Latest news with #Vatican-approved
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
reVolver Podcasts Unveils "Prueba de Fe" and "Escándalos": A Bold Fusion of Faith, Fiction, and Controversy
Two Spanish-language anthology series dramatize Vatican-approved miracles and infamous international scandals in captivating audio storytelling DALLAS, May 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- reVolver Podcasts, the premier destination for top-tier Spanish-language audio content in the U.S., announces the release of two powerful new scripted series: Prueba de Fe and Escándalos. Both shows are compelling, stand-alone anthologies that explore the extraordinary—one rooted in divine faith, the other in global intrigue. Prueba de Fe ("Test of Faith") brings to life dramatized versions of the rare and rigorous Vatican-approved miracles required to canonize a saint. Each episode blends emotional storytelling with spiritual mystery, offering listeners an immersive journey into the miraculous. In contrast, Escándalos ("Scandals") dives into dramatized retellings of famous international controversies. From political corruption to celebrity downfall, every story is inspired by real events—with names changed, but the impact intact. "These projects are unlike anything in the podcast space right now," said Jack Hobbs, President of reVolver Podcasts. "Whether it's the deeply spiritual nature of Prueba de Fe or the raw revelations in Escándalos, these series showcase our commitment to bringing bold, culturally resonant content to Latino audiences across the U.S." Both series are produced by V.I.P. 2000 TV, Inc., distributed by World Media Pictures LLC, and Creation Services LLC, marking a milestone in cross-platform audio-visual storytelling. With the growing appetite for rich, serialized audio dramas in the Hispanic market, Prueba de Fe and Escándalos position reVolver Podcasts at the forefront of genre innovation. reVolver Podcasts is a leading force in digital audio content, dedicated to providing diverse, innovative, and engaging podcasts across various genres. With a commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, reVolver Podcasts continues to shape the future of digital storytelling, programming is free to millions of listeners in the U.S. and around the world across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Deezer, iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, available in the reVolver Podcasts App on Roku streaming devices and at About reVolver PodcastsreVolver Podcasts is the leading multicultural, audio-on-demand content creator and distributor in the U.S. Home to Erazno y La Chokolata, El Show de Piolín, The Shoboy Show, Panda Show - Picante, and Don Cheto Al Aire, plus more than 70 additional programs spanning sports, music, finance, entertainment, lifestyle, health and wellness, inspiration, news, branded content, and live events, distributed across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Pandora, iHeartRadio app, Amazon Music, also available in the reVolver Podcasts App on Roku streaming devices and at For more information about the company, visit View original content: SOURCE reVolver Podcasts
The Journal
02-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
China ‘elects' two bishops despite Pope Francis's death, defying Vatican agreement
CHINA HAS 'ELECTED' two bishops despite the Catholic Church being in the 'sede vacante' period following the death of Pope Francis. When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church enters a period known as sede vacante - Latin for 'the seat being vacant'. During this period, the Vatican is unable to ratify any bishop appointments as only the pope has the ability to do this. AsiaNews first reported the incident and said that the 'Catholic Church in China are promoting the idea that everything must go on as if nothing had happened'. One of the bishop appointments is particularly striking because the diocese is already led by a Vatican-appointed bishop. The Vatican-approved bishop in this diocese is Bishop Joseph Zhang Weizhu, who was secretly appointed by Pope John Paul II in 1991. He spent decades ministering without Chinese-state approval and has been arrested multiple times. It's reported that Zhang was most recently arrested in 2021 while recovering from cancer surgery and remains in custody without trial. While AsiaNews said the appointments 'had probably been scheduled before the death of Pope Francis', it is nevertheless 'a way of saying that the exceptional moment in the history, with sede vacante, does not concern Catholics in the People's Republic'. 2018 Vatican-China accord The appointments defy a 2018 joint-accord that was reached between the Vatican and China and presents an immediate diplomatic challenge to whoever becomes the next people. The accord was renewed last year and seeks to find a middle-ground between the underground Catholic Church that is faithful to the Vatican and the state-controlled Church. In China, the five main religions have government-controlled bodies that manage their affairs – for Catholicism, it's the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). Advertisement The CCPA in the past appointed bishops in China without Vatican approval. But the colloquially known underground Catholics do not to affiliate with the CCPA and instead looks to the Vatican and its own secretly ordained bishops . Chinese authorities have in the past harassed this underground Church and has reportedly detained some of its clergy and closed its churches . There are close to 12 million Catholics in China and around half worship in these underground churches, while the other half turn to the government-controlled Church. While the agreement has not been made public, it includes a framework whereby Chinese authorities put forth names of new bishops that the pope then either approves or disapproves. Pope Francis also recognised the legitimacy of the seven state-appointed Chinese bishops who had been named without papal approval and re-admitted them into the Church as part of this accord. Meanwhile, China would have to recognise the so-called underground bishops and allow them to practise more openly. However, the deal has been criticised by some in China, with one priest telling the New York Times in 2018: 'Those that are in jail, or those who don't want to belong to the patriotic Church, what will happen to them?' American conservatives have accused the Vatican of selling out the faithful who have been forced underground. The Vatican has also acknowledged that China has violated the agreement on multiple occasions. 'Betrayal' The relationship between China and the Vatican has been rocky going back over decades. In 1951, China severed ties with the Vatican and expelled its papal nuncio on 'espionage' charges. The Vatican is also one of only 12 governments – and the only one in Europe – to recognise the State of Taiwan. China claims Taiwan is a province and has vowed to annex it. Related Reads Italian cardinal convicted of embezzlement will not participate in upcoming conclave Conclave to elect a new Pope will begin on 7 May, cardinals agree Francis, a 'Pope among the people', laid to rest in Rome It's reported that a full reconciliation with the Vatican would involve the Holy See breaking diplomatic ties with Taiwan and allowing China free reign on appointing bishops, something the Vatican will not agree to. Taiwan's president, who met Francis six times, did not attend the funeral and instead sent a former vice-president . This meant Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te missed a rare opportunity to mix with other global leaders. Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong previously described the agreement as an 'incredible betrayal' and accused the Vatican of 'selling out and abandoning the faithful of the underground church in China'. In 2018, he said: 'The consequences will be tragic and long lasting, not only for the Church in China but for the whole Church because it damages the credibility. 'Maybe that's why they might keep the agreement secret.' Cardinal Zen arrives for a college of cardinals' meeting at the Vatican on 28 April, 2025. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo He added: 'The Holy See encouraged them to persevere and for so many years Popes praised their courage. And now they are being told to surrender.' At 93, he is too old to vote in the conclave, he has travelled to Rome for the pre-conclave Cardinal meetings. His secretary told the Associated Press that he has to apply to get his passport back – he was arrested in 2022 in Hong Kong on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces to endanger China's national security . On Wednesday, Cardinal Zen is said to have spoken at a pre-conclave meeting for 15 minutes, exceeding the five minute limit placed on interventions. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State under Francis, was integral to signing the 2018 agreement. He advocates for a similar accord with Vietnam. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Associated Press
09-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
PULTE FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES NONPROFIT, THE CATHOLIC INITIATIVE
Groundbreaking, Vatican-Approved Funding Model Created to Restore and Endow Vibrant Catholic Churches, Schools, and Parishes in Perpetuity BOCA RATON, Fla., March 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting humanitarian works worldwide, today announced the launch of The Catholic Initiative, an innovative, Vatican-approved funding model created to restore and endow vibrant Catholic churches, schools, and parishes for generations to come. The model is the first of its kind in the world in faith-based fundraising and shifts ownership of church buildings and campuses to a newly created nonprofit organization created solely for this purpose, with The Catholic Initiative assuming responsibility for restoring and maintaining the property going forward. Through iron clad, 200-year leases, The Catholic Initiative ensures that parishes retain exclusive and permanent rights to use the sites as Catholic churches and schools, without the risk of funds being redirected to other priorities. Catholic Initiative fundraising then goes to establishing an endowment to provide for future capital and operational needs, support repairs, routine maintenance, and the financial support of an onsite priest. The Pulte Family Charitable Foundation, founded by William J. Pulte, a devout Catholic, master builder and philanthropist, is guided by the belief in the inherent dignity of all persons and works to meet the basic human needs of the most marginalized members of the human family, including socioeconomically disadvantaged youth; the aged; persons with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities; and those with the fewest material resources. During William J. Pulte's lifetime, he donated hundreds of millions of dollars to Catholic churches and causes. The Foundation's current generation of leadership wished to continue that legacy while creating a philanthropic model that ensures sustainable funding for generations to come. 'The Foundation was built on the ethos of 'to whom much is given, much will be required,' and a commitment to embodying an entrepreneurial spirit—finding new ways to solve challenges,' said Kevin Doyle, Chief Operating Officer for the Pulte Family Foundation and President of the Catholic Initiative. 'The Catholic Initiative honors that ethos by pioneering a new model of investing in vibrant churches, schools, and parishes in underserved communities, ensuring their long-term sustainability. This model frees religious leaders and Catholic educators from their financial burdens and allows them to focus on their true mission: serving their parishioners and students.' During the past 30 years, more than 2,000 Catholic schools have closed, along with roughly 2,600 Catholic parishes, representing not just the loss of physical spaces but community hubs central to parishioner life. The Catholic Initiative provides sustained support over generations, allowing priests to focus on their missionary efforts and not on perpetual fundraising. The Catholic Initiative is launching with three flagship projects aimed at investing in vibrant Catholic communities where the lack of financial resources is holding back their potential. First, it is undertaking a full restoration of the historic Basilica of Ste. Anne in Detroit, Michigan, along with sustaining an endowment to secure its future. Second, it is securing the property ownership of Chicago's oldest Catholic all-girls high school – Josephinum Academy of the Sacred Heart – and establishing an endowment to support the long-term vitality of the school. Third, it is raising an endowment for Bulldog Catholic, the thriving campus ministry led by Fr. Mike Schmitz, which is dedicated to forming and inspiring the next generation of young Catholics. Two additional projects in the Midwest are currently in development and will be announced in the coming months. The Pulte Family Foundation's transformative leadership has drawn the attention of major partners nationwide. Among them is Fr. Mike Schmitz, a widely respected Catholic priest and host of the popular podcasts Bible in a Year and The Catechism in a Year produced by Ascension. In addition to his chaplaincy at the University of Minnesota Duluth, he has joined the Board of Advisors for The Catholic Initiative and will play an active role in guiding and supporting each of its projects. 'I was deeply inspired by the vision and innovation behind The Catholic Initiative,' said Fr. Schmitz. 'This model isn't just about financial support, it's about unleashing the full potential of Catholic churches, schools, and parishes. Many Catholic communities are vibrant and alive with faith, they just need the resources to thrive for generations. I felt called to be part of something that can truly transform the future of the Catholic faith.' The Catholic Initiative is part of a series of 'Legacy of Hope' Projects that the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation is spearheading. These efforts aim to usher in a new era of philanthropy with creative models of giving designed to sustain and transform communities for generations, uplift the marginalized, and secure the future of faith and service. These scalable models are setting a new standard for making strategic, impact-driven philanthropic investments/gifts. 'Our goal with The Catholic Initiative is to build a model that will transform lives for generations to come,' Kevin Doyle said. 'We hope we can shift the conversation for priests and parishioners—from one of constant fundraising to one of renewal, sustainability, and the needs of the community.'
