The Vatican has issued a decree clarifying that Mary is not a co-redeemer, emphasizing that Jesus alone saves humanity, in response to exaggerated Marian devotions spreading on social media. The move aims to prevent confusion and maintain doctrinal harmony, aligning with previous papal stances that oppose the title of co-redeemer for Mary.
Former President Donald Trump has been infusing elements of Christianity into his political movement, ending his rallies with a churchlike ritual that evokes an evangelical altar call. He demands and receives new levels of devotion from Republicans, portraying his prosecutions as persecutions and warning his followers that they could be targeted next. This effort to transform the Republican Party into a kind of "Church of Trump" has helped him maintain leadership despite political failures and legal challenges, positioning him for another White House run.
In the Philippines, Catholic devotees re-enacted the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday, with around 20,000 people gathering to witness the annual event. Actors dressed as Roman soldiers whipped devotees carrying crosses and nailed three individuals, including Ruben Enaje, to crosses in a display of extreme faith. This practice, frowned upon by the Roman Catholic Church, is part of the Holy Week observance in the predominantly Catholic country, where some devotees also engage in self-flagellation as a form of penance.
Pope Francis expressed his desire to be buried in the Rome basilica of St. Mary Major, near his favorite icon of the Madonna, instead of the Vatican grottoes where previous popes are buried. He also discussed his health, stating that he never considered resigning despite recent health scares, and mentioned upcoming trips to Belgium, Polynesia, and his native Argentina. Francis emphasized his devotion to the Virgin Mary and his role as bishop of Rome, expressing his intention to retire outside the Vatican in a residence for retired priests if he were to step down.
The U.S. women's national soccer team experienced a shocking and early exit from the World Cup, losing to Sweden on penalty kicks after a scoreless draw. The players and fans alike were left devastated and in disbelief, as the team's dominance in the sport seemed to be a thing of the past. Despite the disappointment, dedicated fans traveled across the globe to support the team, enduring travel nightmares and sleep deprivation. The loss marked a significant moment for U.S. soccer, highlighting the end of an era and the need for reflection and rebuilding.
Murphy, a bald eagle who went viral for incubating a rock instead of an egg, has become a foster parent to an injured eaglet at the World Bird Sanctuary in Missouri. The 31-year-old bird was chosen due to his undying sense of devotion towards the rock, which he mistook for an unhatched offspring. Murphy's adoration for the stone became apparent, with the mild-mannered bird becoming protective whenever approached. The eaglet, which almost died in a storm last month, is now bonding beautifully with Murphy, who is modeling eagle behavior perfectly and becoming a wonderful, gentle papa.
Despite objections from the Catholic church, eight Filipinos were nailed to crosses in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud in Pampanga province to reenact Jesus Christ's suffering as part of a gory Good Friday tradition that draws thousands of devotees and tourists to the Philippines. The real-life crucifixions resumed after a three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. The tradition reflects the Philippines' unique brand of Catholicism, which merges church traditions with folk superstitions. Many of the mostly impoverished penitents undergo the ritual to atone for sins, pray for the sick or for a better life, and give thanks for miracles.
Despite objections from the Catholic church, at least 12 Filipinos will be nailed to crosses in the farming village of San Pedro Cutud to reenact Jesus Christ's suffering in a Good Friday tradition that draws huge crowds of devotees and tourists. The real-life crucifixions were resuming after a three-year pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. The gruesome spectacle reflects the Philippines' unique brand of Catholicism, which merges church traditions with folk superstitions. Many of the mostly impoverished penitents undergo the ritual to atone for sins, pray for the sick or for a better life, and give thanks for miracles.