Nancy Pelosi, known for her devout Catholic faith, has expressed strong disapproval over the Vatican’s recent agreement with China regarding the appointment of bishops. Her concerns raise fundamental questions about the delicate balance between maintaining religious autonomy and engaging diplomatically with authoritarian regimes. As the story unfolds, the implications of her critique become more profound. Vatican-China Deal Under Microscope Rep. Nancy Pelosi criticized the Vatican’s agreement with China on bishops. The deal, signed in 2018 and renewed until 2028, involves Chinese Communist Party input in appointing Catholic bishops. Aimed at unifying China’s state-sanctioned and underground Catholic communities, the agreement faces backlash for not safeguarding religious freedom. Critics argue it compromises the church’s autonomy, strengthening Beijing’s control over religious practices. A report from the Hudson Institute indicates increased persecution of Catholics in China since the agreement. Pelosi questioned the rationale of allowing the Chinese government a say in bishop appointments, citing the Gospel of Matthew. Her comments add to the voices concerned about the church’s relationship with nations with stringent control over religious expression. Challenges within the Catholic Church Pope Francis has taken steps to recognize Chinese-appointed bishops, like Bishop Joseph Shen Bin, despite breaches of the Sino-Vatican agreement. The Vatican announced recognition on July 15, three months after Shen Bin’s appointment. Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed discontent with China’s post-agreement actions. The Vatican hopes Shen Bin’s recognition will help resolve issues in the Shanghai diocese, focusing on the status of auxiliary bishops. Happy birthday, @VP Kamala Harris! Today, we celebrate your visionary leadership and historic achievements. As you govern with @POTUS For The People, our nation is inspired by your unwavering fight to deliver a brighter future for all. Thank you for making us all so very proud! pic.twitter.com/WBhlutD50O — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) October 20, 2024 Pelosi, however, faces criticism from Catholic leaders for her pro-choice stance, leading to her being barred from Communion by San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone. Despite this, she emphasized that her Catholic faith revolves around Christ as her savior, in her words, “It has nothing to do with the bishops.” Such declarations showcase the internal struggles faced by Catholic figures balancing personal faith with institutional alignments. Diplomatic Strains and Aspirations The Vatican aims to strengthen Sino-Vatican relations through dialogue, proposing to open a liaison office in China. So far, China hasn’t agreed to this development. Efforts continue to improve communication between Chinese bishops and the pope while seeking full recognition of all Chinese Catholics, including those in the underground church. Cardinal Parolin emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect for fostering fruitful relations between the Vatican and China. The unfolding of events regarding the Vatican-China agreement reflects broader tensions within global religious politics. As influential figures like Pelosi raise questions, the international community watches how these debates over faith, autonomy, and diplomacy will evolve. Sources: Nancy Pelosi, California Dem, on Vatican’s bishop deal with China: ‘I don’t get that’ – Washington Times Pelosi Defies S.F. Archbishop’s Eucharist Ban for Pro-Abortion Politicians: ‘I Received Communion Anyway’ | National Review The Vatican’s Unholy China Deal – WSJ Analysis: Why Pope Francis recognized a bishop appointed in violation of Vatican-China deal | America Magazine The post Pelosi Voices Concerns Over Vatican’s Secret Deal with China on Bishops appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

To many people, Taylor Swift is an icon. She’s written powerful lyrics that speak to a legion of fans, millions of whom took the Eras Tour worldwide. Swifties idolize her and many would love to be her. But it’s important to remember that even though she’s one of the world’s biggest stars, to Taylor Swift’s parents, she’s their baby girl.  Scott and Andrea Swift championed their daughter’s career for years, helping to make her a star. Unlike many celebrity families, they don’t appear fractured. Instead, they dutifully showed up night after night on the Eras Tour to watch their child perform. It’s a beautiful testament to the love of a parent and child. @karmaisacat.1989 i’m crying currently #taylorswift #swifttok #swiftie #theerastour #tswift #taylorswifttheerastour #TSTheErasTour #fyp #erastour #VancouverTSTheErasTour cr: @Amanda ♬ original sound – carly Taylor Swift’s Parents Got Emotional During The Eras Tour TikToker Carly, who posts as @karmaisacat.1989 shared an intimate moment between Andrea and Scott as Taylor sang a mashup of Never Grow Up and The Best Day. The pair exchanged a tearful glance and tender hug as she sang lyrics that undoubtedly spoke to their hearts. Fans quickly noticed Taylor Swift’s sweet parents and pointed out how emotional the end of this era must be for them. One person wrote, “They’re not seeing who we’re seeing, they’re seeing their little girl living out her dreams up there.” Another agreed, “In a stadium full of 60,000 people there for Taylor, they got lost in the moment watching their little girl like they were the only 2 there.” This person noticed Taylor’s brother, Austin, got in on the hug at the end. “Not them and Austin hugging. Omg. TEARS. Taylor’s little shout out to them.” Taylor Swift’s parents have a lot to be proud of and their daughter made sure to let them know how thankful she is. “It’s her thank you to her parents for their unwavering support.” This story’s featured image is by Kevin Winter/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management. The post Taylor Swift’s Parents Caught Sharing A Tearful Moment In The Crowd Of Eras Concert appeared first on InspireMore.

'I personally don't'

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California police say that the death of a child found hanging by a belt in a closet was an accident. The Bakersfield Police Department investigated the death of a 3-year-old for possible evidence of abuse or neglect but determined that it was an accident. 'The boy was transported to a hospital where he was in critical condition, but determined to be brain dead.' Police were called to an apartment on 38th Street at about noon in November 2023 for a report of a child who was not responsive after being found hanging in a closet. A warrant filed at Kern County Superior Court said police saw ligature marks on the child's neck. An investigation found that the parents of the child were watching television when their 5-year-old daughter ran into the room screaming that the boy had died. The father tried to revive the boy through CPR. Police said the daughter indicated that she, a 4-year-old boy, and the 3-year-old were playing with her father's belts when the boy choked the 3-year-old. The boy was transported to a hospital where he was in critical condition, but determined to be brain dead. A GoFundMe later said that he had died from "a tragic accident." The warrant said police seized an empty milk crate and electrical cords from the closet. Bakersfield police Sgt. Eric Celedon said no charges were filed and added that the case was referred to Child Protective Services. The parents were both in their twenties. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

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