In early July, the funeral was held for the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint attack in February by Israel and the United States. The event lasted six days and included mass demonstrations in multiple cities prior to the actual funeral ceremony itself.

He had ruled with an iron fist since the deposition or the Shah in 1979. At that time staff of the US Embassy were held hostage for months until the Inauguration of Ronald Reagan. Jimmy Carter blamed that on his loss for a second term.

Iran is a theocracy. That’s more than just a joint administration of religious and government leaders. The religious leaders not only rule the mosques but also all of the government agencies and military with absolute authority. Prior to the joint attack in February, the US had promoted the idea of a grassroots revolt that would remove the government. Thousands of people marched in the streets only to be slaughtered when the US did nothing to support them.

In Catholic Tradition and Theology, the Pope issues statements discussing a variety of topics about the official position of the Catholic Church. These are called encyclicals. Recently he issued an official statement regarding Artificial Intelligence.

In Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), officially released on May 25, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivers a clear moral framework for the digital age. Rather than providing a rigid regulatory blueprint, the encyclical applies the principles of Catholic Social Teaching to establish a series of non-negotiable ethical guidelines for AI development and governance.

BLASPHEMY! I can think of no better word to describe the social media appearance of the President in the form of Jesus Christ. Explanations are nothing but double talk. That barely exceeded the scene when the Vice-President, who is a Catholic, argues theology with the Pope. As the sacred head of the church, The Pope is the final authority in questions of faith and theology. I am a Methodist, but I can’t imagine a public debate with a Bishop, who is several ranks down the pecking order.

Is religion just about negatives? That’s not the way Jesus portrays himself and his commandment. We are to spread the Good News and to share it gracefully with humility and not with arrogance.