We begin Wisdom Wednesday with reluctance to consider the impact of Pope Leo’s cancer. A story from National Catholic Reporter pokes into the heart of the matter: “Cancer may change ‘how’ but not ‘what’ of Leo’s papacy, pope’s friend says.” Another NCR item views the significance of a papal appointment: “Pope Leo lays groundwork for future conclave by naming Filipino cardinal [Tagle} as dean of cardinals.” We have much more news, identifying all sources who are responsible for their writings and publications.
Pope Leo and his cancer
“I believe he knew that this was much more than something minor.” From a friend, quoted by the National Catholic Reporter.
Lung specialist who worked at Rome hospital explains Pope Leo’s surgery, says risks are low. From National Catholic Reporter.
Pope Leo lays groundwork for future conclave by naming Filipino cardinal as dean of cardinals. From National Catholic Reporter.
Tagle as dean of cardinals, a powerful symbol for Asia and Africa. From UCAN, the Union of Catholic Asian News.
Papal activity
The Holy See Press Office has announced that Pope Leo XIV and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke over the telephone today, Monday, 19 October. From Independent Catholic News.
During that call, Pope Leo XIV urged Russia and Ukraine toward humanitarian cooperation. From National Catholic Reporter.
Midterm elections
“For the love of God, stop making transfolk the butt of your jokes.” An opinion from Baptist News Global, on Senator Cruz and his election fear, “if you’re a left-wing transgender witch, you hate Donald Trump, and you’re going to show up. You’re energized.”
Civil rights and voting rights organizations have sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to stop its “secretive and unlawful effort” to gather and use sensitive voter information to help sabotage next month’s midterm elections. From Baptist News Global.
Abortion is on midterm ballots in 4 states. Here’s what the polls — and faith groups — say, from Religion News Service. As Idaho, Missouri, Nevada and Virginia prepare to vote on abortion-related ballot measures, polling suggests abortion is less of a priority for voters than in other recent election cycles.
El-Sayed, Vance pressed on religion, loyalty and immigration. From Religion News Service. In separate events, the vice president and the Democratic Senate candidate faced questions that highlight the intersection of faith and politics.
Faith leaders on the ballot. Religion News Service offers 12 races to watch as the Democratic clergy running are making some races unexpectedly tight.
National Catholic Reporter says Trump’s deportation crackdown may influence how Catholics vote in the midterms.
Editorial: Immigration, war, democracy should be front of mind for Catholic voters. From National Catholic Reporter.
Essay: Pope Leo on Safeguarding Democracy, from Father James Bacik, for your consideration as we approach the midterm election November 3.
Religious Groups Differ Widely in Their 2026 Midterm Preferences. From Pew Research. White evangelical Protestant and White Catholic registered voters prefer Republican candidates over Democratic candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. Registered voters in every other religious group we can analyze either are split roughly evenly or favor Democratic candidates.
Immigration and detention
Temporary protections for Ukrainians in US set to expire, trigger deportation, archbishop says. From National Catholic Reporter.
Dallas faith groups, volunteer lawyers amplify legal support for detained immigrants. From Religion News Service. A North Texas coalition of congregations, clergy and attorneys is helping asylum seekers connect with legal support and challenge detentions. Their efforts have reached more than 1,200 people over the past year, organizers estimate.
International matters
Catholics in Ecuador Mourn Death of Priest Struck by Falling Crucifix During Mass. From National Catholic Register. The Catholic faithful are mourning the death at Mass of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
America’s politically divided Jewish community braces for Israel’s elections. Religion News Service says the moment is particularly fraught as antisemitism and antisemitic violence grow.
French bishops condemn ‘unacceptable violence’ as riots sweep nation. From National Catholic Reporter.
The bishops of the European Union call on the EU and its Member States to ensure that Artificial Intelligence (AI) remains firmly at the service of the human person, the common good and peace. From Independent Catholic News.
Holy Land: Diplomats and solidarity activists accompany farmers during olive harvest. From Independent Catholic News.
The Death Penalty
Even murderers are made in the image of God. From Religion News Service. What does Judaism say about what happened to Christa Pike and what is planned for Nidal Hasan?
Christianity teaches us not to turn executions into entertainment. From Religion News Service. The history of public executions suggests that when they are staged in free countries, they serve to degrade the citizens.
FEATURES
What does it mean to be made in God’s image? Rabbi Jeffery Salkin says Tomer Persico uncovers the deeper meaning of this most important one-liner in the history of Western civilization. From Religion News Service.
Actor Chris Pratt explores the ancient burial ground beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in a new documentary, tracing the search for the apostle’s remains and the fragile humanity of his successors. From Religion News Service.
Letting the Bible read us. From the Christian Century. Do we allow scripture to shape our identity, or do we reshape scripture to fit the nation we imagine ourselves to be?
High school freshman creates church sensory room as Eagle project. Does your house of worship have one? From Baptist News Global.
OPINION and COMMENTARY
On this week’s episode of “The Nonviolent Jesus Podcast,” I speak with Cyprian Consiglio, a well-known composer, musician and Camaldolese monk. From a podcast by John Dear. “Catholicism has something vital to learn from other religious traditions.” From National Catholic Reporter.
Dan Horan: When it comes to creation, we need to be more pious. From National Catholic Reporter.
Is God Calling Pope Leo to Suffer for Families?
COMMENTARY: In 1994, John Paul II saw his hospitalization as suffering to be offered for families. Pope Leo’s surgery may carry the same meaning.
Justice Bulletin Board
Barbara Molinaari Quinby writes, “My thoughts turn to the words of Jesus that profoundly challenge our consciences: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5). It is not a question of numbers or statistics. The Gospel invites us not to calculate: even one. Every child, every human being, possesses an infinite dignity.
FILM
Father Augustus Tolton Film Premieres in Theaters
Tolton: From Slave to Priest, a film about the inspiring life of Venerable Augustus Tolton, is now premiering in select theaters. From Black Catholic Messenger.
FINAL FEATURE
‘Zelie Beans.’ From National Catholic Register. Coffee Companies With a Catholic Connection. “Find good brews, plus a side of faith.” The company was started by former seminarian Joseph Mastrangelo, who named the business after St. Zélie Martin, the wife of St. Louis Martin and the mother of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Servant of God Léonie Martin.
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