"Thank God for Pope Leo. He’s the leader our world desperately needs. Even for nonbelievers like me, the pope has become a reassuring – and all too rare – voice of moral clarity " - Arwa Mahdawi in the Guardian

‘He is still a mere mortal, he is not perfect, but he is proving to be a much-needed force for good.’ Photograph: Remo Casilli/Reuters

 

OpinionPope Leo XIV

Arwa Mahdawi

Wed 3 Jun 2026 05.00 EDT

Do you remember the early 2000s, when Silicon Valley buzzed with idealism and tech bros told us they were going to save the world? “Don’t be evil” was Google’s unofficial motto; it’s 2004 IPO prospectus declared that doing “good things for the world” was more important than “short term gains”. Mark Zuckerberg similarly wrote in Facebook’s 2012 IPO letter that the social network was “built to accomplish a social mission – to make the world more open and connected”.

As was obvious to anyone paying attention, this was all performative bullshit. Nevertheless, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic about that period of time – which came to a definitive end in 2018, with the Cambridge Analytica scandal. By and large, billionaires and CEOs still cared what the hoi polloi thought of them. They were self-aware enough to realize that, even with all their billions, there’s a lot more of us than there are of them.

Now, however, there has been a seismic vibe shift. Donald Trump has made cruelty cool, and normalized greed and corruption. Tech titans, meanwhile, have lined up to kiss the ring – and extract as much money from his administration as they can. Elon Musk has gone from quirky rocketman to rightwing agitator. Zuckerberg is in his macho era, urging companies to unleash their “masculine energy” and saying he regrets apologizing so much in the past.

As for the mantra “don’t be evil”? Ha. Now tech companies are unapologetically fueling unimaginable evil. Project Nimbus, for example, a $1.2bn contract awarded by Israel to Google and Amazon, has been accused of playing a role in the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder, meanwhile, has said using the term genocide in connection to Gaza, which scores of leading human rights organizations and scholars do, is “offensive”.

Amid this vibe shift, something odd has happened: the Vatican City has... READ MORE https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/03/pope-leo-ai-technology

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Merry Christmas from Times Square- from the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) which was founded in 1980 in response to stereotyping, defamation, and discrimination directed against Americans of Arab origin.

New York Times Square!   https://x.com/adc

 

Merry Christmas from Times Square! From all of us at the @adc family!

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 https://adc.org/ 

In 1980, Senator James George Abourezk founded the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in response to stereotyping, defamation, and discrimination directed against Americans of Arab origin.

ADC is the largest Arab American grassroots organization in the U.S. We defend civil and human rights, fight discrimination, promote understanding of Arab history and culture, and partner across communities to advance social justice.

Billboard published after Pope Francis’ passing praising his Palestinian solidarity.

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Every person in the U.S., including students, workers, immigrants, and protesters, has the right to speak freely, peacefully assemble, and challenge injustice.

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Since 1980, the ADC Legal Department has worked to simultaneously address a consistently heavy caseload and serve as a staunch advocate for the rights of Arab Americans on a number of salient policy issues. See a few of our key issues and information below:

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AS ALWAYS PLEASE GO TO THE LINK TO READ GOOD ARTICLES (or quotes) IN FULL: HELP SHAPE ALGORITHMS (and conversations) THAT EMPOWER DECENCY, DIGNITY, JUSTICE & PEACE... and hopefully Palestine, or at least fair and just laws and policies]

July 17th, 2025: Israel just bombed the very Gazan church Pope Francis used to call daily during the genocide. They injured the very priest, Gabriele Romanelli, who used to update the Pope on the situation. 2 church goers were killed, 6 wounded.

Two Palestinian Christians have been killed by the Israeli attack against the church in Gaza. Another crime. More victims. Lord have mercy!! 

Munther Isaac منذر اسحق

@MuntherIsaac

Photo of the impact from the front... Lord have mercy. An Israeli strike today has killed two Christians and injured several others sheltering inside Holy Family Catholic Church in Gaza City.

Israel just bombed the very Gazan church Pope Francis used to call daily during the genocide They injured the very priest, Gabriele Romanelli, who used to update the Pope on the situation. 2 church goers were killed, 6 wounded. 

Statement of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem "This morning, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the Compund of the Holy Family in Gaza, belonging to the Latin Patriarchate, was struck by the Israeli army. As of this hour, three individuals lost their lives as a result of the injuries sustained and nine others were wounded". https://lpj.org/en/news/lpj-statement-july-17th-2025

Sources close to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem told The Pillar that they believe the Israeli bombing of the Catholic Church in Gaza may have been retaliation for the meeting of Christian leaders in Taybeh, the Christian West Bank town that's been under settler attack.

 

Pope Francis called the Palestinian Christians in Gaza every night in his last year of life

 

More unbelievable? The church Israel bombed this afternoon in Gaza was the same church Pope Francis used to call daily before he passed away. Three people were killed—two of them Christian. Several others were injured, among them was the parish priest and friend of the late Pope.  

Mosab Abu Toha

@MosabAbuToha

From our cousins in Jordan: With profound sorrow and deep sadness, we bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis, who throughout his life was a beacon of giving and love. He embodied humility, championed humanity, and tirelessly advocated for peace, both in word and in deed. He was a defender of the weak, an unwavering voice for truth, and a relentless seeker of justice for the poor and the oppressed... May the gentle soul of beloved Pope Francis Rest in Peace.

وداعاً بابا فرانسيس

نودع بمزيدٍ من الحزن والأسى قداسة البابا فرانسيس، الذي جسّد في حياته معنى العطاء والمحبة، وكان مثالاً للتواضع، ولتغليب الإنسانية والدعوة إلى السلام قولاً وفعلاً.

برحيله تغادرنا قامة روحية سامقة، حملت راية السلام والكرامة في عالم مضطرب. ناصر الضعفاء، وانحاز إلى قول كلمة الحق، وسعى لتحقيق العدالة لكل مسكين ومظلوم.…

See more-

Farewell Papa Francis.

It is with great sadness and deepest sorrow that we bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis, who in his life embodied the meaning of giving and love, an example of humility, overcoming humanity and calling for peace in word and deed.

With his departure, he left us a lofty spiritual stature, carrying the banner of peace and dignity in a troubled world. Support the weak, adhere to speak the word of truth, and seek justice for every poor and oppressed.

His holiness was a voice for the suffering of children in war and conflict zones, he was their advocate, raising his voice in defense of their innocence and their right to live safely in peace and dignity.

His Holiness Pope Francis, who loved Jordan and his ministry in 2014, left a profound impact on the hearts of Jordanians who loved and respected him. In Jordan, the land of messages, he found a loving shelter and meeting with his lovers from different sides of the society, always carrying the messages of peace, justice and mercy.

With the departure of his holiness, the world loses the voice of a living conscience, and a great humanity, but his message will remain immortal, a beacon of truth, mercy and love.

Rest in peace, Pope Francis

Rest in Peace Pope Francis

With profound sorrow and deep sadness, we bid farewell to His Holiness Pope Francis, who throughout his life was a beacon of giving and love. He embodied humility, championed humanity, and tirelessly advocated for peace, both in word and in deed. He was a defender of the weak, an unwavering voice for truth, and a relentless seeker of justice for the poor and the oppressed.

With his passing, the world bids farewell to a towering spiritual figure who carried the banner of peace and dignity in a conflicted and volatile world.

His Holiness was a steadfast voice for children in conflict zones, a defender of their innocence, and a tireless advocate for their right to live in safety, peace, and dignity.

Pope Francis, who held Jordan dear to his heart and honored it with his visit in 2014, left an indelible mark on the hearts of Jordanians, who reciprocated his love and respect. In Jordan, the land of holiness and prophets, his message was full of affection and love, embracing people from all walks of life, and carrying with him always the messages of peace, justice, and mercy.

With the passing of His Holiness, the world loses a vivid and honest voice of conscience and a monumental humanitarian figure. Yet his message will endure — a lasting beacon of truth, compassion, and love.

May the gentle soul of beloved Pope Francis Rest in Peace.

#PopeFrancis

#Pope

#البابافرنسيس

ADC: American Arabs on Pope Francis "WHILE WORLD LEADERS REMAINED SILENT, HE NAMED THE TRUTH: THERE IS A GENOCIDE IN GAZA, AND THE WORLD MUST STOP LOOKING AWAY"

ADC National

@adc

ADC mourns the passing of Pope Francis, a global voice for the oppressed, a truth-teller on Palestine, and a moral leader who never flinched in the face of power. His legacy lives on in our fight for justice.

To our Arab Christian sisters and brothers, to Christians everywhere, and to all people of faith who seek to uphold the true intentions of faith

News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 21, 2025
media@adc.org 

Washington, D.C. | Yesterday, millions of Arab Christians celebrated Easter with Christians across the world. We offer warm greetings to those who recently celebrated. For centuries, the vital presence of Arab Christians, whose devotion to peace, justice, and compassion has long enriched both the Middle East and the global community. Despite a common misconception, Arab Christians constitute a vibrant and integral part of our shared heritage, underscoring the diversity that has long been a hallmark of the Arab world.

Unfortunately, Arab Christians, along with other religious minorities in the Middle East, are targeted for how they worship or who they are. In what should be a time of celebration in Palestine, the birthplace of Christianity, Arab Christians are under constant bombardment from Israel. The historic Saint Porphyrius Church in Gaza City—one of the world’s oldest Christian churches—was bombed on October 19, 2023, killing 18 displaced civilians sheltering inside. Many Christians have sought refuge in the few remaining churches, relying on them for basic necessities and a measure of safety. Before the genocide, Gaza’s Christian population numbered around 2,000, mostly Greek Orthodox. Sadly, that number continues to dwindle as deaths and displacement mount.

Israel has destroyed over 200 cultural and historical sites, and more than 340 mosques—among them the iconic 700-year-old Great Omari Mosque. At least three churches have also been severely damaged, including St. Porphyrius Church itself. At least 16 cemeteries have been desecrated. And Christians across the Middle East face similar threats, with key sites damaged in attacks that further endanger this small yet longstanding community.

While many Christian leaders and groups in the U.S. justify the genocide, Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today, made nightly calls to Gaza’s Christian community from the onset of the genocide, boldly amplifying their voices when much of the world looked away. We mourn his loss, as his persistent stand against the ongoing oppression of Christians in Palestine—and of all those enduring occupation and violence—remains a testament to moral courage.

ADC calls on all world leaders to protect religious minorities by condemning violence against any faith community and holding perpetrators accountable, ensuring that no one is targeted for how they worship or who they are.

In this spirit, ADC remains devoted to our mission, urging those in power to reject genocide, end cycles of violence, and protect the dispossessed. May hope and resilience guide us forward as we strive for the day when every community—regardless of creed—can celebrate in peace. 

https://adc.org/pope-francis/

ADC National

@adc

“He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities… and by his bruises we are healed.” — Isaiah 53:5 This verse speaks of a suffering servant — one who bears the wounds of injustice to bring peace and healing. Easter isn’t just about resurrection — it’s about resurrection through suffering. And nowhere is that more alive today than in Palestine — the land of Christ’s birth, life, and death. As Palestinian Christians face relentless attacks — churches destroyed, worshipers displaced — we witness a people whose faith refuses to die. No nation shows the power of resurrection, the depth of hope, and the endurance of love more than Palestine. This is the true meaning of faith. This is the true message of Easter. #EasterInPalestine

https://adc.org/

When Pope Francis stopped, touched the wall, and said a prayer, it was truly a monumental moment that made waves in world news. Pope Francis couldn’t help but notice the ugliness of this concrete structure at the heart of Bethlehem. This wall should make us all uncomfortable. To this discomfort, the Pope couldn’t help but react and reach out. By responding in this manner, the Pope touched more than the wall. He touched the ugliness of the occupation and war. He touched the depth of our suffering. With humility and weakness, he looked injustice in the eyes, and challenged it." The Other Side of the Wall by Pastor Munther Isaac

 

Pope Francis in Bethlehem, Palestine

Munther Isaac

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Palestinian, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine. He conveyed true compassion to Palestinians, most notably to those in Gaza during this genocide. His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on calling the Christian community besieged in Gaza on a constant basis, even from his hospital.

Some years ago, Pope Francis visited Bethlehem. We all remember the iconic image of him praying at the Wall. This is what I wrote about this incident in my book “The Other Side of the Wall”.

When Pope Francis stopped, touched the wall, and said a prayer, it was truly a monumental moment that made waves in world news. Pope Francis couldn’t help but notice the ugliness of this concrete structure at the heart of Bethlehem. This wall should make us all uncomfortable. To this discomfort, the Pope couldn’t help but react and reach out. By responding in this manner, the Pope touched more than the wall. He touched the ugliness of the occupation and war. He touched the depth of our suffering. With humility and weakness, he looked injustice in the eyes, and challenged it.

What did he say in his prayer? The truth is, I don’t want to know. Some words are better left unspoken. The image of him standing next to the wall and praying will forever be engraved in our memories. For me, this image went everywhere. On my office wall, Facebook page, desktop wallpaper. For us as Palestinian Christians, this image was stored deep into our memory. And when this wall falls one day (not if, when), we might go back to this moment and this prayer as one of the key moments that led to its fall.

At the end of the day, the Pope left, and the occupation and the wall remained. But we were left with a renewed sense of hope—knowing that we are not forgotten. We were left with a mandate to continue lamenting the current situation, to fight against injustice . . . and to pray. (The Other Side of the Wall, pp. 182-183)

The Pope left our world today, and the occupation and the wall remained. Even worse, he left our world while a genocide continues to unfold. Back in November he wrote: “I am thinking above all of those who leave Gaza in the midst of the famine that has struck their Palestinian brothers and sisters given the difficulty of getting food and aid into their territory… According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide. It should be carefully investigated to determine whether it fits into the technical definition formulated by jurists and international bodies.”

Today I wonder: Will the millions who will mourn his death these coming days respect this wish of his? Will they care for Gazans and Palestinians the way he did?

May his soul rest in glory with his Savior. Humanity lost a special soul today.