lifesitenews--2020-01-31--Google censors conservatives to appease left-wing pressure, docs reveal

January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Internet giant Google has long faced accusations of bias against conservatives , and an upcoming book cites documents confirming that it takes action against right-wing content in direct response to complaints from left-wing activists .
Daily Caller senior investigative reporter Peter Hasson is the author of the The Manipulators : Facebook , Google , Twitter , and Big Tech 's War on Conservatives , which will be released next week .
This week , The Federalist published an excerpt from the book , focusing on emails Hasson obtained that shed further light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One email exchange starts with a reporter from The Guardian writing to a Google public-relations representative about several YouTube videos that the far-left Southern Poverty Law Center ( SPLC ) had flagged as objectionable , including one “ satirizing sex differences.
” Hasson writes that Google ’ s spokeswoman reacted with “ snap decisions ” in “ direct response to media inquiries , ” in order to demonetize the videos .
“ That ’ s not how the process is supposed to work — and it is certainly not how Google says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Public relations representatives are supposed to explain the censorship process , not dictate it to please liberal reporters .
The exchange also highlights how left-wing interest groups with an egregious track record of dishonesty ( like the SPLC ) partner with liberal reporters to pressure big tech to censor right-of-center voices.
” He goes on to note that there ’ s a profound double standard at play , as Google simultaneously promotes left-wing messages via its Creators for Change program , which supports left-wing personalities on YouTube .
Some of the beneficiaries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the September 11 , 2001 attacks on the United States were an “ inside job ” ; anti-Israel activist Subhi Taha ; and open-borders activist Yasmany Del Real .
Conservatives have long been wary of YouTube due to recurring cases of apparent left-wing discrimination by the video giant and its parent company Google .
YouTube has deleted investigation footage from pro-life group Live Action , censored discussion of transgenderism and mental illness , restricted educational videos from conservative pundit Dennis Prager on false “ mature content ” pretenses , and more .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe you don ’ t .
That ’ s not the point , ” Hasson argues .
“ These are the kind of videos you might expect from a left-wing advocacy group or media outlet .
They are not the kind of videos that a politically neutral company produces .
”

January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Internet giant Google has long faced accusations of bias against conservatives, and an upcoming book cites documents confirming that it takes action against right-wing content in direct response to complaints from left-wing activists.
Daily Caller senior investigative reporter Peter Hasson is the author of the The Manipulators: Facebook, Google, Twitter, and Big Tech's War on Conservatives, which will be released next week. This week, The Federalist published an excerpt from the book, focusing on emails Hasson obtained that shed further light on how Google makes such decisions.
One email exchange starts with a reporter from The Guardian writing to a Google public-relations representative about several YouTube videos that the far-left Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) had flagged as objectionable, including one “satirizing sex differences.” Hasson writes that Google’s spokeswoman reacted with “snap decisions” in “direct response to media inquiries,” in order to demonetize the videos.
“That’s not how the process is supposed to work — and it is certainly not how Google says the process works,” Hasson argues. “Public relations representatives are supposed to explain the censorship process, not dictate it to please liberal reporters. The exchange also highlights how left-wing interest groups with an egregious track record of dishonesty (like the SPLC) partner with liberal reporters to pressure big tech to censor right-of-center voices.”
He goes on to note that there’s a profound double standard at play, as Google simultaneously promotes left-wing messages via its Creators for Change program, which supports left-wing personalities on YouTube.
Some of the beneficiaries include Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, who has claimed the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States were an “inside job”; anti-Israel activist Subhi Taha; and open-borders activist Yasmany Del Real.
Conservatives have long been wary of YouTube due to recurring cases of apparent left-wing discrimination by the video giant and its parent company Google. YouTube has deleted investigation footage from pro-life group Live Action, censored discussion of transgenderism and mental illness, restricted educational videos from conservative pundit Dennis Prager on false “mature content” pretenses, and more.
“Maybe you agree with those messages; maybe you don’t. That’s not the point,” Hasson argues. “These are the kind of videos you might expect from a left-wing advocacy group or media outlet. They are not the kind of videos that a politically neutral company produces.”
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lifesitenews--2020-01-31--Church of England apologizes for saying sex only for heterosexual married couples

CANTERBURY , England , January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― The leaders of the Church of England have apologized for saying that sex is only for heterosexual married couples .
In a statement released yesterday , the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury , Dr. Justin Welby , and the Anglican Archbishop of York , Dr. John Sentamu , stated : We as Archbishops , alongside the bishops of the Church of England , apologise and take responsibility for releasing a statement last week which we acknowledge has jeopardised trust .
We are very sorry and recognise the division and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting of the College of Bishops of the Church of England this week we continued our commitment to the Living in Love and Faith project which is about questions of human identity , sexuality and marriage .
This process is intended to help us all to build bridges that will enable the difficult conversations that are necessary as , together , we discern the way forward for the Church of England .
Last week the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion surprised the world by issuing a pastoral statement that professed faith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of marriage .
The Church of England stated that the legal recognition of same-sex “ marriage ” in 2013 meant “ for the first time … that a substantive gap emerged between the Church ’ s understanding of marriage and that of the State.
” “ It has always been the position of the Church of England that marriage is a creation ordinance , a gift of God in creation and a means of his grace , ” it explained .
“ Marriage , defined as a faithful , committed , permanent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman making a public commitment to each other , is central to the stability and health of human society , ” it continued .
“ We believe that it continues to provide the best context for the raising of children , although it is not the only context that can be of benefit to children , especially where the alternative may be long periods in institutional care.
” The Church of England then referred to its own Book of Common Prayer to explain why it teaches that “ sexual intercourse ... properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church of England ’ s teaching is classically summarised in The Book of Common Prayer , where the marriage service lists the causes for which marriage was ordained , namely : ‘ for the procreation of children , ... for a remedy against sin [ and ] ... .
for the mutual society , help , and comfort that the one ought to have of the other , ’ ” it proclaimed .
“ In the light of this understanding the Church of England teaches that ‘ sexual intercourse , as an expression @ @ @ @ @ @ @ marriage exclusively ’ ... .
Sexual relationships outside heterosexual marriage are regarded as falling short of God ’ s purposes for human beings.
” After the document was issued , the bishops found themselves assailed in the press by LGBT activists , the National Secular Society , and dissenting Anglicans .
“ I am a lifelong member of the Anglican communion , ” said a Dundee-based contributor to the UK ’ s left-wing Guardian .
“ My current situation in life is that I am happily married – have been for over 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also a lifelong member of the Anglican communion , ” he continued .
“ However , in 2014 I transitioned , and changed from my birth gender , as a man , to my present gender , as a woman .
Just for clarity , then , I would be interested to know whether the Church of England ’ s latest teaching [ sic ] says that my marital relationship with my wife is problematic because we are both women ?
Or whether it says that I am ‘ not really a woman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any rate is quite unproblematic ?
” Having offended those who do not believe the perennial Christian doctrine that sexual intercourse “ properly belongs ” exclusively to heterosexual marriage , the Church of England has now offended its members who do with its apology .
Andrea Williams , a lay General Synod member in the Church of England , stated in a press release that she was surprised by the apology and found it “ astonishing.
” “ An apology should only be made when you have done something wrong , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also the executive director of Christian Concern , an Evangelical advocacy group , stated that the bishops are in the “ ridiculous position ” of appearing to be “ sorry for the offence caused by proclaiming the doctrine of marriage.
” “ Marriage is a beautiful gift of God for the benefit of society and for the raising of families , ” she continued .
“ It is the bishops ’ job to discipline clergy who deliberately and openly promote and practise sex outside marriage .
To instead apologise for jeopardising trust and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fail to give broken people the liberating hope they need – found only in Jesus and his truth.
” Williams added that marriage is not “ something to be apologised for ” but to “ be celebrated and upheld by our Bishops.
” “ It is tragic that the Archbishops are apologising for clearly stating the doctrine of marriage .
They should be clear and unashamed about what marriage is and how it is the best foundation for a vibrant and flourishing society , ” she continued .
“ Marriage is good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exactly what the House of Bishops should be championing.
” Cardinal John Fisher , the Bishop of Rochester , was beheaded in 1535 for his unapologetic faith in the sanctity of marriage .

'We are very sorry and recognise the division and hurt this has caused.'
CANTERBURY, England, January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― The leaders of the Church of England have apologized for saying that sex is only for heterosexual married couples.
In a statement released yesterday, the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Justin Welby, and the Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, stated:
We as Archbishops, alongside the bishops of the Church of England, apologise and take responsibility for releasing a statement last week which we acknowledge has jeopardised trust. We are very sorry and recognise the division and hurt this has caused. At our meeting of the College of Bishops of the Church of England this week we continued our commitment to the Living in Love and Faith project which is about questions of human identity, sexuality and marriage. This process is intended to help us all to build bridges that will enable the difficult conversations that are necessary as, together, we discern the way forward for the Church of England.
Last week the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion surprised the world by issuing a pastoral statement that professed faith in the traditional, Scripture-based, Christian definition of marriage.
The Church of England stated that the legal recognition of same-sex “marriage” in 2013 meant “for the first time … that a substantive gap emerged between the Church’s understanding of marriage and that of the State.”
“It has always been the position of the Church of England that marriage is a creation ordinance, a gift of God in creation and a means of his grace,” it explained.
“Marriage, defined as a faithful, committed, permanent and legally sanctioned relationship between a man and a woman making a public commitment to each other, is central to the stability and health of human society,” it continued.
“We believe that it continues to provide the best context for the raising of children, although it is not the only context that can be of benefit to children, especially where the alternative may be long periods in institutional care.”
The Church of England then referred to its own Book of Common Prayer to explain why it teaches that “sexual intercourse…properly belongs within marriage exclusively.”
“The Church of England’s teaching is classically summarised in The Book of Common Prayer, where the marriage service lists the causes for which marriage was ordained, namely: ‘for the procreation of children, …for a remedy against sin [and]…. for the mutual society, help, and comfort that the one ought to have of the other,’” it proclaimed.
“In the light of this understanding the Church of England teaches that ‘sexual intercourse, as an expression of faithful intimacy, properly belongs within marriage exclusively’ … . Sexual relationships outside heterosexual marriage are regarded as falling short of God’s purposes for human beings.”
After the document was issued, the bishops found themselves assailed in the press by LGBT activists, the National Secular Society, and dissenting Anglicans.
“I am a lifelong member of the Anglican communion,” said a Dundee-based contributor to the UK’s left-wing Guardian.
“My current situation in life is that I am happily married – have been for over 30 years – to a woman who is also a lifelong member of the Anglican communion,” he continued.
“However, in 2014 I transitioned, and changed from my birth gender, as a man, to my present gender, as a woman. Just for clarity, then, I would be interested to know whether the Church of England’s latest teaching [sic] says that my marital relationship with my wife is problematic because we are both women? Or whether it says that I am ‘not really a woman’, and so my marital relationship at any rate is quite unproblematic?”
Having offended those who do not believe the perennial Christian doctrine that sexual intercourse “properly belongs” exclusively to heterosexual marriage, the Church of England has now offended its members who do with its apology.
Andrea Williams, a lay General Synod member in the Church of England, stated in a press release that she was surprised by the apology and found it “astonishing.”
“An apology should only be made when you have done something wrong,” she wrote.
Williams, who is also the executive director of Christian Concern, an Evangelical advocacy group, stated that the bishops are in the “ridiculous position” of appearing to be “sorry for the offence caused by proclaiming the doctrine of marriage.”
“Marriage is a beautiful gift of God for the benefit of society and for the raising of families,” she continued.
“It is the bishops’ job to discipline clergy who deliberately and openly promote and practise sex outside marriage. To instead apologise for jeopardising trust and the ‘hurt’ this caused is to fail to give broken people the liberating hope they need – found only in Jesus and his truth.”
Williams added that marriage is not “something to be apologised for” but to “be celebrated and upheld by our Bishops.”
“It is tragic that the Archbishops are apologising for clearly stating the doctrine of marriage. They should be clear and unashamed about what marriage is and how it is the best foundation for a vibrant and flourishing society,” she continued.
“Marriage is good for men, women and children and exactly what the House of Bishops should be championing.”
Cardinal John Fisher, the Bishop of Rochester, was beheaded in 1535 for his unapologetic faith in the sanctity of marriage.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-31--Fr. James Martin: ‘Church must stop firing married LGBT people’

NEW YORK , January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) ― An LGBT activist priest has issued a new video in which he criticized the Catholic Church for dismissing employees who contract same-sex “ marriages.
” Fr .
James Martin , S.J , 59 , discusses his beliefs concerning the Catholic faith and homosexuality on this week ’ s video .
“ In the US , the Church must stop firing married [ sic ] LGBT people from their positions in Catholic institutions , ” the Catholic priest said .
“ Because if you ’ re going to fire people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include a lot more than just married [ sic ] LGBT people , ” Martin continued .
There have been a number of high profile cases in the United States involving Catholic Church employees who publicly rejected her teaching on marriage by contracting same-sex civil “ marriages.
” Last June , Indiana Archbishop Charles Thompson stripped a Jesuit-run school of its Catholic label after the school refused the archbishop ’ s directive that it not renew a teacher ’ s contract who had ‘ married ’ a same-sex partner .
The Archbishop stated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bear witness to Christ , whether they teach religion or not , ” all teachers “ in their professional and private lives must convey and be supportive of Catholic Church teaching.
” In 2016 , the former head of a Catholic assisted-living center in Richmond , Virginia sued the Saint Francis Home for dismissing him when he disclosed that he was “ married ” to a man .
A diocesan spokeswoman said at the time that “ as a Catholic organization , we expect the employees of the diocese and its ministries to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truths of the Catholic faith , including those preserving the sanctity of marriage.
” In 2015 , the director of education of a Catholic school in Philadelphia was dismissed allegedly because she had been “ married ” to another woman for eight years .
The morality standards for the local Archdiocese stated that it has “ the sole right and duty to operate its school system in accordance with the philosophy of Christian education , the doctrines , laws , and norms of the Catholic Church , ” and leave the possibility of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and public immorality and/or public rejection of official doctrine or laws of the Church.
” In these cases , what was at stake was not that the employees experienced same-sex attractions but that they had publicly violated the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage .
The Catholic Church does not recognize legal arrangements between same-sex couples as marriage .
Marriage , according to the Catholic Church , is a sacred covenant between one woman and one man for life , established for the procreation of children and the good of the couple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christians is a sacrament , which is defined as an “ efficacious [ sign ] of grace , instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church , by which divine life is dispensed to us ” ( CCC 1131 ) .
The Catholic Church , moreover , teaches that homosexual acts are “ acts of grave depravity ” and “ intrinsically disordered ” because they are “ contrary to the natural law ” in that they “ close the sexual act to the gift of life.
” The Church also teaches that same-sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is contrary to God ’ s design for human sexuality .
In a 1986 letter to bishops about how to care for persons with same-sex attraction , the Church stated that “ special concern and pastoral attention should be directed toward those who have this condition , lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option .
It is not.
” Moreover , in a 2003 document about whether same-sex civil unions were supportable , the Church clarified that “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions.
” In his video , Martin also decried bishops who are opposed to the decriminalization of homosexuality .
“ Worldwide the Church needs to look at countries where LGBT people are routinely beaten , arrested , and executed , ” he said .
“ In 70 countries , same-sex [ sexual ] relations are illegal , and in six countries you can be executed for engaging in them , ” he continued .
“ So in these places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tragically , some Catholic bishops have supported these repressive laws .
Thus the decriminalization of homosexuality is an important measure for the Church to support.
” The Catholic Church has come under fire by other LGBT activists for not supporting decriminalization .
In 2008 , Archbishop Celestino Migliore , then the Vatican ’ s permanent observer at the United Nations , explained a U.N. resolution aimed at this goal could result in pressure to implement same-sex “ marriage.
” According to Reuters , then-Vatican media chief Fr .
Federico Lombardi said at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ penalty or jail or fines for homosexuals ” but pointed out that fewer than 50 states had “ adhered to the proposal in question.
” More than 150 had not .
Throughout his presentation , Fr .
Martin referred to same-sex attracted Catholics as if they were a group semi-detached from the Church , defined predominantly by their sexual inclinations .
He spoke as if these Catholics are routinely ignored , suggesting that listening to them would be a “ brand new ” step for the Church .
In reality , there has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with same-sex attractions since Fr .
John F. Harvey founded his Courage Apostolate in1980 .
Courage International now ministers in at least 18 countries .
Meanwhile , Fr .
Martin suggested that Pope Francis is fully supportive of his ideas .
In September 2019 , the editor-at-large for America magazine met Pope Francis at a Vatican Dicastery for Communications meeting in Rome .
Francis invited Martin to the Apostolic Palace for a meeting , but asked that the details of their conversation not be shared with the media , only with “ individuals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two could talk “ freely.
” “ But I can say that the Holy Father and I spent the entire time talking about LGBT Catholics and about LGBT people worldwide , ” Martin said , “ and that I felt inspired , consoled , and most of all encouraged to continue this ministry in peace.
” “ It ’ s hard to express how grateful I am for those thirty minutes .
”

The pro-homosexual Jesuit priest issued a new video saying 'married' LGBT people, such as teachers at Catholic schools, should keep their jobs.
SIGN THE PETITION: Bishops, please stop Fr. Martin's LGBT advocacy” Sign the petition here.
NEW YORK, January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) ― An LGBT activist priest has issued a new video in which he criticized the Catholic Church for dismissing employees who contract same-sex “marriages.”
Fr. James Martin, S.J, 59, discusses his beliefs concerning the Catholic faith and homosexuality on this week’s video.
“In the US, the Church must stop firing married [sic] LGBT people from their positions in Catholic institutions,” the Catholic priest said.
“Because if you’re going to fire people for not following Church teaching that would include a lot more than just married [sic] LGBT people,” Martin continued.
“Otherwise, you’re not enforcing Church teaching: you’re engaging in discrimination.”
There have been a number of high profile cases in the United States involving Catholic Church employees who publicly rejected her teaching on marriage by contracting same-sex civil “marriages.”
Last June, Indiana Archbishop Charles Thompson stripped a Jesuit-run school of its Catholic label after the school refused the archbishop’s directive that it not renew a teacher’s contract who had ‘married’ a same-sex partner. The Archbishop stated at the time that “to effectively bear witness to Christ, whether they teach religion or not,” all teachers “in their professional and private lives must convey and be supportive of Catholic Church teaching.”
In 2016, the former head of a Catholic assisted-living center in Richmond, Virginia sued the Saint Francis Home for dismissing him when he disclosed that he was “married” to a man. A diocesan spokeswoman said at the time that “as a Catholic organization, we expect the employees of the diocese and its ministries to uphold and embody the consistent values and truths of the Catholic faith, including those preserving the sanctity of marriage.”
In 2015, the director of education of a Catholic school in Philadelphia was dismissed allegedly because she had been “married” to another woman for eight years. The morality standards for the local Archdiocese stated that it has “the sole right and duty to operate its school system in accordance with the philosophy of Christian education, the doctrines, laws, and norms of the Catholic Church,” and leave the possibility of “dismissal of a teacher for serious and public immorality and/or public rejection of official doctrine or laws of the Church.”
In these cases, what was at stake was not that the employees experienced same-sex attractions but that they had publicly violated the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage.
The Catholic Church does not recognize legal arrangements between same-sex couples as marriage. Marriage, according to the Catholic Church, is a sacred covenant between one woman and one man for life, established for the procreation of children and the good of the couple. The Church teaches that marriage between Christians is a sacrament, which is defined as an “efficacious [sign] of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131).
The Catholic Church, moreover, teaches that homosexual acts are “acts of grave depravity” and “intrinsically disordered” because they are “contrary to the natural law” in that they “close the sexual act to the gift of life.” The Church also teaches that same-sex attraction is “objectively disordered” because it is contrary to God’s design for human sexuality.
In a 1986 letter to bishops about how to care for persons with same-sex attraction, the Church stated that “special concern and pastoral attention should be directed toward those who have this condition, lest they be led to believe that the living out of this orientation in homosexual activity is a morally acceptable option. It is not.”
Moreover, in a 2003 document about whether same-sex civil unions were supportable, the Church clarified that “respect for homosexual persons cannot lead in any way to approval of homosexual behaviour or to legal recognition of homosexual unions.”
In his video, Martin also decried bishops who are opposed to the decriminalization of homosexuality.
“Worldwide the Church needs to look at countries where LGBT people are routinely beaten, arrested, and executed,” he said.
“In 70 countries, same-sex [sexual] relations are illegal, and in six countries you can be executed for engaging in them,” he continued.
“So in these places LGBT issues are ‘life issues.’ Tragically, some Catholic bishops have supported these repressive laws. Thus the decriminalization of homosexuality is an important measure for the Church to support.”
The Catholic Church has come under fire by other LGBT activists for not supporting decriminalization. In 2008, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, then the Vatican’s permanent observer at the United Nations, explained a U.N. resolution aimed at this goal could result in pressure to implement same-sex “marriage.”
According to Reuters, then-Vatican media chief Fr. Federico Lombardi said at the time “no one wants the death penalty or jail or fines for homosexuals” but pointed out that fewer than 50 states had “adhered to the proposal in question.” More than 150 had not.
Throughout his presentation, Fr. Martin referred to same-sex attracted Catholics as if they were a group semi-detached from the Church, defined predominantly by their sexual inclinations. He spoke as if these Catholics are routinely ignored, suggesting that listening to them would be a “brand new” step for the Church. In reality, there has been a ministry specifically for faithful Catholics with same-sex attractions since Fr. John F. Harvey founded his Courage Apostolate in1980. Courage International now ministers in at least 18 countries.
Meanwhile, Fr. Martin suggested that Pope Francis is fully supportive of his ideas. In September 2019, the editor-at-large for America magazine met Pope Francis at a Vatican Dicastery for Communications meeting in Rome. Francis invited Martin to the Apostolic Palace for a meeting, but asked that the details of their conversation not be shared with the media, only with “individuals and groups,” so that the two could talk “freely.”
“But I can say that the Holy Father and I spent the entire time talking about LGBT Catholics and about LGBT people worldwide,” Martin said, “and that I felt inspired, consoled, and most of all encouraged to continue this ministry in peace.”
“It’s hard to express how grateful I am for those thirty minutes.”
Share


lifesitenews--2020-01-31--BREAKING: Pope Francis opens door to abolish priestly celibacy according to leaked Amazon Synod doc

Jan. 31 , 2020 4:47 PM EST update : This report now includes comments from Professor Roberto de Mattei .
ROME , January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Catholic historian Roberto de Mattei is claiming , based on documents he has received from “ several bishops , ” that Pope Francis ’ post-synodal exhortation on the Amazon Synod will open the door to abolishing priestly celibacy in the Latin church .
According to documents obtained by Corrispondenza Romana , the apostolic exhortation , due for release in February , reproduces verbatim a paragraph dedicated to priestly celibacy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De Mattei argues that the positive inclusion of this text in the apostolic exhortation would effectively “ open the door ” for the German Bishops , and others , to create a married clergy .
“ There is no reason to prohibit in other regions of the world what will be permitted in some parts of the Amazon , ” he writes .
LifeSite spoke with Roberto de Mattei this evening in Rome .
He confirmed that in recent days a group of bishops was sent a “ part ” of the draft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one bishop shared this text with him .
De Mattei confirmed that paragraph 111 of the Amazon Synod ’ s final document is reproduced verbatim in the draft apostolic exhortation .
He said it was unclear why the bishops were sent only part of the draft text but speculated the move may have been intended to gauge bishops ’ reactions .
De Mattei was also careful to note that the draft text which the bishops received may not be the final text promulgated by Pope Francis .
This is not “ fake news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah have co-authored a new book on priestly celibacy , taking a firm stand against the priestly ordination of married men in the Latin Church .
This statement echoes his reaffirmation of the sacred meaning and obligatory character of priestly celibacy , in his 2007 post-apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist , Sacramentum Caritatis : “ In union with the great ecclesial Tradition , with the Second Vatican Council and my Predecessors in the Petrine Ministry , I affirm the beauty and the importance of a priestly life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of total and exclusive dedication to Christ , to the Church and to the Kingdom of God , and consequently confirm its obligatory character for the Latin tradition ” ( n. 24 ) .
” In a recent interview on their co-authored book , Cardinal Robert Sarah has also asserted : Here below is an English translation of Prof. Roberto de Mattei ’ s article , published this evening in Rome .
The news we are now reporting was in the air , but the confirmation has come to us confidentially from several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not all ) of Pope Francis ’ s post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Amazon Synod .
This part substantially reproduces paragraph 111 that was approved in the synod ’ s final document Many of the Church communities in the Amazonian territory have enormous difficulties in attending the Eucharist .
Sometimes it takes not just months but even several years before a priest can return to a community to celebrate the Eucharist , offer the sacrament of reconciliation or anoint the sick in the community .
We appreciate celibacy as a gift of God to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missionary disciple , ordained to the priesthood , to dedicate himself fully to the service of the Holy People of God .
It stimulates pastoral charity , and we pray that there will be many vocations living the celibate priesthood .
We know that this discipline “ is not demanded by the very nature of the priesthood ” ( PO 16 ) although there are many practical reasons for it .
In his encyclical on priestly celibacy , St. Paul VI maintained this law and set out theological , spiritual and pastoral motivations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the post-synodal exhortation of St. John Paul II on priestly formation confirmed this tradition in the Latin Church ( cf .
PDV 29 ) .
Considering that legitimate diversity does not harm the communion and unity of the Church , but rather expresses and serves it ( cf .
LG13 ; OE 6 ) , witness the plurality of existing rites and disciplines , we propose that criteria and dispositions be established by the competent authority , within the framework of Lumen Gentium 26 , to ordain as priests suitable and respected men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stable family , who have had a fruitful permanent diaconate and receive an adequate formation for the priesthood , in order to sustain the life of the Christian community through the preaching of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments in the most remote areas of the Amazon region .
Therefore , the door is open .
There is no reason to prohibit in other regions of the world what will be permitted in some parts of the Amazon .
The German bishops , and others , are ready to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deemed suitable by the competent authorities .
What is being gotten rid of is not only a “ ecclesiastical discipline ” subject to change , but a law of the Church based on a precept of divine and Apostolic origin .
Fifty years ago , at the symposium of European bishops held in Chur in July 1969 , Cardinal Leo-Joseph Suenens , during his concluding conference , read an appeal by Hans Küng to suppress priestly celibacy .
This request was consistent with the role which progressive theology assigned to sexuality : an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asceticism , but “ liberate , ” by finding in sex a form of “ realization ” of the human person .
Since then , this demand has expanded and accompanied the process of the Church ’ s secularization and self-demolition .
In reality , the transgression of celibacy and simony were the great plagues that have always afflicted the Mystical Body of Christ in times of crisis .
And the call to continence and evangelical poverty was the battle standard of the great reforming saints .
In the coming days of February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as has happened so often , a bishop or a group of bishops , but the successor of Saint Peter himself .
Ecclesiastical celibacy is a glory of the Church and what he is demeaning is the very will of Christ , transmitted by the Apostles even to our day .
How can we possibly imagine Catholics to remain silent in the face of this scandal ?
Translated from the Italian by Diane Montagna of LifeSiteNews .

Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation of the Amazon Synod will abolish celibacy, according to several bishops who have leaked the document.
Jan. 31, 2020 4:47 PM EST update: This report now includes comments from Professor Roberto de Mattei.
ROME, January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Catholic historian Roberto de Mattei is claiming, based on documents he has received from “several bishops,” that Pope Francis’ post-synodal exhortation on the Amazon Synod will open the door to married clergy in the Latin church.
According to documents obtained by Corrispondenza Romana, the apostolic exhortation, due for release in February, reproduces verbatim a paragraph dedicated to priestly celibacy in the synod’s final document.
De Mattei argues that the positive inclusion of this text in the apostolic exhortation would effectively “open the door” for the German Bishops, and others, to create a married clergy. “There is no reason to prohibit in other regions of the world what will be permitted in some parts of the Amazon,” he writes.
LifeSite spoke with Roberto de Mattei this evening in Rome. He confirmed that in recent days a group of bishops was sent a “part” of the draft apostolic exhortation, and that at least one bishop shared this text with him. De Mattei confirmed that paragraph 111 of the Amazon Synod’s final document is reproduced verbatim in the draft apostolic exhortation.
He said it was unclear why the bishops were sent only part of the draft text but speculated the move may have been intended to gauge bishops’ reactions. De Mattei was also careful to note that the draft text which the bishops received may not be the final text promulgated by Pope Francis.
This is not “fake news,” the respected Italian historian said.
Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah have co-authored a new book on priestly celibacy, taking a firm stand against the priestly ordination of married men in the Latin Church.
In the work, Benedict XVI writes:
The ability to renounce marriage in order to place oneself totally at the Lord’s disposal is a criterion for the priestly ministry. As for the concrete form of celibacy in the ancient Church, it should also be pointed out that married men could only receive the sacrament of Holy Orders if they had committed themselves to sexual abstinence, that is to say, to a Josephite marriage. Such a situation seems to have been quite normal during the first centuries.
This statement echoes his reaffirmation of the sacred meaning and obligatory character of priestly celibacy, in his 2007 post-apostolic exhortation on the Eucharist, Sacramentum Caritatis:
“In union with the great ecclesial Tradition, with the Second Vatican Council and my Predecessors in the Petrine Ministry, I affirm the beauty and the importance of a priestly life lived in celibacy as an expressive sign of total and exclusive dedication to Christ, to the Church and to the Kingdom of God, and consequently confirm its obligatory character for the Latin tradition” (n. 24).”
In a recent interview on their co-authored book, Cardinal Robert Sarah has also asserted:
Priestly celibacy is not a simple canonical discipline. If the law of celibacy is weakened, even for a single region, it will open a breach, a wound in the mystery of the Church. There is an ontological-sacramental link between the priesthood and celibacy. This link reminds us that the Church is a mystery, a gift from God that does not belong to us. We cannot create a priesthood for married men without damaging the priesthood of Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church. (Synod on the Amazon, final document, n. 111)
Here below is an English translation of Prof. Roberto de Mattei’s article, published this evening in Rome.
***
The news we are now reporting was in the air, but the confirmation has come to us confidentially from several bishops who have received a part (not all) of Pope Francis’s post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation on Amazon Synod. This part substantially reproduces paragraph 111 that was approved in the synod’s final document
Many of the Church communities in the Amazonian territory have enormous difficulties in attending the Eucharist. Sometimes it takes not just months but even several years before a priest can return to a community to celebrate the Eucharist, offer the sacrament of reconciliation or anoint the sick in the community. We appreciate celibacy as a gift of God to the extent that this gift enables the missionary disciple, ordained to the priesthood, to dedicate himself fully to the service of the Holy People of God. It stimulates pastoral charity, and we pray that there will be many vocations living the celibate priesthood. We know that this discipline “is not demanded by the very nature of the priesthood” (PO 16) although there are many practical reasons for it. In his encyclical on priestly celibacy, St. Paul VI maintained this law and set out theological, spiritual and pastoral motivations that support it. In 1992, the post-synodal exhortation of St. John Paul II on priestly formation confirmed this tradition in the Latin Church (cf. PDV 29). Considering that legitimate diversity does not harm the communion and unity of the Church, but rather expresses and serves it (cf. LG13; OE 6), witness the plurality of existing rites and disciplines, we propose that criteria and dispositions be established by the competent authority, within the framework of Lumen Gentium 26, to ordain as priests suitable and respected men of the community with a legitimately constituted and stable family, who have had a fruitful permanent diaconate and receive an adequate formation for the priesthood, in order to sustain the life of the Christian community through the preaching of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments in the most remote areas of the Amazon region.
Therefore, the door is open. There is no reason to prohibit in other regions of the world what will be permitted in some parts of the Amazon. The German bishops, and others, are ready to extend access to the presbyterate to married men deemed suitable by the competent authorities. What is being gotten rid of is not only a “ecclesiastical discipline” subject to change, but a law of the Church based on a precept of divine and Apostolic origin.
Fifty years ago, at the symposium of European bishops held in Chur in July 1969, Cardinal Leo-Joseph Suenens, during his concluding conference, read an appeal by Hans Küng to suppress priestly celibacy. This request was consistent with the role which progressive theology assigned to sexuality: an instinct that man should not repress through asceticism, but “liberate,” by finding in sex a form of “realization” of the human person. Since then, this demand has expanded and accompanied the process of the Church’s secularization and self-demolition.
In reality, the transgression of celibacy and simony were the great plagues that have always afflicted the Mystical Body of Christ in times of crisis. And the call to continence and evangelical poverty was the battle standard of the great reforming saints. In the coming days of February, the anti-Reformer will not be, as has happened so often, a bishop or a group of bishops, but the successor of Saint Peter himself.
Ecclesiastical celibacy is a glory of the Church and what he is demeaning is the very will of Christ, transmitted by the Apostles even to our day. How can we possibly imagine Catholics to remain silent in the face of this scandal?
Translated from the Italian by Diane Montagna of LifeSiteNews.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-31--God has revealed Holy Truths to us through Holy Tradition and Scripture

Formerly Heart to Heart with Mother Miriam , Mother Miriam Live brings you inspiration and solutions for life ’ s @ @ @ @ @ Miriam is a Catholic nun on a mission to bring hope to a world that @ @ @ @ @ let her share that hope and joy with you !
To tune into Mother Miriam @ @ @ @ @ Facebook page here every Monday to Friday at 10am .

Watch Mother Miriam's Live show from 1.31.2020. Mother continues her series reading from The Catechism Explained. Today, she focuses on God revealing truth through Holy Tradition and Scripture.
You can tune in daily at 10 am EST/7 am PST on our Facebook Page.
Subscribe to Mother Miriam Live here.


lifesitenews--2020-01-31--Swiss Air Lines drops chocolate supplier over owner’s affiliation with pro-life Christian grou

Swiss Air Lines drops chocolate supplier over owner’s affiliation with pro-life Christian group

January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Swiss Air Lines has dropped chocolate manufacturer Läderach over its owner ’ s affiliation with a pro-life , pro-family Christian organization .
For more than 10 years , Läderach had supplied the airline with small boxes of chocolates that were given to some passengers as a token of appreciation .
Following months of negative headlines , Swiss Air Lines decided to cut ties with the chocolatier that recently has expanded into North America , running stores in both New York City and Toronto .
Sweets made by Läderach will be phased out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to an article published by Swiss magazine “ Beobachter , ” the airline has a significant number of homosexuals among its employees .
Jürg Läderach , owner of the chocolate manufacturer , is the president of “ christianity for today ” ( cft ) , an evangelical organization based in Switzerland .
CEO Johannes Läderach also serves on the board of cft .
Among other things , cft is one of the sponsors of the March for Life taking place in different locations in Switzerland every year .
Last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the largest Swiss city .
On their website , cft emphasizes that the family – consisting of a man married to a woman , as well as their kids – constitutes the foundation of an intact society , especially if that relationship is nourished by the Bible .
Additionally , cft advocates for the protection of life from conception to natural death .
The organization calls for Christian values to be instilled in children .
Parents , cft explains , are the primary educators of their children – a fact which schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October , left-wing activists had attacked a Läderach store in Basel , Switzerland , using butyric acid .
The strong smell of the acid may cause irritation of the respiratory system , as well as nausea and vomiting .
Following the attack , the store in Basel had to close for two days .
According to a report by German newspaper “ Junge Freiheit , ” vandalism took place at seven individual stores .
In December , homosexuals were standing in front of another store , hugging and kissing each other .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boycott of Läderach .
In Germany , one of the main homosexual lobby organizations had stated , “ One way of protesting would be , for example , if hotels or restaurants decided to eliminate Läderach ’ s products from their range of goods and clearly mark the reason.
” Only a few days later , Swiss Air Lines decided to do just that .
Johannes Läderach , CEO of the chocolatier , commented on the boycott in an interview conducted in December , “ The business in Switzerland will still grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who no longer buy from us .
However , new customers came into the store , who were sorry to see a conflict being played out on the back of the employees.
” The young CEO denied being against homosexuals or women .
“ We have homosexuals working for us , too .
We do n't ask them .
I attended a gay network event because I wanted to hear what the LGBTQ movement has against Läderach .
There I explained that I may have a different opinion on same-sex marriage [ sic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begins .
But this does not mean that I have anything against homosexuals .
Läderach has a zero tolerance for discrimination.
” When cft was celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017 , Jürg Läderach said , speaking of its history , “ In the 1990s , the general moral decline continued practically worldwide .
A small group of young men and women felt compelled to stand up for Christian values in politics and society.
” The founders of cft saw , Läderach continued , “ the necessity of representing biblical values in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ purpose they founded ‘ christians for truth.
’ Originally started in South Africa , the association spread to Europe , where in 1992 , almost simultaneously , organizations were founded in Germany , France , Belgium , the Netherlands and also in Switzerland.
” The organization was recently renamed “ christians for today .
”

This comes after months of protests, including the attacking of chocolate stores with butyric acid.
January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Swiss Air Lines has dropped chocolate manufacturer Läderach over its owner’s affiliation with a pro-life, pro-family Christian organization.
For more than 10 years, Läderach had supplied the airline with small boxes of chocolates that were given to some passengers as a token of appreciation.
Following months of negative headlines, Swiss Air Lines decided to cut ties with the chocolatier that recently has expanded into North America, running stores in both New York City and Toronto. Sweets made by Läderach will be phased out by April 2020, the airline announced.
According to an article published by Swiss magazine “Beobachter,” the airline has a significant number of homosexuals among its employees.
Jürg Läderach, owner of the chocolate manufacturer, is the president of “christianity for today” (cft), an evangelical organization based in Switzerland. CEO Johannes Läderach also serves on the board of cft.
Among other things, cft is one of the sponsors of the March for Life taking place in different locations in Switzerland every year. Last year, more than 1,200 pro-lifers marched in Zurich, the largest Swiss city.
On their website, cft emphasizes that the family – consisting of a man married to a woman, as well as their kids – constitutes the foundation of an intact society, especially if that relationship is nourished by the Bible.
Additionally, cft advocates for the protection of life from conception to natural death. The organization calls for Christian values to be instilled in children. Parents, cft explains, are the primary educators of their children – a fact which schools are to take into account.
In October, left-wing activists had attacked a Läderach store in Basel, Switzerland, using butyric acid. The strong smell of the acid may cause irritation of the respiratory system, as well as nausea and vomiting. Following the attack, the store in Basel had to close for two days. According to a report by German newspaper “Junge Freiheit,” vandalism took place at seven individual stores.
In December, homosexuals were standing in front of another store, hugging and kissing each other.
A group of young socialists had called for a boycott of Läderach.
In Germany, one of the main homosexual lobby organizations had stated, “One way of protesting would be, for example, if hotels or restaurants decided to eliminate Läderach’s products from their range of goods and clearly mark the reason.” Only a few days later, Swiss Air Lines decided to do just that.
Johannes Läderach, CEO of the chocolatier, commented on the boycott in an interview conducted in December, “The business in Switzerland will still grow in 2019, but we have customers who no longer buy from us. However, new customers came into the store, who were sorry to see a conflict being played out on the back of the employees.”
The young CEO denied being against homosexuals or women. “We have homosexuals working for us, too. We don't ask them. I attended a gay network event because I wanted to hear what the LGBTQ movement has against Läderach. There I explained that I may have a different opinion on same-sex marriage [sic] or on the question when life begins. But this does not mean that I have anything against homosexuals. Läderach has a zero tolerance for discrimination.”
When cft was celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2017, Jürg Läderach said, speaking of its history, “In the 1990s, the general moral decline continued practically worldwide. A small group of young men and women felt compelled to stand up for Christian values in politics and society.”
The founders of cft saw, Läderach continued, “the necessity of representing biblical values in a non-partisan and non-denominational way. For this purpose they founded ‘christians for truth.’ Originally started in South Africa, the association spread to Europe, where in 1992, almost simultaneously, organizations were founded in Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and also in Switzerland.” The organization was recently renamed “christians for today.”
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lifesitenews--2020-01-31--WATCH: Govt agents interrogate Canadian author for publishing book critical of Trudeau during electi

WATCH: Govt agents interrogate Canadian author for publishing book critical of Trudeau during election

OTTAWA , Ontario , January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A well known Canadian media personality and political activist says he is being investigated because he chose to publish a book critical of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the recent election , and for not “ registering ” his book with the government to promote it .
Rebel News editor Ezra Levant released portions of a video on Wednesday in which he secretly recorded himself being interviewed by government agents .
A letter was sent to Levant during Christmas from the Commissioner of Canada Elections via registered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can read here ) , accuses him of breaking the law in violation of the Canada Elections Act and asks him to submit to an interview .
He agreed to be questioned , but made sure to film portions of the interview .
He was accused of violating Canadian election laws because he promoted his book , “ The Libranos : What the media wo n't tell you about Justin Trudeau 's corruption ” during the 2019 federal election season .
Levant posted parts of his police interview here , in which he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ author being interrogated by police , that ’ s how they do it in China or Iran , not Canada.
” Levant has promised to post additional portions of his interview at a later date .
In June of 2019 , the federal government amended Canada ’ s Elections Act .
The rules require third parties , including non-profit groups , to register with Elections Canada if they spend more than $ 500 on any kind of “ political advertising.
” This includes any spending which goes on to boost positions taken during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new Elections Act also sets spending limits on third-party election advertising .
During the 2019 Canadian Federal Election , Levant promoted his new book with posters , lawn signs as well as billboards and other methods .
According to Levant , the Election Act exempts books from the new law .
States the act : Election advertising means the transmission to the public by any means during an election period of an advertising message that promotes or opposes a registered party or the election of a candidate , including by taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a registered party or candidate is associated .
For greater certainty , it does not include [ ... ] ( b ) the distribution of a book , or the promotion of the sale of a book , for no less than its commercial value , if the book was planned to be made available to the public regardless of whether there was to be an election.
” “ How can you publish a book without planning it ahead of time , ” Levant says to investigators in his video .
“ You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 2019 Canadian Federal Election saw the pro-abortion Liberal leader Justin Trudeau win by a narrow margin over his main conservative rival , Andrew Scheer .
Prime Minister Trudeau has a track record of promoting abortion despite being a Catholic .
He recently said he is no longer personally opposed to abortion and pledged billions of tax dollars to fund abortion worldwide for ten years in a pre-campaign announcement .
Investigators also probed Levant about Rebel News staff and its hiring practices in the investigation .
In specific , they wanted to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them who are critical of Trudeau .
Investigators also asked Levant why he did not register his book with the government with the new third-party election advertising laws .
Levant responded : “ The day I register with the government to write a book , is the day we no longer are the true north strong and free .
And if Elections Canada ’ s commissioners are stupid enough to prosecute me for writing , publishing and promoting a book , about an election , during an election , then that ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You ’ re being un-Canadian by summoning an author to your offices.
” Some prominent Canadian figures took to Twitter on Thursday ( link to screengrabs if possible ) to voice their support for Levant .
Some examples include Brett Wilson a Canadian philanthropist and businessman known for calling out the Trudeau government , and Randy Hillier , an independent member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament .
Levant ’ s interview was conducted in Ottawa by two former senior RCMP officers who did not disclose to him where the initial complaint came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he managed to get them to say that the grievance did not come from them , but rather from someone outside their office .
In his video , Levant can be heard saying : “ I don ’ t want to provide you anything , because I think this is an unlawful investigation , I think it ’ s political in nature , I think it 's probably unconstitutional so I don ’ t want to provide you with anything .
I ’ m here under protest , I didn ’ t want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it clear that coming here would reduce any penalties so it makes sense for me to come here , but I come here under some duress.
” “ How can I push back against a complaint you won ’ t show me .
How do you think this is going to look in court when we take this to a judicial review.
” During the interrogation , investigators tell Levant that he is being interviewed in regards to Rebel News Network : “ Oh I know that , and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , that not a single other , loving book of Trudeau is being investigated , ” he can be heard saying adding : “ I ’ m not a censor like you , I ’ m not a bully and a censor , I ’ m not a bureaucrat looking to justify my budget like you , I go out and earn my living everyday , fella.
” “ You call in authors , to grill them about a book criticizing your boss , think about who you are.
” He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protest ” and that being there was contrary to the Constitution .
Investigators did mention to him that he was free to leave at any time during the investigation and that he was permitted to not answer any questions .
On his Twitter account Thursday , Levant posted a message saying his book is now number one on the Amazon best-seller list .
He also was also trending on Twitter .
He also promised to fight the investigation saying on his Twitter account : “ Every ounce of energy I have , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every trick of the trade I can deploy , I will deploy to smashing this law .
”

Rebel News editor Ezra Levant released portions of a video on Wednesday in which he secretly recorded himself being interrogated by government agents.
OTTAWA, Ontario, January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A well known Canadian media personality and political activist says he is being investigated because he chose to publish a book critical of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the recent election, and for not “registering” his book with the government to promote it.
Rebel News editor Ezra Levant released portions of a video on Wednesday in which he secretly recorded himself being interviewed by government agents.
A letter was sent to Levant during Christmas from the Commissioner of Canada Elections via registered mail. The correspondence (which you can read here), accuses him of breaking the law in violation of the Canada Elections Act and asks him to submit to an interview.
He agreed to be questioned, but made sure to film portions of the interview. He was accused of violating Canadian election laws because he promoted his book, “The Libranos: What the media won't tell you about Justin Trudeau's corruption” during the 2019 federal election season.
Levant posted parts of his police interview here, in which he says: “Whoever heard of an author being interrogated by police, that’s how they do it in China or Iran, not Canada.” Levant has promised to post additional portions of his interview at a later date.
In June of 2019, the federal government amended Canada’s Elections Act. The rules require third parties, including non-profit groups, to register with Elections Canada if they spend more than $500 on any kind of “political advertising.” This includes any spending which goes on to boost positions taken during election campaigns regarding issues of public policy. The new Elections Act also sets spending limits on third-party election advertising.
During the 2019 Canadian Federal Election, Levant promoted his new book with posters, lawn signs as well as billboards and other methods. According to Levant, the Election Act exempts books from the new law.
States the act: Election advertising means the transmission to the public by any means during an election period of an advertising message that promotes or opposes a registered party or the election of a candidate, including by taking a position on an issue with which a registered party or candidate is associated. For greater certainty, it does not include […] (b) the distribution of a book, or the promotion of the sale of a book, for no less than its commercial value, if the book was planned to be made available to the public regardless of whether there was to be an election.”
“How can you publish a book without planning it ahead of time,” Levant says to investigators in his video. “You know we have fixed election dates.”
The 2019 Canadian Federal Election saw the pro-abortion Liberal leader Justin Trudeau win by a narrow margin over his main conservative rival, Andrew Scheer.
Prime Minister Trudeau has a track record of promoting abortion despite being a Catholic. He recently said he is no longer personally opposed to abortion and pledged billions of tax dollars to fund abortion worldwide for ten years in a pre-campaign announcement.
Investigators also probed Levant about Rebel News staff and its hiring practices in the investigation. In specific, they wanted to know why the news outlet has staff working for them who are critical of Trudeau. Investigators also asked Levant why he did not register his book with the government with the new third-party election advertising laws.
Levant responded: “The day I register with the government to write a book, is the day we no longer are the true north strong and free. And if Elections Canada’s commissioners are stupid enough to prosecute me for writing, publishing and promoting a book, about an election, during an election, then that’s an important fight to have.” “You’re being un-Canadian by summoning an author to your offices.”
Some prominent Canadian figures took to Twitter on Thursday (link to screengrabs if possible) to voice their support for Levant. Some examples include Brett Wilson a Canadian philanthropist and businessman known for calling out the Trudeau government, and Randy Hillier, an independent member of the Ontario Provincial Parliament.
Hey Police. Back off. Please. This is @liberal_party hypocrisy at its worst. And you know it. https://t.co/XwDPtZnVQI — * W. Brett Wilson * (@WBrettWilson) January 30, 2020
I watched the video and find it difficult to believe this secret complaint was not immediately thrown in the trash and the author not admonished for an attempt to abuse the statute and process. The elections commissioner ought to removed from office for incompetence https://t.co/1XKJ4TKxVJ — Randy Hillier (@randyhillier) January 30, 2020
Levant’s interview was conducted in Ottawa by two former senior RCMP officers who did not disclose to him where the initial complaint came from. After pressing the investigators, he managed to get them to say that the grievance did not come from them, but rather from someone outside their office.
In his video, Levant can be heard saying: “I don’t want to provide you anything, because I think this is an unlawful investigation, I think it’s political in nature, I think it's probably unconstitutional so I don’t want to provide you with anything. I’m here under protest, I didn’t want to come here, but your letter made it clear that coming here would reduce any penalties so it makes sense for me to come here, but I come here under some duress.”
“How can I push back against a complaint you won’t show me. How do you think this is going to look in court when we take this to a judicial review.”
During the interrogation, investigators tell Levant that he is being interviewed in regards to Rebel News Network: “Oh I know that, and I’m just asking you to confirm, that not, that not a single other, loving book of Trudeau is being investigated,” he can be heard saying adding: “I’m not a censor like you, I’m not a bully and a censor, I’m not a bureaucrat looking to justify my budget like you, I go out and earn my living everyday, fella.”
“You call in authors, to grill them about a book criticizing your boss, think about who you are.”
He also said that he was there “under protest” and that being there was contrary to the Constitution. Investigators did mention to him that he was free to leave at any time during the investigation and that he was permitted to not answer any questions.
On his Twitter account Thursday, Levant posted a message saying his book is now number one on the Amazon best-seller list. He also was also trending on Twitter.
He also promised to fight the investigation saying on his Twitter account: “Every ounce of energy I have, every dollar I have and can raise, every trick of the trade I can deploy, I will deploy to smashing this law.”
Contact information:
Commissioner of Canada Elections
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0M6
Ph: 1-855-759-6740
Emal: [email protected]
Online complaint form here
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lifesitenews--2020-01-31--UPDATED: TikTok temporarily bans pro-life Live Action from video platform

Update , January 31 , 2020 , 1:38PM CST : Live Action president Lila Rose reports via Twitter that TikTok has now reinstated the pro-life group ’ s account .
The company attributed the ban to “ human error ” but offered no further details .
LifeSiteNews ’ original report can be found below .
January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – The video sharing platform TikTok has completely banned the pro-life group Live Action from its service for allegedly violating its “ Community Guidelines , ” despite allowing others to upload disturbing videos making light of abortion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ banned them based on the following video , which displays social media testimonies of choosing life and pictures of babies : Live Action says it appealed , only to receive a statement that its account “ was banned due to multiple Community Guidelines violations.
” The statement did not elaborate on the alleged offenses .
Rose also shared an example of the sort of content TikTok does not ban , a video that shows a high-school student beating a latex fetus model , joking that he ’ s demonstrating a do-it-yourself abortion : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baby photos and videos and highlighted the illogic of the pro-abortion movement , ” Rose said in a statement .
“ At the same time , TikTok allows pro-abortion accounts and videos to remain on the platform , videos like this that simulate brutal harm to preborn or born infants .
Live Action appealed TikTok ’ s decision to remove one of our videos and within a half hour our account was completely removed on the platform .
No more account , no more videos .
This is blatant viewpoint discrimination and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TikTok should reinstate our account in full and allow all voices on the platform.
” Like most major social media platforms , TikTak has faced censorship complaints before .
Last year , it temporarily suspended 17-year-old Feroza Aziz over a video discussing the Chinese government ’ s persecution of the country ’ s Uighur Muslim population .
TikTok reinstated her account and claimed she had been suspended over a different video ( featuring a tasteless joke about Osama bin Laden ) , but the incident was enough to inspire Sen. Marco Rubio ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review the company ’ s conduct .

TikTok, which has 800 million active users, removed Live Action's video about choosing life but has allowed a disturbing video making light of abortion to remain.
Update, January 31, 2020, 1:38PM CST: Live Action president Lila Rose reports via Twitter that TikTok has now reinstated the pro-life group’s account. The company attributed the ban to “human error” but offered no further details. LifeSiteNews’ original report can be found below.
January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – The video sharing platform TikTok has completely banned the pro-life group Live Action from its service for allegedly violating its “Community Guidelines,” despite allowing others to upload disturbing videos making light of abortion.
Live Action president Lila Rose says TikTok banned them based on the following video, which displays social media testimonies of choosing life and pictures of babies:
This is the video that TikTok says violated their “Community Guidelines” and banned us for. In it, we share the beautiful personal stories that some of our followers have shared with us about choosing life for their babies. pic.twitter.com/EBADFmxUEW — Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) January 31, 2020
Live Action says it appealed, only to receive a statement that its account “was banned due to multiple Community Guidelines violations.” The statement did not elaborate on the alleged offenses.
Rose also shared an example of the sort of content TikTok does not ban, a video that shows a high-school student beating a latex fetus model, joking that he’s demonstrating a do-it-yourself abortion:
The platform BANNED Live Action's educational content, yet regularly permits videos that simulate brutal harm to preborn infants. This video has 1.2 MILLION watches. pic.twitter.com/f3BRVR7YD9 — Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) January 31, 2020
TikTok has a larger active user base than: Twitter
Pinterest
Snapchat
Reddit With 800 million active users. Just shy of Instagram's 1 billion active users. It is a crucial platform to spread our life-saving message on. — Lila Rose (@LilaGraceRose) January 31, 2020
“Live Action’s videos shared baby photos and videos and highlighted the illogic of the pro-abortion movement,” Rose said in a statement. “At the same time, TikTok allows pro-abortion accounts and videos to remain on the platform, videos like this that simulate brutal harm to preborn or born infants. Live Action appealed TikTok’s decision to remove one of our videos and within a half hour our account was completely removed on the platform. No more account, no more videos. This is blatant viewpoint discrimination and an egregious attempt to silence pro-life voices. TikTok should reinstate our account in full and allow all voices on the platform.”
Like most major social media platforms, TikTak has faced censorship complaints before. Last year, it temporarily suspended 17-year-old Feroza Aziz over a video discussing the Chinese government’s persecution of the country’s Uighur Muslim population.
TikTok reinstated her account and claimed she had been suspended over a different video (featuring a tasteless joke about Osama bin Laden), but the incident was enough to inspire Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) to ask the Treasury Department’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review the company’s conduct.
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lifesitenews--2020-01-31--Abp Viganò raises concerns about Cardinal in charge of next papal election

ROME , January 31 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — In a new testimony touching upon the election of the next Pope , Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has alleged that the cardinal whom Pope Francis recently approved to preside over the next papal conclave was involved in covering up the misdeeds of infamous Legionary of Christ founder , Marciel Maciel .
In a statement released on January 31 and titled “ The faithful have the right to know ” ( see official English text below ) , Archbishop Viganò asserts that Pope Francis ’ s confirmation of Cardinal Leonardo Sandri @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a “ masterpiece of deception.
” On Saturday , January 25 , the Holy See announced that Pope Francis had confirmed the election of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re , 86 , and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri , 76 , as Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals respectively .
The announcement came one month after Cardinal Angelo Sodano , 92 , resigned as Dean of the Sacred College .
Francis ’ s approval of these elections “ has gone almost unnoticed and yet conceals a devious strategy , ” Archbishop Viganò writes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States contends that the confirmation of Cardinal Re as Dean of the Sacred College is “ a cover for that other more effective appointment — of Cardinal Sandri — which has been prepared ad hoc to pilot the next conclave secundum Franciscum , that is , according to an updated and augmented edition of the St. Gallen Mafia.
” Role of the Dean and Vice-Dean The Dean of the College of Cardinals presides over the Sacred College .
When a Pope dies ( or in the case of Benedict XVI has resigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communicating to all the cardinals that the pontiff has passed and summoning them to Rome for a papal conclave .
The word “ conclave ” refers to the time in which the cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope .
Only those cardinals who are under the age of 80 are eligible to enter the conclave and vote .
The Dean of the College presides over the conclave and also oversees what are called the pre-conclave “ congregations , ” at which cardinals discuss the logistics and planning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet their brother cardinals and get to know their positions .
All of the cardinals , even those who can not vote in the actual election for reasons of age , are eligible to participate in the congregations .
Such was the case with former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick in 2013 .
The Vice-Dean ’ s role is to act as a substitute when the Dean can not exercise his office .
At 86 years of age , Cardinal Re , as newly elected Dean , is not eligible to enter into or preside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cede this role to 76-year-old Cardinal Sandri .
Cardinal Re will still oversee the congregations , but Cardinal Sandri , as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals , will exercise the most important role — to preside over the election of the next Pope .
This is not a novelty .
In 2013 , after the resignation of Benedict XVI , for reasons of age , Cardinal Angelo Sodano ceded this role to then-Vice-Dean , Cardinal Re , who presided over the election of Pope Francis .
In his new statement , Archbishop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , in order to reiterate that “ the person chiefly responsible for covering up the misdeeds committed by Maciel was then-Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
” “ Unfortunately for him , Sandri also allowed himself to be involved by Sodano in this operation to cover up Maciel ’ s horrible misdeeds , ” he adds .
Drawing on his first-hand experience as a member of the diplomatic corps and high-level official in the Vatican Secretariat of State , Archbishop Viganò testifies that through a series of “ shady maneuvers , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to replace Archbishop Justo Mullor , who “ was removed from the Apostolic Nunciature in Mexico because he opposed the directives coming from the Secretariat of State to cover up the very serious accusations against Marcial Maciel.
” This new testimony echoes his first , in which he wrote : In his first testimony , Archbishop Viganò also stated that he informed Cardinal Sandri , along with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone , about Theodore McCarrick ’ s decades-long abuse of priests and seminarians .
Sandri was one of several high-ranking prelates who “ knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCarrick , ” he testified .
Cardinal Sandri ’ s links to the Legionaries of Christ and allegations that he kept quiet about Maciel ’ s misdeeds have been reported widely in both the Italian and English-speaking media , recently and in past years .
Archbishop Viganò notes his “ long-standing friendship ” with Cardinal Sandri that dates back 50 years to their shared time in the Pontifical Ecclesiastic Academy ( a training academy for Vatican diplomats ) and the Secretariat of State .
He also affirms that his new testimony is inspired @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that friendship and is offered “ for the good of his soul , for the love of the Truth who is Christ Himself , and for the Church , His Bride , whom we served together.
” The former US nuncio also testifies that Pope Francis , having asked him about Sandri , knew about his character and the Mexico transfer , and “ promoted [ him ] to Cardinal-Priest in May 2018 and a month later to Cardinal-Bishop , so that he might confirm him as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preside at the next Conclave.
” Archbishop Viganò concludes : “ The faithful have a right to know these sordid intrigues of a corrupt court .
In the Heart of the Church we seem to glimpse the approaching shadow of Satan ’ s synagogue ( Rev 2:9 ) .
” Here below is the official English translation of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò ’ s new testimony regarding Pope Francis ’ recent approval of the election of the new Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals .
The Faithful Have a Right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most disgraceful episodes in which we have seen the prince of lies at work to discredit the book of Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah by covering them with vile insults and vulgar insinuations , and the Pope ’ s jailer , as a judas , now also acting as a hitman .
And once again we find ourselves dealing with another masterpiece of deception : the confirmation by the Pope of the elections of the new Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals by the Cardinal-Bishops .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a devious strategy .
It should be borne in mind , in fact , that in June 2018 Pope Francis increased the number of Cardinal-Bishops , which had remained unchanged for centuries , promoting four new ones in one fell swoop .
In this way he secured a majority in favor of him , as he has always done with the creation of new members of the College of Cardinals .
To Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re , appointed Dean of the College at the age of 86 and therefore excluded from the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life than that of his father .
But his appointment is a cover for that other more effective appointment — of Cardinal Sandri — which has been prepared ad hoc to pilot the next conclave secundum Franciscum , that is , according to an updated and augmented edition of the St. Gallen Mafia .
I have a long-standing friendship with Cardinal Sandri that dates back to the time shared in the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy , then during eleven years in the same office as secretaries to three Substitutes of the Secretariat of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was appointed Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State , having returned after just six months from his mission as Nuncio to Mexico .
“ Amicus Plato sed magis amica veritas.
” [ Plato is my friend , but truth is a better friend ] .
This maxim , attributed to Aristotle , then taken up by Plato towards Socrates and later by Cicero , is explained by St. Thomas Aquinas in Sententia libri Ethicorum , Liber1 , Lectio6 , n. 4-5 as follows : “ Quod autem oporteat veritatem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quia ei qui est magis amicus , magis est deferendum .
Cum autem amicitiam habeamus ad ambo , scilicet ad veritatem et ad hominem , magis debemus veritatem amare quam hominem , quia hominem praecipue debemus amare propter veritatem et propter virtutem ... Veritas autem est amicus superexcellens cui debetur reverentia honoris ; est etiam veritas quiddam divinum , in Deo enim primo et principaliter invenitur .
Et ideo concludit , quod sanctum est praehonorare veritatem hominibus amicis.
” That truth should be preferred to friends he proves in this way .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ought to have the greater consideration .
Although we should have friendship for both truth and our fellow man , we ought rather to love truth because we should love our fellow man especially on account of truth and virtue… Now truth is a most excellent friend of the sort to whom the homage of honor is due .
Besides truth is a divine thing , for it is found first and chiefly in God .
He concludes , therefore , that it is virtuous to honor truth above friends .
Which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concerning Cardinal Leonardo Sandri is inspired solely by the friendship that has bound me to him for almost fifty years , for the good of his soul , for the love of the Truth who is Christ Himself , and for the Church , His Bride , whom we served together .
In the first audience that Francis granted me after the one on June 23 , 2013 that I have already mentioned ( in my first testimony ) , in which he asked me about Cardinal McCarrick , he asked me a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandri like ?
” Caught by surprise by the question about a dear friend of mine , and feeling put on the spot , I did not answer .
Then Francis , joining his hands in a characteristically Italian gesture , waved them back and forth — as if to say that Sandri “ knows how to get by ” — and he looked me in the eyes seeking my consent to his suggestion .
So I told him in confidence : “ Holy Father , I don ’ t know if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy , was removed from the Apostolic Nunciature in Mexico because he opposed the directives coming from the Secretariat of State to cover up the very serious accusations against Marcial Maciel.
” This is what I told the Pope , so that he would take it into account and eventually remedy the injustice that Archbishop Mullor had suffered for not compromising himself , for remaining faithful to the truth , and for love of the Church .
I reaffirm this truth here , so as to honor this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on whose tomb , in the cathedral of Almeria , Spain , I celebrated a Holy Mass of suffrage .
I already wrote in my first testimony that the person chiefly responsible for covering up the misdeeds committed by Maciel was then-Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano , whose recent acceptance to resign as Dean of the College of Cardinals was linked to his involvement in the Maciel affair .
He , in addition to protecting Maciel , is certainly no stranger to McCarrick ’ s promotions ...
Meanwhile , Cardinal Francis Arinze @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , within the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith , Sodano ’ s attempt to cover up the Maciel case .
Unfortunately for him , Sandri also allowed himself to be involved by Sodano in this operation to cover up Maciel ’ s horrible misdeeds .
To replace Archbishop Mullor in Mexico City , it was necessary to appoint a person of unfailing loyalty to Sodano .
Sandri had already given proof of this as Assessor for the section of General Affairs in the Secretariat of State .
Serving at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little over two years , he was transferred to Mexico .
I was a direct witness to these shady maneuvers ( which those in charge would describe as normal personnel transfers ) through a conversation they had on January 25 , 2000 , the feast of the Conversion of St Paul , while we were on our way to the Basilica that bears his name , for the closing of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity .
The chain linking the dates of these transfers is very significant : on January 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had been President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy ( PAE ) for only one year , was transferred to Moscow ; on February 11 , 2000 , Archbishop Justo Mullor , who at this point had been in Mexico for just two and a half years , was appointed President of the PAE ; on March 1 , 2000 , Archbishop Sandri was transferred to Mexico after spending only two and a half years in Venezuela .
Just six months later , on September 16 , 2000 , Sandri was promoted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ i.e.
, Sodano ’ s right-hand man .
The Legionaries of Christ did not fail to show their gratitude to Sandri .
On the occasion of a lunch held in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall to honor the cardinals , including Sandri , who were created at the November 24 , 2007 consistory , I was bewildered when Sandri told me in advance what he was about to tell Pope Benedict as he made his entrance : “ Holy Father , you will excuse me if I don ’ t stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by five hundred of my guests at the Legionaries of Christ.
” Francis , after having repeatedly and obsessively referred to an unspecified “ clericalism ” as the cause of sexual abuse , in order to avoid denouncing the scourge of homosexuality , is now flaunting the most unscrupulous clericalism ( an accusation he levels at others ) : he promotes Sandri to Cardinal-Priest in May 2018 and a month later to Cardinal-Bishop , so that he might confirm him as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals , a candidate prepared by Francis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The faithful have a right to know these sordid intrigues of a corrupt court .
In the Heart of the Church we seem to glimpse the approaching shadow of Satan ’ s synagogue ( Rev 2:9 ) .

ROME, January 31, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — In a new testimony touching upon the election of the next Pope, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò has alleged that the cardinal whom Pope Francis recently approved to preside over the next papal conclave was involved in covering up the misdeeds of infamous Legionary of Christ founder, Marciel Maciel.
In a statement released on January 31 and titled “The faithful have the right to know” (see official English text below), Archbishop Viganò asserts that Pope Francis’s confirmation of Cardinal Leonardo Sandri as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals is a “masterpiece of deception.”
On Saturday, January 25, the Holy See announced that Pope Francis had confirmed the election of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 86, and Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 76, as Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals respectively. The announcement came one month after Cardinal Angelo Sodano, 92, resigned as Dean of the Sacred College.
Francis’s approval of these elections “has gone almost unnoticed and yet conceals a devious strategy,” Archbishop Viganò writes.
The former apostolic nuncio to the United States contends that the confirmation of Cardinal Re as Dean of the Sacred College is “a cover for that other more effective appointment — of Cardinal Sandri — which has been prepared ad hoc to pilot the next conclave secundum Franciscum, that is, according to an updated and augmented edition of the St. Gallen Mafia.”
Role of the Dean and Vice-Dean
The Dean of the College of Cardinals presides over the Sacred College. When a Pope dies (or in the case of Benedict XVI has resigned), the Dean is tasked with communicating to all the cardinals that the pontiff has passed and summoning them to Rome for a papal conclave.
The word “conclave” refers to the time in which the cardinals are locked inside the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope. Only those cardinals who are under the age of 80 are eligible to enter the conclave and vote.
The Dean of the College presides over the conclave and also oversees what are called the pre-conclave “congregations,” at which cardinals discuss the logistics and planning for the conclave, and importantly, meet their brother cardinals and get to know their positions. All of the cardinals, even those who cannot vote in the actual election for reasons of age, are eligible to participate in the congregations. Such was the case with former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick in 2013.
The Vice-Dean’s role is to act as a substitute when the Dean cannot exercise his office. At 86 years of age, Cardinal Re, as newly elected Dean, is not eligible to enter into or preside at the next conclave and will therefore cede this role to 76-year-old Cardinal Sandri.
Cardinal Re will still oversee the congregations, but Cardinal Sandri, as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, will exercise the most important role — to preside over the election of the next Pope.
This is not a novelty. In 2013, after the resignation of Benedict XVI, for reasons of age, Cardinal Angelo Sodano ceded this role to then-Vice-Dean, Cardinal Re, who presided over the election of Pope Francis.
A web of coverup?
In his new statement, Archbishop Viganò recalls his first testimony in August 2018, in order to reiterate that “the person chiefly responsible for covering up the misdeeds committed by Maciel was then-Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano.”
“Unfortunately for him, Sandri also allowed himself to be involved by Sodano in this operation to cover up Maciel’s horrible misdeeds,” he adds.
Drawing on his first-hand experience as a member of the diplomatic corps and high-level official in the Vatican Secretariat of State, Archbishop Viganò testifies that through a series of “shady maneuvers,” Cardinal Sandri was transferred to Mexico, to replace Archbishop Justo Mullor, who “was removed from the Apostolic Nunciature in Mexico because he opposed the directives coming from the Secretariat of State to cover up the very serious accusations against Marcial Maciel.”
Archbishop Viganò writes:
“To replace Archbishop Mullor in Mexico City, it was necessary to appoint a person of unfailing loyalty to Sodano. Sandri had already given proof of this as Assessor for the section of General Affairs in the Secretariat of State. Serving at the time as Nuncio in Venezuela for just a little over two years, he was transferred to Mexico.”
This new testimony echoes his first, in which he wrote:
“It is known that Sodano tried to cover up the Father Maciel scandal to the end. He even removed the Nuncio in Mexico City, Justo Mullor, who refused to be an accomplice in his scheme to cover Maciel, and in his place appointed Sandri, then-Nuncio to Venezuela, who was willing to collaborate in the cover-up.”
In his first testimony, Archbishop Viganò also stated that he informed Cardinal Sandri, along with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, about Theodore McCarrick’s decades-long abuse of priests and seminarians. Sandri was one of several high-ranking prelates who “knew in every detail the situation regarding Cardinal McCarrick,” he testified.
Cardinal Sandri’s links to the Legionaries of Christ and allegations that he kept quiet about Maciel’s misdeeds have been reported widely in both the Italian and English-speaking media, recently and in past years.
Archbishop Viganò notes his “long-standing friendship” with Cardinal Sandri that dates back 50 years to their shared time in the Pontifical Ecclesiastic Academy (a training academy for Vatican diplomats) and the Secretariat of State. He also affirms that his new testimony is inspired “solely” by the bond of that friendship and is offered “for the good of his soul, for the love of the Truth who is Christ Himself, and for the Church, His Bride, whom we served together.”
The former US nuncio also testifies that Pope Francis, having asked him about Sandri, knew about his character and the Mexico transfer, and “promoted [him] to Cardinal-Priest in May 2018 and a month later to Cardinal-Bishop, so that he might confirm him as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, a candidate prepared by Francis to preside at the next Conclave.”
Archbishop Viganò concludes: “The faithful have a right to know these sordid intrigues of a corrupt court. In the Heart of the Church we seem to glimpse the approaching shadow of Satan’s synagogue (Rev 2:9).”
Here below is the official English translation of Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò’s new testimony regarding Pope Francis’ recent approval of the election of the new Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The Faithful Have a Right to Know
We have just been through one of the most disgraceful episodes in which we have seen the prince of lies at work to discredit the book of Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Robert Sarah by covering them with vile insults and vulgar insinuations, and the Pope’s jailer, as a judas, now also acting as a hitman. And once again we find ourselves dealing with another masterpiece of deception: the confirmation by the Pope of the elections of the new Dean and Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals by the Cardinal-Bishops. This has gone almost unnoticed and yet conceals a devious strategy. It should be borne in mind, in fact, that in June 2018 Pope Francis increased the number of Cardinal-Bishops, which had remained unchanged for centuries, promoting four new ones in one fell swoop. In this way he secured a majority in favor of him, as he has always done with the creation of new members of the College of Cardinals.
To Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, appointed Dean of the College at the age of 86 and therefore excluded from the next conclave, I wish an even longer life than that of his father. But his appointment is a cover for that other more effective appointment — of Cardinal Sandri — which has been prepared ad hoc to pilot the next conclave secundum Franciscum, that is, according to an updated and augmented edition of the St. Gallen Mafia.
I have a long-standing friendship with Cardinal Sandri that dates back to the time shared in the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, then during eleven years in the same office as secretaries to three Substitutes of the Secretariat of State, and seven years of collaboration once he was appointed Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State, having returned after just six months from his mission as Nuncio to Mexico.
“Amicus Plato sed magis amica veritas.” [Plato is my friend, but truth is a better friend]. This maxim, attributed to Aristotle, then taken up by Plato towards Socrates and later by Cicero, is explained by St. Thomas Aquinas in Sententia libri Ethicorum, Liber1, Lectio6, n. 4-5 as follows: “Quod autem oporteat veritatem praeferre amicis, ostendit hac ratione. Quia ei qui est magis amicus, magis est deferendum. Cum autem amicitiam habeamus ad ambo, scilicet ad veritatem et ad hominem, magis debemus veritatem amare quam hominem, quia hominem praecipue debemus amare propter veritatem et propter virtutem… Veritas autem est amicus superexcellens cui debetur reverentia honoris; est etiam veritas quiddam divinum, in Deo enim primo et principaliter invenitur. Et ideo concludit, quod sanctum est praehonorare veritatem hominibus amicis.”
In English:
That truth should be preferred to friends he proves in this way. He is the greater friend for whom we ought to have the greater consideration. Although we should have friendship for both truth and our fellow man, we ought rather to love truth because we should love our fellow man especially on account of truth and virtue… Now truth is a most excellent friend of the sort to whom the homage of honor is due. Besides truth is a divine thing, for it is found first and chiefly in God. He concludes, therefore, that it is virtuous to honor truth above friends.
Which is why what I am about to write concerning Cardinal Leonardo Sandri is inspired solely by the friendship that has bound me to him for almost fifty years, for the good of his soul, for the love of the Truth who is Christ Himself, and for the Church, His Bride, whom we served together.
In the first audience that Francis granted me after the one on June 23, 2013 that I have already mentioned (in my first testimony), in which he asked me about Cardinal McCarrick, he asked me a similar question: “What is Cardinal Sandri like?” Caught by surprise by the question about a dear friend of mine, and feeling put on the spot, I did not answer. Then Francis, joining his hands in a characteristically Italian gesture, waved them back and forth — as if to say that Sandri “knows how to get by” — and he looked me in the eyes seeking my consent to his suggestion. So I told him in confidence: “Holy Father, I don’t know if you are aware that Nuncio Justo Mullor, President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, was removed from the Apostolic Nunciature in Mexico because he opposed the directives coming from the Secretariat of State to cover up the very serious accusations against Marcial Maciel.” This is what I told the Pope, so that he would take it into account and eventually remedy the injustice that Archbishop Mullor had suffered for not compromising himself, for remaining faithful to the truth, and for love of the Church. I reaffirm this truth here, so as to honor this faithful servant of the Holy See, on whose tomb, in the cathedral of Almeria, Spain, I celebrated a Holy Mass of suffrage.
I already wrote in my first testimony that the person chiefly responsible for covering up the misdeeds committed by Maciel was then-Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano, whose recent acceptance to resign as Dean of the College of Cardinals was linked to his involvement in the Maciel affair. He, in addition to protecting Maciel, is certainly no stranger to McCarrick’s promotions…
Meanwhile, Cardinal Francis Arinze deserves to be recognized for having opposed, within the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Sodano’s attempt to cover up the Maciel case.
Unfortunately for him, Sandri also allowed himself to be involved by Sodano in this operation to cover up Maciel’s horrible misdeeds. To replace Archbishop Mullor in Mexico City, it was necessary to appoint a person of unfailing loyalty to Sodano. Sandri had already given proof of this as Assessor for the section of General Affairs in the Secretariat of State. Serving at the time as Nuncio in Venezuela for just a little over two years, he was transferred to Mexico.
I was a direct witness to these shady maneuvers (which those in charge would describe as normal personnel transfers) through a conversation they had on January 25, 2000, the feast of the Conversion of St Paul, while we were on our way to the Basilica that bears his name, for the closing of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The chain linking the dates of these transfers is very significant: on January 19, 2000, Archbishop Giorgio Zur, who had been President of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy (PAE) for only one year, was transferred to Moscow; on February 11, 2000, Archbishop Justo Mullor, who at this point had been in Mexico for just two and a half years, was appointed President of the PAE; on March 1, 2000, Archbishop Sandri was transferred to Mexico after spending only two and a half years in Venezuela. Just six months later, on September 16, 2000, Sandri was promoted to Substitute of the Secretariat of State, i.e., Sodano’s right-hand man.
The Legionaries of Christ did not fail to show their gratitude to Sandri. On the occasion of a lunch held in the atrium of the Paul VI Hall to honor the cardinals, including Sandri, who were created at the November 24, 2007 consistory, I was bewildered when Sandri told me in advance what he was about to tell Pope Benedict as he made his entrance: “Holy Father, you will excuse me if I don’t stay for lunch, but I am expected by five hundred of my guests at the Legionaries of Christ.”
Francis, after having repeatedly and obsessively referred to an unspecified “clericalism” as the cause of sexual abuse, in order to avoid denouncing the scourge of homosexuality, is now flaunting the most unscrupulous clericalism (an accusation he levels at others): he promotes Sandri to Cardinal-Priest in May 2018 and a month later to Cardinal-Bishop, so that he might confirm him as Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, a candidate prepared by Francis to preside at the next Conclave.
The faithful have a right to know these sordid intrigues of a corrupt court. In the Heart of the Church we seem to glimpse the approaching shadow of Satan’s synagogue (Rev 2:9).
+ Carlo Maria Viganò
Titular Arhbishop of Ulpiana
Apostolic Nuncio
Translation by Diane Montagna of LifeSiteNews.
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