Pope Francis called on Catholic leaders to set aside politics and work towards making the Church more inclusive during the opening of a global meeting of Church leaders, or synod. The synod, which will discuss topics such as the role of women, acceptance of LGBT Catholics, and the impact of climate change on the poor, has faced criticism from conservative critics who fear it may introduce confusion and division. The pope emphasized the need for the Church to avoid rigidity or lukewarmness and to be open to all. The synod will include lay people, including women, who will have the right to vote alongside cardinals and bishops. Changes in Church teaching, if any, are expected to be a long way off.
Conservative critics have criticized the latest James Bond novel, "On His Majesty’s Secret Service," for its portrayal of a villain associated with former President Trump and other conservative politicians. The novel, authorized by Ian Fleming Publications, features a progressive version of Bond tasked with protecting King Charles III from a right-wing populist villain. Critics argue that the book incorporates "woke" political messaging by depicting white men who oppose wokeness as the villains. They also criticize the novel for its portrayal of conservative figures discussing topics such as global warming and the Great Replacement. The author, Charlie Higson, defends the book's portrayal, stating that modern equivalents to Bond villains are conservative political leaders and those who fund them.
