TheNewsGuru

Tag: Pope Leo XIV

  • 1, 400 gays, lesbians and transgenders storm Vatican

    1, 400 gays, lesbians and transgenders storm Vatican

    Over 1,400 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Catholics and their supporters from around 20 countries on Friday converged on the Vatican for a pilgrimage officially included in the Church’s Jubilee Holy Year programme.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that La Tenda di Gionata (The Tent of Jonathan), an Italian association organised the gathering to advocate for inclusivity within the Church.

    This marks the first time an LGBTQ-focused pilgrimage has been formally recognised in the Jubilee calendar. Participants, however, were not scheduled for a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.

    The pilgrims joined millions of others in the traditional walk to Saint Peter’s Basilica, stepping through the Holy Door as part of the Jubilee rites. They held a prayer vigil, on Friday followed by a Saturday morning mass at the historic Church of the Gesù in central Rome.

    Among them was 68-year-old Yveline Behets, a transgender woman from Brussels, who trekked 130 kilometres along the ancient Via Francigena route with 30 others.

    “We are not just outsiders who are welcomed sometimes, we are part of the same family,” she told AFP.

    Hugo, a 35-year-old pilgrim from Quebec, called the initiative “a really important signal” for inclusion within the Catholic community. He expressed hope that it would encourage more Catholics “on the fence” to embrace LGBTQ members.

    For centuries, the Church has defined marriage strictly as a union between a man and a woman and described same-sex relationships as “intrinsically disordered.”

    While Pope Francis, who died in April, took steps toward a more welcoming Church — including authorising blessings for same-sex couples in 2023 — the move faced backlash, especially in conservative regions like Africa.

    His successor, Pope Leo XIV, has reaffirmed the Church’s stance on marriage but upheld Francis’s decision on blessings.

  • Pope Leo reacts to Herdmen killings in Benue state

    Pope Leo reacts to Herdmen killings in Benue state

    Pope Leo XIV  has joined voices worldwide to mourn the victims of the brutal massacre in Benue State, where over 200 people were reportedly killed during a night attack on the Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area.

    The pontiff, during during his Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, expressed deep sorrow over what he described as a “terrible massacre”, offering prayers for the victims and calling for peace, security, and justice in Nigeria.

    Pope Leo noted that many of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had sought refuge at a local Catholic mission before the attackers struck late Friday night.

    Pope said, “I am praying for security, justice, and peace in Nigeria.”

    “In a special way, I am thinking of the rural Christian communities of Benue State, who have been relentless victims of violence.”

  • Tinubu’s visit to the Pope is an insult to Christians — Babachir Lawal

    Tinubu’s visit to the Pope is an insult to Christians — Babachir Lawal

    Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to the Vatican, describing it as an affront to Nigeria’s Christian community. Lawal argued that the President’s attendance at the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome does not qualify as an achievement, but rather amplifies the controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.

    In an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, Lawal suggested that Tinubu’s presence at the Vatican was likely arranged through lobbying efforts aimed at polishing his public image.

    President Tinubu had attended the papal inauguration last week following an official invitation from Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

    Dismissing the significance of the visit, Lawal stated, “Visiting the Pope is not a major achievement. It’s often the result of successful lobbying—how many connections you have in the Vatican and possibly what inducements are offered. It’s a non-issue.”

    He went on to argue that a Muslim president leading a delegation of Christian dignitaries to a papal event only deepens the perceived disregard for Nigeria’s Christian population.

    “This reinforces the insult of the Muslim-Muslim ticket. If Tinubu had chosen a Christian as his vice president, he likely wouldn’t have made that trip,” Lawal claimed.

    On a broader political note, Lawal also addressed opposition coalition talks, stating that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is being excluded due to what he called its “incurable virus”—implying internal dysfunction and loss of credibility.

  • 15 alarming revelations linking Pope Leo to the James M. Ray abuse scandal

    15 alarming revelations linking Pope Leo to the James M. Ray abuse scandal

    James M. Ray, a former Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing at least 13 minors, has alleged that Pope Leo XIV formerly Robert Prevost was complicit in decisions that placed him near children, despite prior abuse allegations. The following are 15 shocking details that have emerged, raising serious questions about the newly appointed Pope’s past role in the scandal:

    1. Pope Leo Allegedly Approved Ray’s Move Near a School
      According to Ray, then-Augustinian leader Robert Prevost personally authorized his residence at a monastery adjacent to a Catholic primary school—despite knowing about prior abuse accusations.
    2. Ray’s History as an Abuser Dates Back to 1990
      The Archdiocese of Chicago publicly listed Ray as an accused child abuser as early as 1990, well before his placement near the school.
    3. He Continued Working in Multiple Parishes
      Despite known allegations, Ray was still allowed to serve in three different parishes—raising concerns over leadership failures during Pope Leo’s tenure.
    4. School Authorities Were Left Uninformed
      Thomas the Apostle Elementary School, located next to the Hyde Park monastery, was reportedly never warned about Ray’s past.
    5. Church Officials Misrepresented Proximity to Schools
      The Archdiocese allegedly claimed there were “no nearby schools,” even though one was directly next to the monastery where Ray stayed.
    6. Ray Lived at the Monastery for Two Years
      Ray spent two years at the St. John Stone Friary during a period when Pope Leo held a key leadership role in the Augustinian Order.
    7. Incident Occurred Under Pope Leo’s Midwest Leadership
      At the time, Pope Leo was in charge of the Midwest Province of the Augustinians, directly overseeing clergy placements.
    8. At Least 13 Victims Have Come Forward
      A minimum of 13 individuals have accused Ray of abuse—some reportedly before his placement at the monastery.
    9. Pope Leo Has Never Addressed the Allegations
      Despite years of growing scrutiny, Pope Leo has remained silent about his involvement in decisions surrounding Ray.
    10. Pope Leo’s Papacy Begins Amid Controversy
      His recent elevation to the papacy is clouded by serious ethical questions and renewed public outcry over church accountability.
    11. Ray Publicly Identifies Pope Leo
      In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Ray named Pope Leo as the one who approved his move near the school.
    12. Victims Were Left Unprotected
      The church’s failure to safeguard children under Pope Leo’s watch may have allowed further abuse to occur.
    13. Lack of Transparency in Clergy Assignments
      Ray’s presence in the community was never publicly disclosed—raising accusations that Pope Leo participated in deliberate secrecy.
    14. Global Scrutiny of Pope Leo’s Past
      The case has drawn international attention, with victim advocacy groups demanding a thorough investigation into his historical handling of abuse cases.
    15. A Threat to the Church’s Ongoing Credibility Crisis
      As the Catholic Church struggles to restore trust after decades of abuse scandals, these revelations risk reigniting widespread disillusionment among believers.

     

  • VIDEO: Reactions as officials block Tinubu’s son from having handshake with Pope Leo XIV

    VIDEO: Reactions as officials block Tinubu’s son from having handshake with Pope Leo XIV

    A video of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, being blocked from shaking hands with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV inside the Vatican has caused a stir on social media.

    TheNewsGuru reports President Bola Tinubu on Sunday joined other world leaders to participate in the inauguration mass to mark the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

    The video that surfaced on social media captured the moment two senior clerics had led President Tinubu to greet the new Pope with Seyi Tinubu on the queue.

    However, when Seyi came close, protocol officials blocked him from having access and getting close enough to have a papal handshake.

    Watch the video below:

    The video has caused a stir, with many Nigerians accusing Seyi of loafing since his father assumed office as President.

    An X user, @Vonapochi, said,  “Seyi Tinubu has done it again, another national embarrassment on the world stage.It the Pope’s inauguration, while bishops and ministers followed protocol, Seyi forced his way to the front like an entitled child. He wasn’t on the official list, yet tried to shake the Pope’s hand and was blocked by security.”

    @son_of_the_soiI wrote: Power drunk at home, treated like a common nuisance abroad.

    Cardinal wrote: “The Son of that Criminal Drug Baron dey hustle handshake so e fit use am brag and trend but the Ushers drag the werey put inside line again.”

    Jay wrote:  “Efcc, Nigerian police , local thugs , Nigerian executives, Nigerian legislators and Nigerian Judiciary oya take over. The bouncer needs to explain why this happened, will you not treat him like y’all did the nans president and every other Nigerian that speaks up?”

    FAB  wrote: “Very embarrassing,this small boy should be put in his place ,dude be doing too much lately.” !

    Dr. Von Apochi wrote: “Seyi Tinubu has done it again, another national embarrassment on the world stage. At the Pope’s inauguration, while bishops and ministers followed protocol, Seyi forced his way to the front like an entitled child.

    “He wasn’t on the official list, yet tried to shake the Pope’s hand and was blocked by security. Shameful!This wasn’t boldness, it was disgrace. Nigeria was watching. The world was watching. And once again, Seyi proved that power without character is a curse.

    “This isn’t leadership-in-training. It’s a show of impunity. Seyi Tinubu, you’ve turned dignity into a joke. Enough of this Ajantala behavior.”

  • What Pope Leo XIV discussed with U.S. VP revealed

    What Pope Leo XIV discussed with U.S. VP revealed

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance was received by Pope Leo XIV on Monday for a private audience, at the end of his visit to Rome.

    The head of the Catholic Church met Vance and  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican.

    This was followed by a meeting between the U.S. guests and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s secretary for relations with foreign states.

    The Holy See reported that there was an “exchange of views” on current wars around the world during the meetings.

    The parties involved were called on to have “respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict” and to reach “a negotiated solution,” a statement from the Vatican said.

    Specific wars were not mentioned in the statement.

    On Sunday, Leo explicitly mentioned Gaza, Myanmar and Ukraine during a mass in St Peter’s Square.

    The U.S. vice president attended the official inauguration of Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago.

    The top officials commented on “satisfaction at the good bilateral relations” between the Holy See and the United States, the Vatican said.

    This was Vance’s second private audience at the Vatican in a month.

    At Easter, he was received by Pope Francis, who died the following day, Easter Monday, at the age of 88.

  • What President Tinubu said at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass

    What President Tinubu said at Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural mass

    President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to use their diversity for the country’s stability and rapid development.

    He spoke on Sunday in Rome when he received members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

    The President also issued a stirring call to leaders at all levels to work for the betterment of the citizenry.

    President Tinubu, a Muslim, said, ” If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress”.

    He described it as historic, being the President of Nigeria when a new Pope was inaugurated in Rome.

    The Catholic bishops were part of President Tinubu’s delegation to attend Pope Leo XIV’s installation mass on Sunday.

    Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, thanked President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican to bury the late Pope Francis and witness the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

    He said the development signalled a new era of a more robust relationship between the President and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

    “You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father,” he said.

    Archbishops Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, attended the meeting with the President.

  • Watch Pope Leo XIV in warm handshake with President Tinubu

    Watch Pope Leo XIV in warm handshake with President Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu on Sunday participated in the inauguration mass to mark the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy on Saturday to join other world leaders at the solemn mass.

    Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, presided during the inauguration mass that was celebrated at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

    Greeting over 100,000 pilgrims, leaders from around the world, and the representatives of Christian denominations, Pope Leo invited the Church to walk together along the path of God’s love and remain united in one family.

    Expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the prayerful and joyful support offered to him as he begins his Papal ministry, Pope Leo XIV recalled the intense emotions experienced over the past few weeks.

    TNG reports the installation mass of the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church comes after the Conclave of Cardinals elected Pope Leo XIV following the death of Pope Francis on April 21.

    President Tinubu’s entourage included the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos.

    Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, is also in the president’s entourage. Tinubu’s entourage also included Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

    President Tinubu will return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.

  • President Tinubu arrives Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration

    President Tinubu arrives Rome for Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration

    President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Rome, Italy, to attend the installation of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on Sunday.

    TheNewsGuru  reports that the Presidency confirmed Tinubu’s arrival in a post shared on the official Presidential X handle around 5:54 pm on Saturday.

    Tinubu’s visit follows an invitation from the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, who was selected by the Cardinals during the Conclave held 17 days after the death of his predecessor, Pope Francis, on April 21.

    In a statement issued earlier this week, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, outlined that the President’s delegation would include senior Catholic leaders from Nigeria.

    President Tinubu’s entourage for the event includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, as well as Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Catholic Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese.

    According to Onanuga, the invitation was extended by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, who expressed a personal connection to Nigeria. Pope Leo XIV noted, “Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s.”

    Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be formally installed as Pope on Sunday, May 18, in a ceremony at St. Peter’s Square.

    As the first Pope from the United States, he will lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics through a period marked by numerous global tensions and conflicts.

  • Tinubu to attend inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday

    Tinubu to attend inauguration mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to attend the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this Sunday.

    The President will depart Abuja for Rome on Saturday, accompanied by a delegation that includes Catholic priests and government officials. The visit follows an official invitation extended by the Pope.

    The ceremony is expected to attract global attendance, including heads of state, diplomats, religious figures, and other prominent dignitaries.

    According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the invitation was formally delivered to President Tinubu by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.