🙏 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

🕊️ Trump and Putin Talk Peace — But Kremlin Rejects Ceasefire Request On May 19, 2025, former President Donald Trump held a two-hour phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an effort to negotiate an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. While Trump called the conversation “excellent” and proposed Vatican-hosted peace talks, the Kremlin flatly refused to pause its military operations. Putin insisted that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions and continued Western military support must be addressed before any ceasefire is possible. This hardline stance dampened hopes of progress — even as Ukraine expressed openness to unconditional peace. Meanwhile, Trump signaled that if negotiations stall, the U.S. may withdraw from its mediator role — a move that has sparked concern among European allies and Kyiv alike. Summary: – Trump proposes peace via Vatican-hosted talks – Putin says “not yet” on ceasefire – Kremlin demands include NATO withdrawal and territorial concessions – Ukraine says Russia is stalling to buy time – U.S. threatens to step back from mediation if progress stalls Hashtags: #UkraineWar #TrumpPutinCall #CeasefireNow #PeaceTalks #Geopolitics #RussiaUkraine #JSA2026 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/trump-and-putin-hold-phone-call-but-kremlin-refuses-ukraine-ceasefire

🕊️ 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/

⛪ 2025 Papal Conclave Begins: Black Smoke Signals No New Pope in First Vote The 2025 papal conclave officially opened at the Vatican on May 7 following the passing of Pope Francis. After the first round of voting, black smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel chimney—indicating that no candidate secured the two-thirds majority required to become the next pope. With 133 cardinal electors from over 70 nations, this is the largest and most globally diverse conclave in Church history. Voting continues daily until white smoke appears, signaling the election of the new pontiff. #PapalConclave2025 #Vatican #BlackSmoke #CatholicChurch #PopeElection #BETTRNews https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/conclave-2025-to-pick-new-pope-day-1/

📰 Trump Expresses Doubts About Putin’s Willingness to End Ukraine War After Previously Suggesting Deal Was Near President Donald Trump has voiced skepticism over Vladimir Putin’s intentions to end the Ukraine conflict, just one day after stating that a peace deal was close. Following a productive meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Trump cited new Russian attacks on civilians as evidence that Putin may not be serious about peace. #Trump #Putin #Ukraine #Russia #PeaceTalks #BETTRNewswirehttps://apnews.com/article/trump-russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-funeral-francis-vatican-7b3b3e6e194e7099e5463d1f23b5f3cf

🕊️ 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

🕊️ 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