Pope Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Pope Leo Wades Into Abortion Debate

October 2nd, 2025

Pope Leo ignited a firestorm of controversy with a recent statement questioning whether those who support the poor treatment of immigrants and the death penalty can truly be considered "pro-life".

Political & Religious Controversy 75 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

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 122 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

Report: Vatican Promoted Predator, Ignored Sex Abuse Claims

November 16th, 2020

A new report commissioned by Pope Francis documents the systemic failures within the Catholic Church that allowed Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to commit heinous sexual abuse while rising the ranks within his career.

Political & Religious Controversy 11 Comments

Catholics Fume Over Pope Francis' Meeting With Pro-LGBT Priest

October 3rd, 2019

Pope Francis recently met with a pro-LGBT priest who has drawn frequent criticism for his stance on homosexuality. Some are saying this is yet another sign that the pope is a progressive. But others are questioning if the pope's words are hollow.

LGBTQ & Human Rights 43 Comments

Choir School Nightmare: Hundreds of Boys Abused by Catholics in Germany

July 26th, 2017

In the latest sexual abuse scandal to rock the Catholic Church, a shocking report reveals that more than 500 boys suffered physical and sexual abuse at an acclaimed Catholic choir school in Germany. The abuse took place over a period of 50 years – beginning

Political & Religious Controversy 37 Comments

Pope Makes Bold Statement about Atheism and Redemption

May 24th, 2013

“If you do not believe Jesus Christ died for your sins, you will go to hell.” Christians and non-Christians alike are familiar with these unwavering words, which form the cornerstone of most Christian theology. The belief has not gone unchallenged, though,

Progressive Spirituality Leave a Comment

Pope Renews Crackdown on “Unruly” U.S. Nuns

April 18th, 2013

In a nod to tradition, Pope Francis I has reaffirmed the reprimand issued by his predecessor, Benedict XVI, against a group of U.S. Catholic nuns criticized for eschewing church doctrine by ranking charity as a higher priority than railing against abortion and

Political & Religious Controversy 3 Comments

What ULC Ministers Can Expect from Pope Francis I

March 14th, 2013

When the papal conclave had concluded and the smoke ran white on Wednesday, 13 March, the Vatican had finally chosen a new Church father—Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires.

Political & Religious Controversy 1 Comment

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