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WORLD NEWS

Pope Francis’s Funeral

More than 250,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday to pay their respects to Pope Francis (see photos).

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff was presented in a humble wooden coffin for a funeral ceremony full of tradition (simplified slightly, per his request). Catholics from all walks of life mourned alongside cardinals and world leaders, including President Trump, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, and Britain’s Prince William. 

In his homily, the Dean of the College of Cardinals remembered Pope Francis as “a Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone.”

After the service, the popemobile carried Pope Francis on a four-mile procession through Rome’s mourner-packed streets. He was laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, becoming the first pope to be buried outside the Vatican in over a century. 

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CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Freed from the fear of death by Christ’s own death and resurrection, believers in Jesus mourn differently than the rest of the world. Pray that mourners around the world would experience God’s comfort and the hope of Jesus.

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Francis’s Final Diplomacy

The Vatican hosted more than just a funeral this weekend.

Ahead of paying their respects to the late pope, Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy sat down in their first face-to-face since February’s tense Oval Office exchange, meeting in St. Peter’s Basilica to talk about peace with Russia. 

Zelenskyy said the pair covered a lot of ground in their 15-minute talk, including: “Protecting lives of our people. Full and unconditional ceasefire. Reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war from breaking out.” Later, President Trump publicly criticized Putin for “shooting missiles into civilian areas,” questioning whether the Russian president even wanted the war to end before threatening additional sanctions.

Meanwhile, White House delegates were in Moscow for peace talks; the Kremlin said Russia is ready for direct talks with Ukraine “without preconditions.” 

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Verse to consider whether you’re conducting high-level international diplomacy, stuck in the middle of a tense conflict at work, settling playground squabbles, or just trying to get your cat into his carrier… “Seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry for help.” 
Psalm 34:14–15 (CSB) (read full passage)

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POLITICS

Escape Clause

A Wisconsin judge found herself on the other side of handcuffs.

On Friday, the FBI arrested Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan and charged her with obstruction after she allegedly escorted an undocumented Mexican immigrant and his lawyer out of her courtroom to help him evade immigration authorities; the man was arrested after a foot chase outside the courthouse.

FBI Director Kash Patel said Dugan’s actions endangered public safety, as the man had an arrest warrant for three counts of battery. Dugan’s lawyer said Judge Dugan “wholeheartedly” protests her arrest, saying it wasn’t made “in the interest of public safety.” 

Reactions have been swift and split. Republicans support Dugan’s arrest, saying no one is “above the law,” but Dems have been sharply critical, saying the arrest is a “dangerous and outrageous” attempt to intimidate judges.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
In this divisive political climate, followers of Christ have an opportunity to show that our ultimate allegiance is to him. Imitating our just and merciful Father, root for justice while retaining love for all parties—both the accused and the accusers—desiring restoration, not revenge. 

“The LORD is waiting to show you mercy, and is rising up to show you compassion, for the LORD is a just God. All who wait patiently for him are happy.” 
Isaiah 30:18 (CSB) (read full passage)

At least 11 people were killed in a “car-ramming attack” in Canada Saturday night; more than 20 others were injured. A 30-year-old male suspect—a local known to authorities—is in custody after he allegedly drove an SUV into a large crowd at Vancouver’s annual Lapu Lapu festival, celebrating Filipino culture. No motive has been given, and an investigation is ongoing.
 

Some shoppers think Target’s missing the mark as the bullseyed retailer saw its 11th-consecutive week of lower-than-normal foot traffic. Target has faced a series of protests this year, with consumers boycotting large American retailers for rolling back DEI programs. Addressing some of the demands, Target announced plans to invest $2B in Black-owned businesses by July 31, fulfilling a 2021 commitment.
 

At least 14 people died and 750 were injured in a massive explosion at Iran’s largest commercial port Saturday morning. A fire reportedly broke out and spread to unsealed containers storing “solid fuel intended for use in Iranian ballistic missiles.” The blast along the Strait of Hormuz happened as Iran and the U.S. met in Oman for nuclear program negotiations.
 

Ex-Congressman George Santos (R-NY) received the maximum sentence of 87 months in prison (~7 years to save you some mental math) after pleading guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. In 2023, Santos became the sixth person ever expelled from Congress following evidence that he misused campaign funds and fabricated much of his life story to win public office.
 

And with the 144th pick of the draft… Shedeur Sanders. The standout Colorado quarterback—son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—was drafted to the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, four rounds later than analysts expected. Heading into the NFL draft, Shedeur was seen as a first-overall-pick contender, but alleged attitude problems had teams passing on the passer.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

Finishing a masterpiece… with shadows.

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Kathleen Wadkins | Head of Content