Catholic Church 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 16 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

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

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

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

Catholic Group Pulls Plug on AI Priest Following Bizarre Advice to Users

May 2nd, 2024

A prominent Catholic group has defrocked their new AI priest, Father Justin, after he went rogue and started giving bizarre advice, including telling one person they could baptize their baby in Gatorade.

Political & Religious Controversy 39 Comments

Vatican: Gender Ideology and Transgender Surgery Defy God

April 11th, 2024

The Catholic Church just released a long awaited report entitled "Infinite Dignity," which lists gender ideology and gender affirming surgery as existential threats to humanity, and transgender Catholics are not happy.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 101 Comments

The Secret Religious Origins of Leap Day

February 26th, 2024

Leap day comes around every four years, adding an extra day at the end of February. But have you ever wondered how February 29th was chosen? It all goes back to Easter and the Catholic Church.

ULC Minister Training & Education 13 Comments

Catholics Demand Exorcism for Cathedral That Hosted Trans Activist's Funeral

February 22nd, 2024

Catholic activists are demanding an apology from and an exorcism for St. Patrick's Cathedral, which recently hosted a raucous and "sacrilegious" funeral for transgender activist Cecilia Gentili.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 115 Comments

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