Tag: News in English

‘Cyclone-battered high seas’ the “longest crazy”: rescued rower feared he would die in Cyclone Alfred’s monster waves

Aurimas Mockus reunites with his wife Sonata Mockuviene

We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.
The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones. 9T 11.1 – 9T 11.2

Tropical Cyclone Alfred

After walking down the gangway from the Australian navy ship that saved him, Lithuanian Aurimas Mockus fell to his knees in front of his wife, sobbing

Kate Lyons

Kate LyonsFri 7 Mar 2025 03.00 GMTShare

Aurimas Mockus finally made it to Australia, but not in the manner he imagined.

Pacific Ocean as part of a solo mission

Instead of triumphantly paddling in on the Kursis, the one-seater boat he’d been rowing for nearly five months across the Pacific Ocean as part of a solo mission from San Diego to Brisbane, he arrived in Sydney Harbour, relieved and alive, onboard a 16,000 tonne Australian naval ship.

Had it not been for Tropical Cyclone Alfred, he likely would have completed the 12,000km journey, and joined just a handful of people to have rowed across the Pacific solo.

We are in the same boat ⛴️ said Pope Francis

But Alfred, which was directly in the path of the Lithuanian rower, thwarted him. Monster seas hit the Kursis, causing it to roll over and over again and again. For three days, he could not rest or sleep as he battled giant waves, in a boat constantly filling with seawater and all communication with his support team lost.

Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.Jonah 1 : 17

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
Matthew 12 : 40

“I was like a cat in a washing machine,” he told reporters at the HMAS Kuttabul naval base in Potts Point, just east of Sydney’s CBD, on Friday morning after disembarking from HMAS Choules and finally, after nearly five months at sea, touching dry

More seriously, he said, his voice breaking, he knows he was very close to death.

As his boat flipped again and again in giant seas, he focused his energy on keeping the promise to his wife and teenage children when he embarked on the journey last year: that he would return to them.

“[I was] rolling maybe 30 times, I’m not counting them, maybe more. Many times [I thought] may be last time,” he said.

[29] Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. [30] And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, [31] Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. [35] And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. [36] Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. [37] And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. [38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
Acts 27 : 29-31, 35-38

VHF radio, I have problems in my body

“These last three days in the ocean … I have to – many times, many hours – fight [for] my life, because … my boat is sinking; all navigation … stops, I just have VHF radio, I have problems in my body. I feel like, if I lost my mind, if I lost my belief [that] I can fight for my life, I [would not be here] together with you today.

[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [20] But now are they many members, yet but one body. [25] That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. [27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. [28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. [29] Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
1 Corinthians 12 : 12, 20, 25, 27-29

“Now I know … hell is not … hot, it’s actually wet and very strong winds.”

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.Acts 27 : 4That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;Ephesians 4 : 14

Mockus’s wife, Sonata Mockuviene, was at the naval base in Sydney waiting to greet her husband, whom she had not seen since he set off from San Diego on the US west coast in mid-October. She flew in to Australia from Lithuania on Thursday.

‘We were worried, it was too long’

After walking down the gangway from the ship, Mockus fell to his knees in front of his wife and, sobbing, buried his face in her stomach, as she hugged his head and kissed him.

Mockuviene said the rowing trip was not the craziest thing her husband had ever done, but it was the “longest crazy” he had attempted.

She was in almost daily contact with him throughout the journey, receiving a message or short phone call to hear that he was safe and well. But last week the communications stopped.

[28] The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried through the lattice, Why is his chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels of his chariots? [29] Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she returned answer to herself, [30] Have they not sped? have they not divided the prey; to every man a damsel or two; to Sisera a prey of divers colors, a prey of divers colors of needlework, of divers colors of needlework on both sides, meet for the necks of them that take the spoil? [31] So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.
Judges 5 : 28-31

“When he missed all the connections, we did not have any information, we were worried, it was too long … not getting the message from him,” she said.

Aurimas Mockus embraces his wife Sonata Mockuviene
HMAS Choules, a 16,000-tonne Royal Australian Navy landing ship, rescued Mockus. Photograph: James Gourley/The Guardian
For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 12 : 25

Souls dramatic rescue from cyclone-battered high seas

Then, at about 10pm on Friday 28 February, Mockus activated his emergency SOS beacon, transmitting a signal to a satellite that bounced to a 24/7 response centre in Canberra, and setting off a chain of action that would eventually lead to his dramatic rescue from cyclone-battered high seas by HMAS Choules.

[1] Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. [2] Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.
Ecclesiastes 11 : 1-2

“As you can imagine, it’s no small task finding an object that small in the middle of our ocean,” said Mark Morrow, the executive director of response for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Amsa), which coordinated the search for Mockus.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15 : 7

Adding to the difficulty was the cyclone, which was producing winds in excess of 130km/h and heavy seas in excess of nine metres.

“Normally, we would be in a position where we could divert a vessel to assist us,” said Kevin McEvoy, the Amsa response centre manager. But TC Alfred meant that there were no ships in the area. “We didn’t have that luxury.”

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Acts 9 : 15, And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.Acts 16 : 9
Aurimas Mockus in the Kursis, the one-seater boat he rowed across the Pacific Ocean
Mockus in the Kursis, the one-seater boat he rowed across the Pacific. Photograph: Aurimas Mockus

Pope from Holy See Flying Over Sahara Changes AI

Mockus was eventually spotted by a Challenger aircraft.

Amsa was able to make radio contact with Mockus, using a Lithuanian translator, whom Mockus thanked emotionally on Friday. The team made six flights over three days, maintaining contact with him.

Mockus’s voice broke as he recounted seeing the aircraft above him for the first time.

“I thought I am not alone. But how he can help, I don’t know.”

HMAS Choules was deployed from Brisbane and Mockus was rescued on Monday.

Chosen vessel coming to his aid. “Just love.” One Earth One family One Future

“I don’t have words for this,” Mockus said, when asked how he felt to see the Royal Australian Navy vessel coming to his aid. “Just love.”

Love is dwelt upon as the chief attribute of God, but it is degraded to a weak sentimentalism, making little distinction between good and evil. God’s justice, His denunciations of sin, the requirements of His holy law, are all kept out of sight. The people are taught to regard the Decalogue as a dead letter. Pleasing, bewitching fables captivate the senses and lead men to reject the Bible as the foundation of their faith. Christ is as verily denied as before; but Satan has so blinded the eyes of the people that the deception is not discerned. GC 558.1

Australian navy sailors rescue Aurimas Mockus
Australian navy sailors from HMAS Choules use an inflatable boat to rescue Mockus. Photograph: CPOIS Helen Frank/AP

Their journey back to Sydney was fraught.

HMAS Choules encountered 12-metre seas and was pitched on 28 degree rolls – or a 90ft roll from one side to the other – causing some damage to equipment onboard the ship, including sending hospital beds through bulkheads, though no one was injured.

Mockus said that after being brought aboard HMAS Choules and being checked by medical staff – he has some cuts and bruises from being thrown around in the savage conditions, but nothing serious or life-threatening – he was just focused on getting horizontal.

The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
Ezekiel 34 : 4

“When I’m sinking, I’m thinking about a clear bed, because three, four days, I spent in the wet and rolling sea.”

Elation

An elated Darius Degutis, the Lithuanian ambassador to Australia, thanked the Australian government, defence force and people for the rescue.

“It’s a very special day, because we have Aurimas. We have a saying in Lithuanian language, sveikas ir gyvas, healthy and alive. He is healthy and alive.”

Degutis read aloud a letter from the foreign minister of Lithuania thanking Australia for rescuing the rower.

“Lithuania is profoundly grateful to your unwavering commitment to saving lives and we will always remember this extraordinary act of solidarity and cooperation,” the letter said.

Aurimas Mockus disembarks HMAS Choules
Mockus disembarks HMAS Choules as it docks in Sydney. Photograph: James Gourley/The Guardian

For now, Mockus and his wife will spend some time in Australia before returning to their children in Lithuania.

Mockus said he had no regrets about the trip. But asked if he would be attempting it again, to see if he can complete the voyage, he laughed. “Not yet,” he said.

When Mockuviene was asked if she would approve of his husband trying again, she said it was out of her hands.

“I cannot keep him … at the house. It’s impossible.”

Additional reporting by Daisy Dumas

While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation. Even now he is at work. In accidents and calamities by sea and by land, in great conflagrations, in fierce  tornadoes and terrific hailstorms, in tempests, floods, cyclones, tidal waves, and earthquakes, in every place and in a thousand forms, Satan is exercising his power. He sweeps away the ripening harvest, and famine and distress follow. He imparts to the air a deadly taint, and thousands perish by the pestilence. These visitations are to become more and more frequent and disastrous. Destruction will be upon both man and beast. “The earth mourneth and fadeth away,” “the haughty people … do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” Isaiah 24:4, 5.
And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God’s commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors. It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday sabbath; that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced; and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity. Thus the accusation urged of old against the servant of God will be repeated and upon grounds equally well established: “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.” 1 Kings 18:17, 18. As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah. GC 589.3 – GC 590.1

Oklahoma parents sue Walters to stop Bible curriculum in schools

Scripture-based curriculum

NewsJeff Brumley  |  March 4, 2025

The families, teachers and religious leaders already suing to block Oklahoma from buying classroom Bibles are now attempting to prevent the state from purchasing a Scripture-based curriculum for elementary school children.

plan to purchase Christian teaching materials for public schools _- proposal to purchase classroom Bibles.

The plaintiffs filed a brief with the Oklahoma Supreme Court March 4 seeking an injunction to stop state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters’ plan to purchase Christian teaching materials for public schools and also to bar his latest proposal to purchase classroom Bibles.

Rachel Laser

“The separation of church and state guarantees that families and students — not politicians — get to decide if, when and how to engage with religion,” said Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, one of several legal groups representing plaintiffs in Rev. Lori Walke v. Ryan Walters.

Christian nationalist abuse the power of his office

“Superintendent Ryan Walters continues to abuse the power of his office to advance a Christian nationalist agenda and impose his personal religious beliefs on other people’s children,” Laser said.

When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result. GC 445.1

Pope Francis : Evolution and Creation both right

The filing in part targets the state’s Feb. 21 Request for Proposal seeking Bible-infused lesson plans for “character instruction” in elementary classrooms.

“Materials should contain age-appropriate biblical content, provide simple explanations that are easily understandable for elementary age students, and demonstrate how biblical figures and stories have influenced historical events and cultural practices in the United States,” the proposal says.

The request also stipulates the materials must include lessons about “key figures and events that have shaped the history and culture of Oklahoma.”

Walters has repeatedly defended his religious education efforts as attempts to teach

Ryan Walters

“The new standards are among the strongest in the country: pro-America, pro-American exceptionalism, and strengthened civics and constitutional studies across every grade,” the Department of Education announced. “They include Supt. Walters’ Bible curriculum recommendations and mention the Bible and its historical impact over 40 times.”

[4] Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, [5] That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: [6] And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.
Daniel 3 : 4-6

The plaintiffs in Walker v. Walters also hope to shut down a January RFP for Bibles. The Oklahoman reported the bids seek 55,000 King James Bibles that include the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance and U.S. Constitution.

“We have been very specific. The Bible is there for its historical context.”

Walters has repeatedly defended his religious education efforts as attempts to teach U.S. and Oklahoma history, KFOR-4 in Oklahoma City reported.

“You can be offended by Christianity. You can not agree with Christianity, but that doesn’t give you the right to take Christianity out of American history, and that’s what we’ve seen the left do,” Walters said. “We have been very specific. The Bible is there for its historical context.”

Others disagree, including at least 13 large Oklahoma school districts that have declared the intention to defy Walters’ order to put Bibles in classrooms.

Walke v. Walters was filed Oct. 17 to prevent the implementation of Walters’ June 2024 classroom Bible mandate and his plan to spend more than $3 million on Bibles that initially matched the so-called “Trump Bible.” That requirement was amended after significant public opposition.

Megan Lambert

The litigants’ new brief asks the state Supreme Court to pause the requests for classroom Bibles and religious curriculum until the lawsuit is decided by justices.

“Oklahoma schools should be a safe and welcoming environment, focused on providing an equal education to all students, regardless of faith,” said Megan Lambert, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma.

“Today’s brief is another demonstration of how communities can come together for a common fight to reject the use of religion as a cover for repression. We must continue to protect the individual rights of students and families to choose their own faith or no faith at all.”

Religious instruction should be up to parents, not educators

Annie Laurie Gaylor

Religious instruction should be up to parents, not educators, said Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-president of the Freedom from Religion Foundation.

“Oklahoma families should not have to contend with religious promotion in their children’s public-school classrooms. And Oklahomans should not have to watch their tax dollars be used by their state to promote Ryan Walters’ preferred holy book.”

Colleen McCarty

Colleen McCarty, executive director of Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, cited the economic problems potentially created by Walters’ Bible mandate.

“The costs of these outlandish actions by our state superintendent continue to climb and he shows no signs of slowing. We’re facing a budget shortfall, and Oklahomans simply cannot afford these stunts for much longer. Oklahomans need a leader who will maintain the rule of law and educate our kids.”

Related articles:

Now Ryan Walters seeks bids for Bible-based curriculum in Oklahoma

Here’s why the new Texas school curriculum is so very, very bad | Analysis by Mara Richards Bim

Ryan Walters faces challenges on two fronts

Ryan Walters orders all Oklahoma schoolchildren to pray for Trump

Divorce Cause, Extravagant Weddings, Family Plan Breathing : President Erdoğan declares 2025 ‘Year of the Family’

UN chief Antonio Guterres human rights Globally are being “suffocated” : 7,000 killed since January in fighting in DRC, prime minister says

UN chief Antonio Guterres human rights Globally are being “suffocated” : 7,000 killed since January in fighting in DRC, prime minister says

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivers a speech during the “Year of the Family” event in Ankara, Türkiye, Jan. 13, 2025. (AA Photo)

by Daily Sabah Jan 14, 2025 12:36 pm

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who declared 2025 as the “Year of the Family,” presented a series of benefits for young couples about to marry and for parents during a meeting on Jan. 13 in Ankara.

One key initiative was the expansion of the interest-free loan program for newlywed couples. Initially introduced in the earthquake-affected regions, this program offers a TL150,000 ($4,226) loan with a 48-month repayment term and a two-year grace period. Erdoğan announced that it would now be available nationwide, benefiting young couples across all 81 provinces of Türkiye. He emphasized that this loan would help young couples avoid financial stress at the start of their married life. “From now on, all young people in 81 provinces can benefit from this opportunity,” Erdoğan said.

Erdoğan announced an increase in Birth Assistance payments, with TL 300 for the first child, TL 400 for the second and TL 600 for the third and subsequent children as a one-time payment. He emphasized that Türkiye was losing its young and qualified population, stating; “The average age of marriage has risen to 26 for women and 28 for men and the age for becoming a mother has surpassed 29. Back in 2007, we made a call for at least three children to address the decline in fertility and population growth rates. Looking back, we see how right we were. We will continue to repeat our call for three children.”

Another significant announcement was the increase in birth assistance. The government raised the one-time aid for the first child to TL 5,000. Additionally, for the second child, families will receive TL 1,500 per month and for the third child and beyond, the support increases to TL 5,000 per month. Erdoğan explained that the government would directly deposit these amounts into mothers’ accounts without conditions for the second and subsequent children. He highlighted the importance of supporting families as they grow. “We are raising the one-time birth assistance for the first child to TL 5,000. For the second child, we will provide TL 1,500 per month,” he stated.

Beijing’s population has declined for the first time in 19 years

Erdoğan also introduced several new programs to address broader family-related issues. These include financial support, counseling services, and housing assistance for young couples. He also promised new opportunities to improve women’s work-life balance by promoting flexible and remote working models. Additionally, the government plans to strengthen child care services to support working parents and provide medical opportunities to help with childbearing.

“Wedding ceremonies are encouraged to be simple, without extravagance or waste, as advised by our Prophet,”

A major issue Erdoğan tackled was the rising cost of extravagant wedding ceremonies, which place financial pressure on young couples. He noted that societal expectations, fueled by social media, often lead to unnecessary financial burdens. “Wedding ceremonies are encouraged to be simple, without extravagance or waste, as advised by our Prophet,” Erdoğan said. He also linked these pressures to rising divorce rates, noting that excessive financial demands were one of the main causes. “One of the main reasons for early divorces is these excessive financial demands,” he added.

Display, Extravagance, and Hilarity Are Inappropriate At Weddings—Marriage ceremonies are made matters of display, extravagance, and self-indulgence. But if the contracting parties are agreed in religious belief and practice, and everything is consistent, and the  ceremony be conducted without display and extravagance, marriage at this time need not be displeasing to God.6
There is no reason why we should make great parade or display, even if the parties were perfectly suited to each other. AH 100.5 – AH 101.1

Türkiye’s demographic challenges, particularly its declining fertility rate

Erdoğan also addressed Türkiye’s demographic challenges, particularly its declining fertility rate, which has fallen to 1.51, well below the replacement rate of 2.1. He warned that this could lead to a shrinking population and a reduced global influence. In response, Erdoğan acknowledged the criticism the government faced but expressed confidence that the public would eventually recognize the necessity of this policy.

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister
Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

The Guise of Family Planning : We Are Sold I and My People

Erdoğan concluded by reinforcing his belief that the issue of family and population growth is vital for the nation’s survival. “Our Family Institute will carry out policy development activities regarding family, which we see as a ‘survival issue’ for our nation’s future,” he affirmed. He also expressed concern over population control efforts carried out under the guise of planning, which he believes are driven by malicious intent. “Time will confirm this belief,” he said.

Additionally, Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş presented Erdoğan with a special gift, a calligraphy painting symbolizing family unity, featuring a hadith that states, “The best among you is the one who is best to his family.”

“Isolated” breathing crisis on Friday : Pope ‘resurrects’ after breathing crisis, Vatican says
“Isolated” breathing crisis on Friday : Pope ‘resurrects’ after breathing crisis, Vatican says

The final overthrow of all earthly dominions is plainly foretold in the word of truth. In the prophecy uttered when sentence from God was pronounced upon the last king of Israel is given the message:
“Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: … exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.” Ezekiel 21:26, 27.
The crown removed from Israel passed successively to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. God says, “It shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.”
That time is at hand. Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events. Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour’s prophecy of the events to precede His coming: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars…. Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.” Matthew 24:6, 7.
The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the strained, restless relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis. Ed 179.1 – Ed 179.5

“Isolated” breathing crisis on Friday : Pope ‘resurrects’ after breathing crisis, Vatican says

20 hours ago

Sarah Rainsford

Correspondent

Reporting fromRome

Thomas Mackintosh

BBC News, LondonShareSave

Pope Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for two weeks, is in a stable condition following an “isolated” breathing crisis on Friday, the Vatican has said.

The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.Psalm 18 : 4, And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.Revelation 17 : 15

The 88-year-old experienced an episode of vomiting and a “sudden worsening of his respiratory condition” in hospital last night, and received gas through a face mask to help him breathe.

UN chief Antonio Guterres human rights Globally are being “suffocated” : 7,000 killed since January in fighting in DRC, prime minister says
UN chief Antonio Guterres human rights Globally are being “suffocated” : 7,000 killed since January in fighting in DRC, prime minister says

The Vatican said on Saturday evening that the Pope had not suffered further breathing crises and had responded well to oxygen therapy.

It did not share a prognosis, but said the pontiff remained “alert and well oriented“.

The Pope’s Prayer To His “Poor” Disciples From Six Continents_ Laudato Si For “Death”

In a statement, the Vatican said the Pope received the Eucharist this afternoon “then dedicated himself to prayer“.

He alternated between an oxygen mask and “long periods of high-flow oxygen,” it added.

It said the Pope did not show signs of an increased white blood cell count, which can indicate infection or inflammation, and that his blood flow and circulation “remained stable”.

The Pope also continued to eat and actively cooperated with regular “respiratory physiotherapy,” it said.

Earlier, the Vatican said the Pope had a “peaceful night” and was resting, with an official adding: “I think he had coffee this morning.”

Vatican sources had said the Pope’s doctors needed 24 to 48 hours to determine whether there had been any damage or setback to his overall condition.

In an earlier statement on Friday evening, the Vatican said the Pope had “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which, however, led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and sudden worsening of the respiratory condition”.

[15] He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly. [16] He shall suck the poison of asps: the viper's tongue shall slay him. [17] He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter.Job 20 : 15-17

The Roman hospital caring for Pope Francis

In pictures: Prayers for the Pope around the world

Pope Francis has pneumonia in both lungs, Vatican says

That health update came after a couple of days in which Vatican statements had been slightly more positive, talking of a “slight improvement” in the pontiff’s condition.

Pope Communion With Nature_ Eucharist

He was given Communion on Friday morning.

In an earlier medical update, the Vatican stressed that the Pope would remain in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital because of the “complex” clinical picture.

The level of detail from Vatican officials about the Pope’s latest crisis is extraordinary.

This is now the longest the Pope has been in hospital – and the longest period in which he’s been out of public sight – since he took over from Pope Benedict in 2013.

That makes many Roman Catholics nervous.

Dreamer Pope Francis Calls 100 Days of War in Ukraine “A Negation of His Dream “

Previously, Italian TV channels were reporting that the Pope was “no longer critical”, as that word disappeared from Vatican health updates recently and the Pope’s health slipped down the news agenda.

Now it’s back on the front pages, although news of the Ukrainian president’s brutal dressing down in the Oval Office was the biggest story.

“Another crisis, Anxiety for the Pope” wasIl Messaggero’s headline, which also speaks of “prayers and tears” among Catholics gathered for evening prayers outside St Peter’s Basilica.

“Vomit and breathing crisis: Anxiety for the Pope returns” was the headline in Il Giornale.

The Pope was admitted to hospital on 14 February after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days.

He was first treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

The pontiff is particularly susceptible to pneumonia, an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, after he contracted pleurisy – an inflammation of the lungs – as a young man and had a partial lung removal.

From Argentina, Pope Francis is the first Latin American, and first Jesuit, to lead the Roman Catholic Church.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church has been admitted to hospital multiple times during his 12-year tenure, including being treated for bronchitis at the same hospital in March 2023.

‘In a scary world, he gives us hope’: Faithful gather to support the Pope

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In Jakarta, Pope calls for interfaith dialogue to counter extremism, intolerance

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Pope Francis delivers his address as Indonesian President Joko Widodo listens during a meeting with Indonesian authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, 04 September 2024. EFE/EPA/WILLY KURNIAWAN / POOL

Pope Francis delivers his address as Indonesian President Joko Widodo listens during a meeting with Indonesian authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, 04 September 2024. EFE/EPA/WILLY KURNIAWAN / POOL

4 September 2024

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Jakarta, Sep 4 (EFE).- Pope Francis called for inter-religious dialogue to counter extremism and intolerance during his speech Wednesday morning at the presidential palace in Jakarta, on the first day of the official agenda of his Southeast Asia tour.

pope arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday to begin the longest tour of his papacy : Fishing With The Reformer Pope 

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Galatians 4 : 4, Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;2 Thessalonians 2 : 3

The pope arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday to begin the longest tour of his papacy, which will also take him to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and Singapore over 12 days.

“The Catholic Church desires to increase inter-religious dialogue. In this way, prejudices can be eliminated and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow,” he said in his first appointment at the Istana Merdeka Presidential Palace.

The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
Proverbs 28 : 16

“This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance, which through the distortion of religion attempt to impose their views by using deception and violence.”

Pope Francis delivers his address as Indonesian President Joko Widodo looks on during a meeting with Indonesian authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, 04 September 2024. EFE/EPA/WILLY KURNIAWAN / POOL

He lamented that “in various regions we see the emergence of violent conflicts, which are often the result of a lack of mutual respect, of the intolerant desire to let one’s own interests, one’s own position, or one’s own partial historical narrative prevail at all costs, even when this leads to endless suffering for entire communities and results in wars and much bloodshed.”

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister
[1] After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. [2] And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
Esther 3 : 1-2

However, the pontiff began by praising Indonesia’s “mutual respect for the specific cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious characteristics of all the groups” because it “is the indispensable and unifying fabric that makes Indonesians a united and proud people.”

Catholics makes up around 3 percent of Indonesia’s 270 million people, but is still the third-largest Catholic population in Asia after the Philippines and China. Muslims make up around 87 percent of the country.

Together with outgoing President Joko Widodo, whom he met with Wednesday, Francis reiterated that “harmony in diversity is achieved when particular perspectives take into account the needs common to all and when each ethnic group and religious denomination acts in a spirit of fraternity, pursuing the noble goal of serving the good of all.”

[3] Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? [4] Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
Esther 3 : 3-4

He added that this “wise and delicate balance, between the multiplicity of cultures and different ideological visions, and the ideals that cement unity, must be continuously defended against imbalances.”

Although, Francis also stressed that the Catholic Church desires to increase inter-religious dialogue “in order to promote a peaceful and fruitful harmony that ensures peace and unites efforts to remove the imbalances and suffering that still persist in some areas of the country.”

According to data from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS), although decreasing, there are 25 million poor people in the country.

Pope Francis and Indonesian President Joko Widodo attend a meeting with Indonesian authorities, civil society and the diplomatic corps, at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, 04 September 2024. EFE/EPA/WILLY KURNIAWAN / POOL

The Pope will attend an interfaith meeting on Thursday at Istiqlal mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia and connected to the nearby Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption by the “tunnel of friendship,” where he will sign a joint declaration on tolerance with the grand imam, Nasaruddin Umar.

[10] And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. [11] And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. [12] And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Luke 23 : 10-12

Francis considered that “there are times when faith in God is continually placed in the forefront, but is sadly manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred instead of furthering peace, communion, dialogue, respect, cooperation and fraternity.”

[47] Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? [48] Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?
John 7 : 47-48

He concluded by sending a message to the country’s political class, assuring that “harmony is achieved when we are committed not only to our own interests and vision, but to the good of all, to building bridges, fostering agreements and synergies, joining forces in order to defeat all forms of moral, economic and social distress, and promoting peace and concord.” EFE

[5] And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. [6] And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
Esther 3 : 5-6

ccg/twCategoriesLatest news

Israel endorses US plan to extend ceasefire, claims Hamas refusing, warns war can restart

By Lazar Berman FollowToday, 12:34 am

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) meets then-US president-elect Donald Trump's Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, at his office in Jerusalem, January 11, 2025. (Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) meets then-US president-elect Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, at his office in Jerusalem, January 11, 2025. (Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson)

Pope Francis : Those who insist on keeping the truth over preaching the Gospel have threatened the church

Minutes after the end of the 42 days of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Israel endorses what it says is a US proposal to see the ceasefire with Hamas extended through Ramadan and Passover, during which all hostages could potentially be released.

Ramadan, which began Friday night, runs until March 29. Passover ends on April 19.

Half of the hostages — Quick and Dead

Half of the hostages — living and dead — would be released on the first day of the extended ceasefire, says the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement released after a four-hour meeting headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Truth and error are both in the field, striving for the mastery. The champions of truth will have a fierce conflict. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The warning comes, and the directions  are repeated, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” All that the Lord has told you, it devolves on you to do. No one need be deceived, if he will make the word of God his study. How little is the book of Revelation studied! It is a hidden mystery to the religious world; and why?—Because the events not pleasant for consideration, are so faithfully traced by the prophetic pen; and people who are in any way troubled about the matter are soothed by their shepherds, with the statement that the Revelation cannot be understood. But it is to be understood; for it especially concerns us who are living in these last days. Read Revelation 1:1-3. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Read the last chapter of Revelation carefully and prayerfully. What significance there is in the statements of this chapter! “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” This is the most effectual teaching that can be given in the church built for the Sanitarium, and this testimony is to be given in all the churches. Wherever there is an opportunity to reach the people, the attention should be called from the earthly to the heavenly. “And the  Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” We are to voice the words of the angel. SpTA07 52.2

Nepal bans solo trekkers throughout the country : Families Center Stage Fighting Extrimism

America Leads, America First : A plan proposed by US special envoy

The remaining hostages would be released at the end of the period if a permanent ceasefire is reached, says the PMO, stressing that this is a plan proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
Isaiah 1 : 21

If Hamas changes its extreme mental structure position

Hamas has yet to accept Witkoff’s plan, says Israel. “If Hamas changes its position,” says Netanyahu’s office, “Israel will immediately enter negotiations on all the details of the Witkoff plan.”

The Return to The Dark Ages!

The statement does not directly threaten a return to war, instead reminding the public, and Hamas, that the initial agreement allows Israel to return to fighting after March 1 — meaning at any moment now — if negotiations are deemed ineffective.

The PMO claims that Hamas has repeatedly violated the agreement, while Israel is in full compliance.

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

However, the agreement states that talks on phase two of the deal will begin “no later than day 16.” Israel has not engaged in indirect talks with Hamas on the second phase of the agreement until after day 42. Additionally, the IDF didn’t start withdrawing its forces from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border on Saturday, despite the deal requiring Israel to start this process on day 42.

The marathon meeting was attended by Defense Minister Israel Katz, senior defense officials, and Israel’s negotiating team, says the PMO

Israel endorses US plan to extend ceasefire, claims Hamas refusing, warns war can restart

By Lazar Berman FollowToday, 12:34 am

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) meets then-US president-elect Donald Trump's Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, at his office in Jerusalem, January 11, 2025. (Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) meets then-US president-elect Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, at his office in Jerusalem, January 11, 2025. (Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson)

Pope Francis : Those who insist on keeping the truth over preaching the Gospel have threatened the church

Minutes after the end of the 42 days of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Israel endorses what it says is a US proposal to see the ceasefire with Hamas extended through Ramadan and Passover, during which all hostages could potentially be released.

Ramadan, which began Friday night, runs until March 29. Passover ends on April 19.

Half of the hostages — Quick and Dead

Half of the hostages — living and dead — would be released on the first day of the extended ceasefire, says the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement released after a four-hour meeting headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Truth and error are both in the field, striving for the mastery. The champions of truth will have a fierce conflict. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The warning comes, and the directions  are repeated, “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” All that the Lord has told you, it devolves on you to do. No one need be deceived, if he will make the word of God his study. How little is the book of Revelation studied! It is a hidden mystery to the religious world; and why?—Because the events not pleasant for consideration, are so faithfully traced by the prophetic pen; and people who are in any way troubled about the matter are soothed by their shepherds, with the statement that the Revelation cannot be understood. But it is to be understood; for it especially concerns us who are living in these last days. Read Revelation 1:1-3. “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.” Read the last chapter of Revelation carefully and prayerfully. What significance there is in the statements of this chapter! “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” This is the most effectual teaching that can be given in the church built for the Sanitarium, and this testimony is to be given in all the churches. Wherever there is an opportunity to reach the people, the attention should be called from the earthly to the heavenly. “And the  Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” We are to voice the words of the angel. SpTA07 52.2

Nepal bans solo trekkers throughout the country : Families Center Stage Fighting Extrimism

America Leads, America First : A plan proposed by US special envoy

The remaining hostages would be released at the end of the period if a permanent ceasefire is reached, says the PMO, stressing that this is a plan proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.
Isaiah 1 : 21

If Hamas changes its extreme mental structure position

Hamas has yet to accept Witkoff’s plan, says Israel. “If Hamas changes its position,” says Netanyahu’s office, “Israel will immediately enter negotiations on all the details of the Witkoff plan.”

The Return to The Dark Ages!

The statement does not directly threaten a return to war, instead reminding the public, and Hamas, that the initial agreement allows Israel to return to fighting after March 1 — meaning at any moment now — if negotiations are deemed ineffective.

The PMO claims that Hamas has repeatedly violated the agreement, while Israel is in full compliance.

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

However, the agreement states that talks on phase two of the deal will begin “no later than day 16.” Israel has not engaged in indirect talks with Hamas on the second phase of the agreement until after day 42. Additionally, the IDF didn’t start withdrawing its forces from the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border on Saturday, despite the deal requiring Israel to start this process on day 42.

The marathon meeting was attended by Defense Minister Israel Katz, senior defense officials, and Israel’s negotiating team, says the PMO

Sabbath Genocide Again? ‘UN is not the Bible,’ Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

Rwanda not afraid of ‘being diplomatically isolated, sanctions,’ Olivier Nduhungirehe says amid critics against Rwanda’s alleged support for rebel groups in eastern Congo

Nur Asena Erturk  |26.02.2025 – Update : 26.02.2025

'UN is not the Bible,' Rwanda to contest its reports: Foreign minister

ANKARA

“The UN is not the Bible,” and Rwanda will contest its reports, the foreign minister has said over the country’s alleged support to M23 rebels fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We contested those reports several times. It is not the Bible when the UN says something, the UN is not the Bible.

“We contested those reports, and we have been protecting ourselves for 30 years now since the threat has persisted since the genocide against the Tutsi,” Olivier Nduhungirehe told the Swiss broadcaster RTS on Tuesday.

UN chief Antonio Guterres human rights Globally are being “suffocated” : 7,000 killed since January in fighting in DRC, prime minister says

UN chief Antonio Guterres human rights Globally are being “suffocated” : 7,000 killed since January in fighting in DRC, prime minister says

The Rwandan minister criticized Congo for trying to topple the government in his country, and blamed President Felix Tshisekedi for forming an international coalition of Burundi, Southern Africa soldiers, and “even European mercenaries.”

One Earth One family One Future Military Glory ‘Destiny’: Mexico to reform constitution in wake of US terrorism designations

One Earth One family One Future Military Glory ‘Destiny’: Mexico to reform constitution in wake of US terrorism designations

“We do not fear being diplomatically isolated, we do not fear sanctions. What we would fear is to leave our country and our population defenseless,” he added.

He further said the M23 rebel groups were from a Congolese community of Rwandan culture “due to the colonial history,” and denied having any Rwandan troops in the region.

Don’t Expand Terrorist Label_Two-Edged Prophets Torment : Yemeni minister calls for arrest of Houthi officials attending Hezbollah ‘chief’ Nasrallah’s ‘funeral’

Don’t Expand Terrorist Label_Two-Edged Prophets Torment : Yemeni minister calls for arrest of Houthi officials attending Hezbollah ‘chief’ Nasrallah’s ‘funeral’

The Houthis did not officially announce a delegation was attending the funeral, but the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV reported a delegation from Yemen would participate. “We affirm that the movement of these terrorist leaders… in this timing is not a mere participation in the funeral, which is being used as a cover, to gather all the leaders of the Iranian axis and assess the situation after the blows they received,” he added.

For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
Acts 24 : 5

Nduhungirehe also announced that foreign ministers of the concerned countries will meet soon to elaborate on a roadmap for resuming the talks between M23 and the Congolese government.

The UK announced punitive measures for Rwanda for its alleged support for M23, including suspending direct financial aid and stopping high-level attendance at events hosted by Rwanda’s government, as well as suspending defense cooperation.

Last week, the US also announced economic sanctions against Rwanda’s Minister of State for Regional Integration, James Kabarebe, a former army commander, saying he was central to his country’s support for the M23 rebels.

The EU last week summoned the ambassador of Rwanda, and the bloc’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from eastern Congo, suspended the defense consultations, and decided to review the memorandum of understanding on critical raw materials.

The M23 group has intensified its territorial control in eastern Congo since December, seizing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Fighting in the eastern Congo has led to the deaths of more than 7,000 people this year, Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka told the UN Human Rights Council on Monday.Anadolu Agency website contains only a portion of the news stories offered to subscribers in the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS), and in summarized form. Please contact us for subscription options.

Related topics

Congo M23 rebels Rwanda UN

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No Matter Who the Next Pope is, Rome’s Mission Remains the Same

February 28, 2025 by Andy Roman Leave a Comment

Regardless of whether the next pope is conservative, moderate, or liberal, the Vatican operates according to a long-standing prophetic agenda that transcends any individual leader. All popes, regardless of their political or social leanings, have publicly and emphatically emphasized “Sunday sacredness” and the “immortality of the soul,” or spiritualism—the “two great errors” that Satan will use to “bring the people under his deceptions” (Great Controversy, p. 588). No matter who sits on the papal throne, the system itself is moving toward the fulfillment of these predictions, ensuring that what has been prophesied will come to pass.

According to an article published by The Gateway Pundit on February 25, 2025, Pope Francis has strategically appointed a significant number of cardinals who align with his progressive vision for the Catholic Church, effectively stacking the College of Cardinals to ensure that his successor continues his left-leaning agenda. The article says that Pope Francis has effectively shifted the ideological balance of the voting body that will elect the next Pope through the record number of cardinals he has appointed. Many of his appointees share his views on social and theological issues, ensuring that when the time comes to choose his successor, the majority of voting cardinals will be inclined to elect someone who will carry forward Francis’ progressive legacy, making it highly unlikely that a conservative Pope will reclaim the Papacy in the immediate future.

The Gateway Pundit published the following:

• “Out of 138 Cardinals eligible to vote for the next Pope – under the age of 80 – no less than 110 were appointed by Pope Francis – about 80 percent.” [1]

• “With his appointments, he wants to ensure a process that produces a Pope that the Church needs for these times.” [1]

• “With so many members of the College of Cardinals appointed by him, ‘progressives’ are expected to easily have the numbers to overcome the conservatives.” [1]

According to the book Great Controversy, the papacy’s ultimate goal remains unchanged, regardless of who gets elected next—and that mission is to regain religious and political authority on a global scale and influence the nations, especially the United States, to enforce its doctrines, particularly Sunday observance. While different popes may adopt varying strategies—some emphasizing ecumenism, others reinforcing traditionalism—the underlying mission of the Vatican is steady and unwavering.

“The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. Catholicism is gaining ground upon every side” (Great Controversy, p. 565).

Here we are told that the Papacy is seeking to regain the temporal power and influence it held during the Middle Ages. Rome’s ultimate goal is to unite church and state under its authority by enforcing religious observance through civil power. Sister White also warns that the papacy aims to undermine religious freedom, impose its doctrines—especially Sunday worship over the biblical Sabbath—and eventually lead the world into a system of spiritual deception that opposes God’s truth.

“The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance” (Great Controversy, p. 592). 

This is the strategy that the Vatican is working on: Protestant America will form an image of the beast and will use its economic and political strength to impose the worship of the papacy, and all the world will get on board.

“The United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to the papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed … In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church” (Great Controversy, p. 578).

Rome’s influence is steadily strengthening across the world, particularly in American politics. Through its many agents, including Catholic and Evangelical politicians, the Papacy is subtly advancing its agenda, working to unite church and state under its moral authority. In the United States, Protestant churches and political leaders are increasingly aligning with the Catholic model of church-state partnerships on issues like prayer in public schools, family values, supporting Christian policies, and Sunday observance. 

As Ellen G. White warned, this growing religious awakening in our political systems is leading toward a time when Rome’s true purposes will be revealed—when laws enforcing its doctrines, especially Sunday sacredness, will be enacted under the guise of saving our Christian society, thus fulfilling prophecy and bringing the final crisis upon God’s faithful people.

Sources

[1] https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/02/pope-francis-stacked-college-cardinals-ensure-next-pontiff/

“America ‘Father’ of His Country” Stays Off Asia Affairs : Trump “Hands” the World to Seducer China

In the proud parade of nations,-princes, potentates, and powers,-which, since the gray dawn of the nineteenth century, have with serried ranks, in tramping column and marching file, maneuvered and deployed upon the grand plateau of human history, one, one only, and one alone,-the United States, has broken out her banners to the breezes, and nobly declared her right to a place in the galaxy of great world-powers because she stood for a priceless principle, eternal as the heavens. All others have stood upon might; this one, and this one alone, upon irresistible, impregnable right. The Perils of the Republic of The United States of America by Percy Magan Tilson, 1898
Adventist Angels Watchman Radio Live International 📻
The Atlantic

Michael Schuman

Wed, February 19, 2025 at 7:52 PM GMT+36 min read

261

American global leadership is ending. Not because of “American decline,” or the emergence of a multipolar world, or the actions of U.S. adversaries. It’s ending because President Donald Trump wants to end it.

[6] We have heard of the pride of Moab; he is very proud: even of his haughtiness, and his pride, and his wrath: but his lies shall not be so. [7] Therefore shall Moab howl for Moab, every one shall howl: for the foundations of Kirhareseth shall ye mourn; surely they are stricken.
Isaiah 16 : 6-7

What is the foundation of America’s Power?

Just about all of Trump’s policies, both at home and abroad, are rapidly destroying the foundation of American power. The main beneficiary will be the Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who has been planning for the moment when Washington stumbles and allows China to replace the United States as the world’s superpower. That Trump is willing to hand the world over to Xi—or doesn’t even realize that’s what he’s doing—shows that his myopic worldview, admiration for autocrats, and self-obsession are combining to threaten international security and, with it, America’s future.

The Bible was held as the foundation of faith, the source of wisdom, and the charter of liberty. Its principles were diligently taught in the home, in the school, and in the church, and its fruits were manifest in thrift, intelligence, purity, and temperance. One might be for years a dweller in the Puritan settlement, “and not see a drunkard, or hear an oath, or meet a beggar.”—Bancroft, pt. 1, ch. 19, par. 25. It was demonstrated that the principles of the Bible are the surest safeguards of national greatness. The feeble and isolated colonies grew to a confederation of powerful states, and the world marked with wonder the peace and prosperity of “a church without a pope, and a state without a king.” GC 296.3

Trump is choosing to retreat even though the U.S. has its adversaries on the back foot. President Joe Biden’s foreign policy was working. By supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion, Biden weakened Moscow so severely that President Vladimir Putin had to turn to North Korea for help. His backing of Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza undercut Iran’s influence in the Middle East. And Biden’s strengthening of the U.S. global-alliance system pressured and unnerved China as the world’s advanced democracies banded together against Xi and his plans to upset the world order.

Joe Prophecy Deception “Promised Land” a Saviour, Dream and Faith : Freed American hostage Marc Fogel lands in US after years in Russian captivity

Joe Deception “Promised Land” a Saviour, Dream and Faith : Freed American hostage Marc Fogel lands in US after years in Russian captivity

Fogel’s family thanked Trump and others who worked to secure his release.

“We are beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed that after more than three years of detention, our father, husband, and son, Marc Fogel, is finally coming home,” the family said in a statement.

[5] And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. [6] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts. [7] Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;
Zechariah 8 : 5-7

[David Frum: How Trump lost his trade war]

willingness to sacrifice Ukraine to Russia before formal negotiations even start.

Now Trump is voluntarily throwing away this hard-won leverage. The supposed master negotiator is signaling his willingness to sacrifice Ukraine to Russia before formal negotiations even start. Last week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called a restoration of Ukraine to its borders before Russia snatched Crimea in 2014 an “unrealistic objective,” indicating that the administration would accept a peace deal that allows Putin to keep part of the independent nation he invaded. Hegseth also rejected NATO membership for Ukraine—the possibility of which was Putin’s pretext for invading in the first place. That wouldn’t be a bad outcome for Putin after starting a brutal war and effectively losing it.

Don’t Expand Terrorist Label_Two-Edged Prophets Torment : Yemeni minister calls for arrest of Houthi officials attending Hezbollah ‘chief’ Nasrallah’s ‘funeral’

Don’t Expand Terrorist Label_Two-Edged Prophets Torment : Yemeni minister calls for arrest of Houthi officials attending Hezbollah ‘chief’ Nasrallah’s ‘funeral’

But the big winner from such a settlement will be China. Because China is Russia’s most important partner, any gains that Putin can salvage from his disastrous war forwards the two dictators’ global agenda. That’s why Xi is egging Trump on. Beijing has reportedly proposed holding a summit between Trump and Putin to resolve the Ukraine war. Then Chinese construction companies would try to swoop in and earn a fortune rebuilding a shattered Ukraine, which Xi helped Putin destroy by supporting Russia’s sanctions-plagued economy.

More than that, Xi certainly realizes that Trump’s pandering to Putin offers Xi a chance to break up the Atlantic alliance and entrench Chinese influence in Europe. Vice President J. D. Vance blasted European allies at last week’s Munich Security Conference for marginalizing extremist right-wing political parties, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took the opportunity to present Xi as the anti-Trump. “China will surely be a factor of certainty in this multipolar system and strive to be a steadfast constructive force in a changing world,” he told the attendees.

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European leaders are not likely to have forgotten that Xi enabled Putin’s war in Ukraine. But if Trump won’t guarantee European security, Xi may well seize the opportunity to expand Chinese power by offering to step into the breach. Xi could make the case that he is able to rein in Putin, protect Ukraine, and preserve stability in Europe. That promise could well be an empty one; Xi may not be willing or even able to restrain an emboldened Putin. Still, abandoned by Washington, European leaders may hold their collective noses and look to Xi to keep the peace.

China “would start replacing the U.S. in the role of keeping Russia out of the Eastern Flank,” Gabrielius Landsbergis, the former Lithuanian foreign minister, recently posted on X. European Union members “in the East would be dependent on China’s protection and the racketeering would spread West.”

Trump is handing Xi other opportunities, too. By withdrawing from the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Rights Council, the U.S. is clearing the field for China to make the UN system an instrument of its global power. Dismantling USAID makes China all the more indispensable to the developing world. Trump’s bizarre plan to deport Palestinians from Gaza will be a boon to Xi in the Middle East, a region China considers vital to its interests. Even the U.S. suspension of federal financial support for electric vehicles helps Xi by hampering American automakers in a sector Beijing seeks to dominate. China may see American retrenchment as an invitation to take more aggressive actions in pursuit of its interests—in Taiwan, but also toward other U.S. allies in Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Trump apparently assumes that he can keep Xi in check with tariffs. He imposed new duties on Chinese imports earlier this month. But Xi doesn’t seem particularly bothered. Beijing retaliated, but with little more than a face-saving gesture. The reciprocal tariffs covered a mere tenth of U.S. imports. Why fuss about a few shipments of stuffed toys when you can take over the world?

In the proud parade of nations,-princes, potentates, and powers,-which, since the gray dawn of the nineteenth century, have with serried ranks, in tramping column and marching file, maneuvered and deployed upon the grand plateau of human history, one, one only, and one alone,-the United States, has broken out her banners to the breezes, and nobly declared her right to a place in the galaxy of great world-powers because she stood for a priceless principle, eternal as the heavens. All others have stood upon might; this one, and this one alone, upon irresistible, impregnable right.

On the folds of the flag of Columbia have been woven in glittering strands, “By the laws of nature and of nature’s God, to establish justice.” Her silver stars have shone forth like ambassadors of better things from the blue dome of the goodly land beyond. In the breasts of her freemen has burned the sacred flame of “liberty for all mankind.” This flame has partaken, of the nature of the cloven tongues of fire which once rested upon the apostles of our Lord. It has gone forth and attracted tens of thousands of the oppressed, yet still the best and blest of every nation, kindred, tongue, and tribe. The Perils of the Republic of The United States of America by Percy Maga Tilson, 1898

The damage to American global standing could be irreparable. The hope now is that the major democracies of Europe and Asia—France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom—will stop up the power vacuum Trump is creating and keep China out of it. European leaders do not have to abide by whatever deal Trump cooks up with Putin for Ukraine. They could hold firm, continue the war, and wait for a new administration in Washington to reaffirm U.S. security commitments. But the course is risky, because erstwhile U.S. allies can’t assume that Washington will ever reestablish global leadership, or that if it does, the promises of future presidents will endure. That uncertainty may compel the allied democracies to make accommodations with China as best they can.

[Quico Toro: Trump’s Colombia spat is a gift to China]

Trump’s administration may be seeking to settle matters with Putin in order then to concentrate limited U.S. resources on confronting China. But this course may succeed only in making China more difficult to contend with, because America will be forced to do so without its traditional allies by its side.

Trust, once lost, is difficult to restore. Trump’s premise seems to be that what happens in Europe and Asia is of little consequence to the United States. Vance invoked Catholic theology (erroneously, according to Pope Francis) to justify a hierarchy of concern that places caring for U.S. citizens ahead of the rest of the world. But what, exactly, is best for Americans?

Trump may be right that other powers should do more to take care of their own affairs. But Americans know as well as anyone that what happens in the far-flung corners of the world—whether in Europe in the 1930s and ’40s or in Afghanistan at the turn of the 21st century—can and often does affect them, even dragging them into conflicts they do not want to fight. That doesn’t mean Washington must police every dispute. But by ceding global leadership to authoritarian China, Trump is creating a world that will almost certainly be hostile to the United States, its prosperity, and its people.

Article originally published at The Atlantic