Catholic Nutshell News: Thursday 7/10/25
Topics include: Pope warms to Cardinal Burke; 3 Priests of West Bank; Catholics feeling 'hunted' by ICE; & Antisemitism isn’t just surging—it’s evolving
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Today's sources include Aleteia, OSV, CNA, National Catholic Register, The Pillar, CatholicVote, John Eldredge, and The Babylon Bee. (Catholic Nutshell is a subscription service for faithful, hopeful, & curious Catholics willing to exercise the Catholic News Muscle)
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Catholic News Agency
Pope warms to Cardinal Burke, who clashed with Francis
By Courtney Mares, July 9, 2025
Pope Leo XIV has written a warm and detailed letter to Cardinal Raymond Burke, thanking the American cardinal for 50 years of priestly ministry, in a gesture that marks a shift in tone following years of tension between Burke and Pope Francis. The cardinal was one of the most prominent critics in the hierarchy of the late pope, under whom he fell conspicuously out of favor. Leo’s letter, written in Latin and signed by the pope on June 17, was posted Tuesday by Burke on his official X account. In it, the pope praised Burke “for the prompt service he has zealously carried out and the earnest care he has demonstrated most especially for the law, which has also been of good service to the dicasteries of the Apostolic See.” The exchange represents a striking departure from the contentious relationship between Burke and Pope Francis, under whose pontificate Burke was increasingly sidelined.
CatholicVote
3 Priests of West Bank’s only all-Christian town issue urgent appeal
By Stephen Herreid, July 9, 2025
The three priests of Taybeh in the West Bank issued an urgent appeal for justice this week after Israeli settlers reportedly escalated their acts of violence and intimidation against Christians in the region’s only remaining all-Christian town. “We, the priests of the three churches of Taybeh — the Greek Orthodox Church, the Latin Church, and the Melkite Greek Catholic Church — raise our voices on behalf of the people of our town and our parishioners to strongly condemn the ongoing and grave series of attacks targeting Taybeh,” the three pastors wrote in a letter. The settlers “deliberately set fire near the town’s cemetery and the historic Church of Saint George (Al-Khadr), dating back to the 5th century — one of the oldest religious landmarks in Palestine,” the priests wrote. The letter went on to call on “local and international actors — especially consuls, ambassadors, and church representatives around the world,” to support Taybeh.
Crux
Pope Leo renews offer to host meeting between Russia-Ukraine
By Charles Collins, July 9, 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters he was “relying heavily on the Vatican” in peace efforts with Russia, which initiated a full-scale invasion of the country in 2022. He was speaking to journalists shortly after meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday in Castel Gandolfo, where the Holy Father is taking a short vacation. The meeting between the two men came just after Russia launched its largest drone strike against Ukraine. Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russia has been making slow advances in Ukraine, but is suffering huge casualties, as are the Ukrainians. “The Holy Father reiterated the willingness to welcome representatives of Russia and Ukraine to the Vatican for negotiations,” a Vatican statement issued on Wednesday.
National Catholic Reporter
California bishops scramble to help Catholics feeling 'hunted' by ICE
By Molly Castle Work, July 9, 2025
As the Trump administration continues its aggressive deportation campaign, Roman Catholic bishops across Southern California are scrambling to tend to their panicked congregations by issuing strong statements of condemnation and, in one case, resorting to an extraordinary measure. Bishop Alberto Rojas of San Bernardino on July 8 issued a decree freeing members of the diocese from the Sunday and Holy Day obligation to attend Mass when they fear "potential immigration enforcement actions by civil authorities." San Bernardino joins the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee, in dispensing Catholics from the obligation to attend Mass. "This is not policy, it is punishment, and it can only result in cruel and arbitrary outcomes," Archbishop José Gomez of the Los Angeles Archdiocese wrote in a recent column.
National Catholic Register
Leo XIV’s theology of leadership
By Brendan Towell, July 8, 2025
In future Pope’s 1987 academic work, The Office and Authority of the Local Prior in the Order of Saint Augustine, then-Father Prevost understood ecclesial authority not as control, but as communion; not improvised, but structured by law, charity, and his Augustinian fraternal life. He drew heavily on the Church’s post-conciliar theology of leadership, particularly the threefold offices (munera) of teaching, sanctifying and governing. It’s a call to bear witness to the Gospel through one’s life. Much of Father Prevost’s writing assumes that formation begins with integrity and example, with an openness to the presence of God. This vision — where doctrinal clarity flows first from a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit — reflects a theology of leadership learned first in community, not in the chancery.
The Pillar
Priests unknowingly asked to anoint people before suicides
By Edgar Beltrán, July 3, 2025
Nine years ago, the Canadian government legalized Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), making physician-assisted suicide widely accessible across Canada. To date, roughly 75,000 people have died from MAiD, including many Catholics. Across the United States, 11 states have legalized some form of assisted suicide, and more than a dozen others have proposed legislation to do so. Across the Atlantic Ocean, the UK made headlines last week after members of parliament voted in favor of a bill that would legalize assisted suicide at the national level, sending it to the House of Lords for a vote. For priests and those working in pastoral ministry, physician-assisted suicide presents several pastoral challenges. The most difficult, according to Canadian Deacon Larry Worthen: “Priests can be called to the hospital to provide last rites, viaticum, confession and anointing for a person considering MAiD — without knowing that this is their plan.”
Our Sunday Visitor
Natural family planning is finally breaking into medical schools?
By Zoey Maraist, July 9, 2025
Dr. Marguerite Duane didn’t know about fertility awareness-based family planning until she had finished medical school. When she learned by happenstance that there were natural and effective ways to track a woman’s cycle, she was shocked. “Why didn’t I learn about this in medical school?” thought Duane, who at that point was 29 and in her medical residency. “Why didn’t I learn about this in college? Why didn’t I learn about this when I was going through puberty and starting my cycle?” Today, Duane has devoted much of her career to educating medical professionals about natural family planning, or NFP, which also can be called fertility awareness-based methods, or FABMs. Duane is the co-founder and executive director of FACTS about Fertility, a medical educational organization.
DigitalIronDome.Org
Antisemitism isn’t just surging—it’s evolving
By Advertising Technologies, July, 2025
Why does it feel like no matter what you do, the world is getting more hostile, not less? 2024 shattered records. The ADL reported over 9,000 antisemitic incidents in the US alone—a staggering 893% increase over the past decade. But the real battleground isn’t just on the streets. It’s online, where lies and hate spread at the speed of a click. Social media platforms, news sites, and even search engines are amplifying anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives, making it harder than ever for the truth to break through. Here’s the shift no one can ignore: Antisemitism has gone digital. It’s not just about hateful graffiti or slurs—it’s about coordinated misinformation, viral propaganda, and algorithmic bias. Every day, millions are exposed to lies about Israel and the Jewish people, often without even realizing it. And every day, those lies harden into “truth” for the next generation.
CatholicVote, CNA & Satire for 7/10/2025
CatholicVote - The Loop
Read daily news and political impact stories at the “LOOP”
Elections and politics matter. The LOOP gives you daily gems on the news that seek “to renew our country and culture.” CatholicVote’s advertised mission is “To inspire every Catholic in America to live out the truths of our faith in public life.”
CHURCHES CAN ENDORSE POLITICAL CANDIDATES - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) clarified this week that churches and houses of worship can openly endorse political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status. The shift is expected to have major implications for future elections, as many pastors who have shied away from endorsements in the past may now feel emboldened to take a stand.
CATHOLICVOTE JOINS CALL FOR FDA TO REVISIT ABORTION DRUGS - CatholicVote joined a coalition of 114 pro-life organizations in a letter urgently calling on federal leaders to restore safety protocols for the deadly abortion drug mifepristone, citing recent research showing serious harms to women.
BISHOP FILES POWERFUL BRIEF AGAINST ANTI-CATHOLIC LAW - Bishop Robert Barron filed a brief with a federal court urging it to tear down Washington state’s law compelling priests to violate the seal of Confession. The strongly worded document stated that "absolutely nothing ought to stand in the way of a sinner who seeks this font of grace."
Catholic News Agency
CNA’s top headlines — July 10, 2025
The Catholic News Agency provides reliable, free, and up-to-the-minute news affecting the Universal Church, emphasizing the words of the Holy Father and the happenings of the Holy See to anyone with internet access.
San Antonio Archdiocese to commemorate martyr who fought for religious freedom in Mexico - Jul 10, 2025 - By David Ramos - The Archdiocese of San Antonio will commemorate the 137th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Anacleto González Flores, the patron saint of the Mexican laity.
Crippling priest shortage leads to restructuring of Grand Rapids Diocese - Jul 10, 2025 - By Madalaine Elhabbal - The Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has had just one ordination to the priesthood in the last two years.
Historic Mass celebrated by papal nuncio at Anglican cathedral in rare event - Jul 9, 2025 - By Madeleine Teahan - For the first time in modern history, the apostolic nuncio to the United Kingdom has celebrated Mass in England’s most celebrated Anglican cathedral.
Babylon Bee’s (Satire) News
Adam And Eve Claim Getting Kicked Out Of Eden Was Due To Cancel Culture
By Theology Staff, July 3, 2022
Fresh off being banished from paradise, Adam and Eve are blaming cancel culture for their sudden expulsion. "Cancel culture, am I right?" said Adam as he chewed an apple. "I break one little rule, and BAM! Now everyone's coming at me, saying I've brought sin into the world and separated humanity from God. Plus, now God says I have to get a job! It's out of control." Although many have called their actions "open rebellion against Almighty God", Eve says unhealthy societal factors are to blame. "I chose to believe Satan over God, and it's like suddenly I'm persona non grata," said Eve. "All these women are now blaming me for how much childbirth hurts, and I think it's just a sign of this rampant cancel culture gone crazy." The Daily Wire reportedly UNCANCELED Adam and Eve with a massive podcasting deal.
Nutshell reflections for 7/10/25:
USCCB Daily Reflection - AUDIO - July 10, 2025
Thursday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Aleteia
Syrian Archbishop still hopeful for Christianity revival
By I.Media, July 10, 2025
In an in-depth interview, Archbishop Mourad of Homs, Syria, talks about the difficult situation of Christians in his country after the fall of the Assad regime. he urges Christians to overcome their fear despite the violence that surrounds them and the attack that killed 25 people in an Orthodox church in Damascus on June 22. He calls on the United Nations to implement a peace plan in this country traumatized by 54 years of dictatorship and 14 years of war, with the urging of Pope Leo XIV. “We’re living in a time of great change. The liberation from the Assad regime was a great moment for us. That doesn't mean that things are better today. Certainly, we feel freer. But the situation remains worrying. The terrorist system operating in various regions is unacceptable.”
Catholic Gentlemen
Yikes, the devil is a father too
By Jason Craig, July 9, 2025
Look closely at how Jesus applies fatherhood to the devil. It occurs in an exchange between some Jews and Jesus about who are the real sons of God. They are growing increasingly angry that Jesus refers to Himself as the son of God while seemingly questioning their following of God. The Jews remind Him that they are sons of Abraham and therefore God is their Father (John 8:41) by birth. But Jesus claims that if God were their Father, then they would love Him (v. 8:42). But it get’s more direct when He claims their allegiance is not only not with God, but with the enemy of God… “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he stood not in the truth; because truth is not in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof”(John 8:44).
Caeli
The inability to physically re-enter a prior moment
By Sofia Castillo, July 3, 2025
Evening light poured into the living room where I was playing a game of chess with my younger brother. I noticed how photogenic the scene looked, and my immediate thought was to take a picture to remember this moment. Yet, as I stood up to get my phone and capture the image, I stopped and thought for a moment about the subconscious reason behind taking photos. We want to hold on to something tangible, real, and beautiful. Taking a photo is not a neutral action. It proves our interest in the moment and our desire to perpetuate, replicate, and hold on to it for specific reasons. The inability to physically re-enter a prior moment points to the reality of death. Our desire to capture the essence of the moment through photography shows our innate love for beauty of the eternal kind and reminds us that only through death will we fully behold it.
Wild at Heart
Times you would love to get back
By John Eldredge, July 10, 2025
Aren't there times in your life that if you could, you would love to return to? I grew up in Los Angeles but spent my boyhood summers in Oregon where both my mother and father's parents lived. There was a beauty and innocence and excitement to those days. Woods to explore, rivers to fish, grandparents to fuss over me. My parents were young and in love and the days were full of adventures I did not have to create or pay for but only live in and enjoy. Rafting and swimming in the Rogue River. Playing in the park. Huckleberry pie at Becky's along the road to Crater Lake. We all have places in our past when life, if only for a moment, seemed to be coming together in the way we knew in our hearts it was always meant to be.
Image of peanuts by Nicole Köhler, from Pixabay
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Hi John
Since you report Catholic news, I wanted to share with you details about the papal election that has made it completely and totally scandalous. But the most shocking thing is that not one Catholic or Non Catholic news site is reporting it!!
Scandal #1: One month before the conclave Survival Network for Abused priests published the list of cardinal electors who had protected pedophile priests and Prevost was on it. But the cardinals ignored it and willingly went ahead and elected him! So we can forget about the current claimant to the throne of St Peter doing anything about sex abuse in the Catholic Church. Furthermore, as Catholics we should refuse to accept that a candidate be elected with such a record.
https://apnews.com/article/sex-abuse-snap-zero-tolerance-92d2770ffc6ddf2f10c828ed26f1cb17
https://www.conclavewatch.org/cardinals/prevost
https://www.snapnetwork.org/survivors_respond_to_pope_leo_xiv_s_election_with_grave_concern_about_his_record_managing_abuse_cases
https://www.snapnetwork.org/survivors_respond_to_pope_leo_xiv_s_election_with_grave_concern_about_his_record_managing_abuse_cases
Scandal #2: The second scandal is that the cardinals violated Pope JPII papal law on elections Universi Dominici Gregis by having 133 cardinals voting when the maximum allowed is 120 and also because they elected a candidate who had made statements against catholic doctrine (Fiducia Supplicans, Amoris Laetitia etc) consituting heresy, contrary to Pope Paul IV’s Bull Cum ex Apostolatus Oficio.
Because that a man is pope is not a presumption of fact but a conclusion of the law, and the law was not followed in the election of May 8th, 2025. Jesus himself confirms the juridical nature of the Church when he tells St Peter in Matthew 18:18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heave, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heave.”
https://www.fromrome.info/2025/06/01/project-save-rome/