🌍 The Beauty of Being Different Ever think about what the world would look like if we all became the same? Same color. Same culture. Same faith. Same language. Same everything. Imagine 50 years from now — the whole planet a giant melting pot. No more borders of belief. No more colors of culture. No more clash of views. Just… sameness. You fly from New York to Nigeria — and it looks just like Queens. You go from Tokyo to Toronto — and it’s the same faces, same stores, same vibe. You walk through Paris, and it’s no different than Portland. No accents. No spices. No ancient songs. No sacred symbols. Now ask yourself: What’s the point of living in a world like that? We weren’t made to be copies. We were made to see things differently. To worship differently. To love differently. To argue, to inspire, to paint with different colors — and still find meaning in each other. Difference isn’t division. It’s design. And it’s the one thing worth protecting.

🙏 Carlo Acutis to Become First Millennial Saint on September 7 Carlo Acutis, an Italian teen who died in 2006, will officially be canonized as the first millennial saint by the Catholic Church this September. Known for using his tech skills to catalog Eucharistic miracles online, his digital faith and devotion left a lasting legacy. The ceremony will take place in Rome on September 7, 2025. #CarloAcutis #MillennialSaint #CatholicChurch #Vatican #FaithAndTechnology #Canonization https://www.aol.com/news/italian-teenager-carlo-acutis-become-095430391.html

🙏 Four Things to Remember Today—No Matter What You're Facing God will make a way for you. God will fight for you. Prayer is the most powerful solution. Trust God's timing—it’s always perfect. When life feels overwhelming, don’t panic. Pray. Wait. Trust. Move in faith. He hasn’t forgotten you. 📢 If you believe in Him and aren’t ashamed, share this message. Watch what happens next in your life. 🕊️ Say it loud—or whisper it twice: Amen. #FaithFirst #GodIsGood #TrustHisTiming #BETTRLife #PrayerWorks #TheRightOne #JSA2026

🕊️ JD Vance Reacts to Robert Prevost Becoming Pope Leo XIV Senator JD Vance offered praise and cautious optimism following the elevation of Cardinal Robert Prevost to Pope Leo XIV. Vance noted the potential for a renewed focus on tradition, moral clarity, and the Church’s role in modern society, saying, “Let’s hope this signals a spiritual revival, not just a symbolic transition.” Prevost’s appointment has already sparked debate about the future direction of the Vatican. #PopeLeoXIV #JDVance #VaticanNews #CatholicChurch #FaithAndPolitics #BETTRFaith https://www.newsweek.com/vice-president-jd-vance-reacts-robert-prevost-pope-leo-2069807

🇺🇸 First American Pope Named: Trump, Vance & World Leaders React to Pope Leo XIV In a historic moment, Cardinal Robert Prevost has been named Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born Pontiff in Catholic history. Reactions are pouring in across the globe. Donald Trump congratulated the new Pope, calling the appointment “a turning point for Christian leadership worldwide.” JD Vance emphasized the hope for “moral clarity and spiritual revival.” Other leaders and faith groups are weighing in as the Vatican ushers in a new chapter. Stay tuned for live updates on reactions, implications, and what this means for the global Church. #PopeLeoXIV #FirstAmericanPope #Vatican #Trump #JDVance #FaithNews #BETTRFaith https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2025/05/08/first-american-pope-named-trump-rubio-congratulate-robert-francis-prevosts-election-as-pope-leo-xiv-live-updates/

🚜 From Public School to Farm School: One Teacher’s Leap of Faith Builds a New Christian Education Movement 📚✝️ After 23 years in public education, Dennita Miskimen walked away from her career — leaving behind a steady paycheck, pension, and job security. Why? To answer a higher calling. 🙏 She founded The Little Red Schoolhouse at The Red Barn Farm in Virginia, a one-room, faith-based school where students learn not only academics, but also hard work, stewardship, and God's design for life. 🌾📖 ✅ Christ-centered education ✅ Hands-on farming experience ✅ Traditional academics with a BETTR foundation Driven by overwhelming demand, Dennita created the Red Schoolhouse Network to help others start their own Christian schools — offering full step-by-step training, legal guidance, curriculum advice, and community support. 🛠️ If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a school that honors faith, family, and freedom, the time is now. The tools are here. And you're not alone. 🔗 Learn more about her story and how to start your own school here: https://seminar.redschoolhousenetwork.com #FaithBasedEducation #ChristianSchools #SchoolChoice #HomeschoolAlternative #ChristianLeadership #BoldEducation #FarmSchool #BETTRFuture #EducationReform #StartASchool

🕊️ Who Will Be the Next Pope? Top Contenders Emerge as Conclave Nears With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal crossroads. The upcoming conclave, set to begin between May 6 and May 11, will see 135 cardinal electors convene to choose the next pontiff—a decision that will shape the Church's direction for decades to come.​ 🌍 Leading Papal Contenders 1. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines) Often referred to as the "Asian Francis," Tagle is known for his pastoral approach and emphasis on social justice. His potential election would mark the first Asian pope, reflecting the Church's growth in Asia. ​ 2. Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy) As the Vatican's Secretary of State since 2013, Parolin is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Church governance. He is viewed as a moderate, capable of bridging divides within the Church. ​ Reuters 3. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy) The Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Zuppi is recognized for his work in peace mediation and social issues. He embodies a progressive vision aligned with Francis's legacy. ​ 4. Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary) A prominent conservative voice, Erdő is the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest. His election would signal a shift towards traditionalism within the Church. ​ 5. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa (Italy) Serving as the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pizzaballa has been noted for his efforts in interfaith dialogue and his leadership in the Holy Land. His election could emphasize the Church's commitment to peace in the Middle East. ​ 📣 JSA2026 Campaign Perspective “The conclave's decision will not only influence the spiritual direction of over a billion Catholics but also impact global discussions on morality, justice, and human dignity. As the Church selects its next leader, we hope for a pontiff who upholds the timeless truths while engaging compassionately with contemporary challenges.” #PapalConclave2025 #NextPope #CatholicChurch #VaticanNews #JSA2026 #BETTRNews #GlobalFaith #ChurchLeadership #PopeFrancisLegacy https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/04/21/these-cardinals-are-the-top-candidates-to-succeed-pope-francis/?utm_source=ForbesMainFacebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialflowForbesMainFB&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR64_nc4J93mM1Wy5Zj6ygv_7zb2QtcTkyNO5IpdKABfBahDGXcgGKtw5Qwx0Q_aem_pQiIUsbfYdjLKRuSeXv0tw

🌍 Global Leaders Pay Tribute to Pope Francis Political and religious figures worldwide are offering prayers and praise for Pope Francis, recognizing his continued efforts to promote peace, unity, and compassion across borders and faiths. From presidents to patriarchs, the messages pouring in reflect the Pope’s lasting influence on both global diplomacy and spiritual leadership. As the Vatican faces modern challenges, the world watches with reverence — proving once again that true leadership transcends titles and borders. #PopeFrancis #Vatican #WorldLeaders #FaithAndPolitics #GlobalUnity #BETTRNews #SpiritualLeadership #CatholicChurch 🔗 Full story: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256248/world-leaders-pay-tribute-to-pope-francis https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/21/political-and-religious-leaders-world-pay-tribute-to-pope-francis

🏚️ BETTR Newswire | States Where Homelessness Has Skyrocketed 90%+ Since 2000 — And What They Have in Common Homelessness isn’t just a big-city problem—it’s a systemic crisis. Since 2000, multiple U.S. states have seen homelessness increase by 90% or more, with some exceeding 200% growth. Despite varied geography, these states share common policy patterns—and failures. 📈 States with Homelessness Increases Over 90% Since 2000: 📍New York: +175% Sheltered homelessness in NYC alone jumped from 22,955 in 2000 to over 63,000 in 2020. Major driver: lack of affordable housing, failed shelter expansion, and mass migration to cities like NYC. 📍California: +110% Homelessness has more than doubled since 2000, with over 180,000 now unsheltered. High taxes, housing shortages, and permissive street camping laws worsened the crisis. 📍North Dakota: +200% The oil boom brought a flood of workers and zero housing prep. Rents spiked, and towns became overwhelmed with newly homeless individuals unable to keep up with costs. 📍Colorado: +145% Legal marijuana, high cost of living, and unaffordable Denver housing triggered a massive increase. Tourism-fueled migration added pressure to shelters and services. 📍Rhode Island: +120% Affordable housing loss, state inaction, and service gaps led to a doubling of the homeless population, especially in Providence. 📍Vermont: +100% A small state with big shelter limitations. Rising rent, rural isolation, and a lack of detox and mental health programs fueled the surge. 📍Illinois: +90% Public housing failures, urban decline in Chicago, and collapsing middle-class jobs led to nearly doubling the homeless rate across the state. 🧩 What These States Have in Common: Democrat-Dominated Governance Most are run by progressive policymakers who talk compassion but often block effective housing expansion and enforcement. Housing Supply Failure Over-regulation, restrictive zoning, and anti-development politics have created a chokehold on affordable housing supply. Sanctuary Policies + Lax Enforcement Cities welcome migrants but lack scalable services. Public drug use and tent cities are tolerated, worsening urban decay. Mental Health and Addiction Gaps Many of these states closed or cut back inpatient care, detox centers, and long-term rehab—leaving vulnerable populations on the streets. 💬 BETTR Ideas for BETTR Results Mandate state-level audits of all homeless spending Incentivize fast-build modular housing Expand faith-based & community shelter networks Empower localities to enforce public space use laws while increasing treatment access Enough with the photo ops. It’s time for real results. #Homelessness #HousingCrisis #UrbanPolicyFailure #NewYork #California #Illinois #Colorado #Vermont #RhodeIsland #NorthDakota #BETTRSolutions #FixTheSystem #2026Governor 📅 April 21, 2025 https://www.security.org/resources/homeless-statistics/

🕊️ Pope Francis Dies at 88 — A BETTR Legacy of Unity, Compassion, and Reform VATICAN CITY — April 21, 2025 – Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away early Easter Monday at the age of 88. His death, confirmed by the Vatican’s Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, marks the end of a historic 12-year papacy that reshaped global perceptions of the Catholic Church. Appointed as the 266th pope in 2013, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and a champion of progressive values, often focusing on issues like climate change, poverty, tech ethics, LGBTQ+ rights, and spiritual renewal in a digital age. Despite health setbacks—including pneumonia and kidney failure earlier this year—Francis delivered his final public blessing on Easter Sunday. He died peacefully the following morning at his residence in Casa Santa Marta. 🌍 Global Reactions Pour In Leaders from around the world expressed condolences: French President Emmanuel Macron praised Francis’s “humility and advocacy for the vulnerable.” EU President Ursula von der Leyen called him “a spiritual beacon beyond faith lines.” Italy declared a national day of mourning, and Serie A postponed matches in his honor. 🕯️ A Time for Reflection and Renewal With the Vatican now in sede vacante, a new papal conclave is set to begin between May 6–11, 2025. 135 cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope—one who will be tasked with continuing the spiritual, social, and technological conversations Pope Francis boldly opened. Francis leaves behind a global movement of believers and skeptics alike, united by a shared respect for his message of love over division, faith over fear, and purpose over politics. 🔎 #PopeFrancis #VaticanNews #BETTRNewswire #CatholicChurch #Faith #Legacy #Conclave2025 #PopeDies #JesuitPope #BETTRFaith #GlobalUnity 📰 Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/pope-francis-dead-obituary-2025-4 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-04/pope-francis-dies-on-easter-monday-aged-88.html ––– 📢 BETTR is where history is documented with integrity and reach. ✅ Join Free or unlock premium access with BETTR+ for just $3/month. 🌐 www.bettrsm.com 📅 Posted: April 21, 2025 📞 Contact: (516) 586-0660 📧 Email: contact@bettr.community

🐣✝️ Easter Falls on 4/20 in 2025 — A Holy Day with a High Twist? Mark your calendars: Easter Sunday 2025 lands on April 20th—also known as 4/20, the unofficial cannabis holiday. This rare overlap is already sparking buzz online, with some calling it a “collision of resurrection and reefer,” while others see it as a divine reminder to reflect, reset, and maybe even relax. From church pews to CBD brunches, America’s celebrating this one-of-a-kind Sunday in ways no calendar could have predicted. 🙏🌿 Faith and freedom—2025’s got both. #Easter2025 #420Easter #FaithAndFreedom #HolyHighDay #ResurrectionSunday #WeedCulture #BETTRNews #AmericanTradition #SundayBest 🔗 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/04/16/easter-2025-lands-on-april-20-heres-why-its-rare/73382777007/

🌞 Totus Tuus Summer Camp Opens for Catholic Youth The Diocese of Venice has opened applications for its Totus Tuus summer mission program—calling on young adults to teach and inspire kids in faith and fellowship. #TotusTuus #CatholicYouth #FaithInAction #BETTRNews 🔗 https://dioceseofvenice.org/news-briefs-for-the-week-of-april-18-2025