican is rolling out a new digital strategy, relying on "hot priests" on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to engage young people and bring the youth back to the Catholic Church. Will it work?

Progressive Spirituality 38 Comments

Pope Leo Calls for End to "Barbarity" in Israel/Palestine Conflict

July 23rd, 2025

Pope Leo is demanding an end to the conflict in Gaza after Israeli artillery struck Gaza's only Catholic Church, killing three and injuring nine civilians. After the attack, Leo talked with Netanyahu to push for peace.

Political & Religious Controversy 42 Comments

What Does the New Pope Believe?

May 19th, 2025

Pope Leo XIV steps out onto the world stage, but who is he, and what does he believe? From his views on the environment, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community, Leo is often - but not always - aligned with Pope Francis.

Christian 54 Comments

Catholic Church Threatens to Excommunicate Priests for Reporting Abuse

May 12th, 2025

Law and faith collide as the Catholic Church threatens excommunication for clergy who follow Washington state's new mandatory reporter law. Now the Trump DOJ is stepping in, alleging religious freedom is under attack.

Political & Religious Controversy 136 Comments

Should the President Pose as a Religious Leader?

May 5th, 2025

As cardinals at the Vatican ready for a conclave to select the next pope, Catholics around the world were shocked to see President Trump post an AI-generated image of himself as the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Political & Religious Controversy 121 Comments

Supreme Court May Allow Taxpayer-Funded Religious Schools

May 2nd, 2025

A Catholic school in Oklahoma wants to be the first publicly funded charter school in the country - and the Supreme Court may just say yes. Could the case destroy separation of church and state as we know it?

Political & Religious Controversy 51 Comments

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 17 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 95 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

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