Connect with us

World

Culture War, Redux

Published

on

Culture War, Redux

For just a few years, the battles over L.G.B.T. rights gave the impression to be fading from the American political scene.

The Supreme Courtroom legalized same-sex marriage in 2015, and most Individuals supported the choice. Throughout the previous few nationwide campaigns, most Republican politicians — together with Donald Trump, who known as himself a good friend of the homosexual neighborhood — largely ignored L.G.B.T. points. Certainly one of Trump’s Supreme Courtroom appointees, Neil Gorsuch, even wrote the opinion in a 2020 case that protected homosexual and transgender staff from job discrimination.

However the temporary political truce on L.G.B.T. rights seems to be over. In additional than a dozen states, Republicans have just lately handed legal guidelines proscribing these rights. Within the Senate, Republicans used Ketanji Brown Jackson’s affirmation listening to to name consideration to a few of the identical points that the brand new legal guidelines cowl, despite the fact that Jackson’s judicial file had just about no connection to them. (The Senate confirmed her yesterday.)

What explains the change? Immediately’s publication provides two explanations and likewise offers an summary of current L.G.B.T.-related legal guidelines throughout the nation.

After Barack Obama gained re-election in 2012, the traditional knowledge on each the fitting and the left was that the Republican Occasion wanted to average its strategy to social points to win over youthful voters in a diversifying nation.

Advertisement

Trump’s 2016 marketing campaign rejected this recommendation. He as a substitute moved left on financial points, like commerce and Social Safety. On some hot-button cultural points, like crime and immigration, he moved farther proper. On others, he confirmed comparatively little curiosity — however promised cultural and non secular conservatives that he would defer to them as soon as he was within the White Home.

“Trump’s view was, ‘Give them what they need,’” stated our colleague Jeremy Peters, who writes about this historical past in “Insurgency,” his current e-book. “He understood that if he did that, most of all by filling the federal judiciary with conservatives, they’d proceed to be the cornerstone of his base.” As president, Trump additionally went again on his pro-L.G.B.T. rhetoric and restricted transgender rights.

This strategy has emboldened cultural conservatives on a number of points, together with abortion, gun rights, affirmative motion and voting rights. As Stuart Stevens, a longtime Republican strategist and Trump critic, informed us, “Many within the social gathering see that they not must fake they usually can return to voicing what they actually imagine.”

The brand new conservative aggressiveness is the primary issue that helps clarify the current flurry of legal guidelines proscribing L.G.B.T. rights. The second issue is the political alternative that some Republicans now see: They acknowledge that public opinion on gender id and transgender rights is extra conservative than it’s on same-sex marriage.

A few of these problems with gender id are additionally unavoidably vexing, involving conflicts between one individual’s rights and one other’s. For instance, ought to transgender women all the time be allowed play women’ sports activities — even when male puberty gave them bodily power that gives a aggressive benefit? (Some feminists and feminine athletes say no, and a few transgender ladies are torn.) When ought to faculties begin to train youngsters about gender id? Ought to faculties be required to inform mother and father if a baby switches gender id in school?

Advertisement

On a number of of those questions, Republicans see a chance to solid Democrats as out of contact. “The proper is utilizing trans id amongst children because the wedge,” says our colleague Emily Bazelon, who writes about authorized points.

Bazelon factors out that this political technique depends partly on lies that appear supposed to stoke worry and hatred. In Florida, for instance, some Republicans have falsely instructed that faculties’ classes about sexuality are actually an try and “groom” college students.

Our abstract of the current legal guidelines follows.

In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a invoice final week that bans instruction about sexual orientation or gender id from kindergarten by third grade. The invoice additionally accommodates obscure wording that opponents fear might result in broader restrictions, successfully attempting to erase L.G.B.T. Individuals from college classes.

One instance: The regulation’s preamble requires “prohibiting classroom dialogue about sexual orientation or gender id.” That phrase has led to opponents’ nickname for the regulation: “Don’t Say Homosexual.”

Advertisement

Alabama lawmakers are contemplating an analogous regulation.

Three states — Arkansas, Arizona, and Texas — have enacted insurance policies limiting gender-affirming remedies (which might contain surgical procedure, hormones, speech remedy and different steps) for kids.

In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott has required lecturers and different adults to report mother and father they believe are offering such care to their youngsters. Abbott has additionally ordered state officers to analyze mother and father for little one abuse in these instances, though a decide has blocked the order for now.

The Alabama Legislature handed an analogous invoice yesterday. If the governor indicators it, the regulation would threaten docs and nurses with as much as 10 years in jail.

The American Medical Affiliation has described these measures as “a harmful intrusion into the apply of medication.” Azeen Ghorayshi defined a few of the troublesome selections that households and docs face in a current Occasions article.

Advertisement

Previously three years, governors in 13 states — together with Arizona, Iowa, Montana and West Virginia — have enacted legal guidelines that limit transgender ladies and women from enjoying feminine sports activities in public faculties. In a number of states, although, governors — each Republicans and Democrats — have vetoed such legal guidelines.

One was Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, who stated that the regulation unfairly focused a tiny variety of transgender youngsters “seeking to discover a sense of connection and neighborhood” by sports activities. Most might compete with out inflicting any unfairness to different athletes, he added. For the uncommon instances with respectable questions on security or equity, Cox favored making a fee to make choices.

The Utah Legislature overrode his veto final month and enacted the regulation. After the unique invoice handed the State Senate, Cox appeared on tv and spoke on to transgender youngsters. “Look, we care about you,” he stated. “We love you. It’s going to be OK.”

Programming word: I will likely be away till Tuesday, April 19, and my colleagues will likely be writing The Morning whereas I’m gone. — David Leonhardt

Advertisement

This robotic needs to make you higher at Wordle.

WordleBot — a brand new mission from our colleagues at The Upshot — analyzes your entries after you’ve performed and explains how you might have accomplished higher. The guidelines are meant that can assist you remedy Wordle puzzles faster.

The bot works finest in the event you use the identical browser that you just use for Wordle. Play it first; then go to the WordleBot.

The Upshot’s program recommends two opening phrases: CRANE in common mode, and DEALT in exhausting mode. It gained’t decide in the event you begin every day with a random choose — selection is the spice of life.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

World

AP PHOTOS: See incredible Met Gala looks as stars pay tribute to Black fashion and designers

Published

on

AP PHOTOS: See incredible Met Gala looks as stars pay tribute to Black fashion and designers

NEW YORK (AP) — Stars gathered Monday for a historic Met Gala that celebrated Black style and emerging designers.

The gathering in rainy Manhattan was the first Met Gala to focus exclusively on Black designers and the first in more than 20 years to have a menswear theme.

The gathering of stars from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, sports and business raised a record $31 million for the Met’s Costume Institute.

Rihanna attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Demi Moore attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Demi Moore attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Kim Kardashian attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Kim Kardashian attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Janelle Monae attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Janelle Monae attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Jordan Roth attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jordan Roth attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Coco Jones attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Coco Jones attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Madonna attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Madonna attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Lupita Nyong'o attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Lupita Nyong’o attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Jon Batiste attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jon Batiste attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Advertisement

Andre 3000 attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Andre 3000 attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Advertisement

Advertisement

Diana Ross attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Diana Ross attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Serena Williams attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Serena Williams attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Whoopi Goldberg attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Whoopi Goldberg attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Jodie Turner-Smith attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jodie Turner-Smith attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Jennie attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jennie attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Roberto Bolle, from left, Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Lee attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Roberto Bolle, from left, Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Lee attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Jaden Smith attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jaden Smith attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Cardi B attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Cardi B attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Zendaya attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Zendaya attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Shakira attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Shakira attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Anok Yai attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Anok Yai attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Doja Cat attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Doja Cat attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Ciara attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Ciara attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Myha'la attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Myha’la attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Teyana Taylor attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Teyana Taylor attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Dua Lipa attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Dua Lipa attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Ugbad Abdi attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Ugbad Abdi attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Jenna Ortega attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Jenna Ortega attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Advertisement

Tramell Tillman attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Tramell Tillman attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Advertisement

Advertisement

Simone Biles, left, and Jonathan Owens attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Simone Biles, left, and Jonathan Owens attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Damson Idris attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Damson Idris attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Sabrina Carpenter attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Sabrina Carpenter attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement
Cynthia Erivo attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Cynthia Erivo attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Lauryn Hill attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Lauryn Hill attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Colman Domingo attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Colman Domingo attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” exhibition on Monday, May 5, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Advertisement

Advertisement

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

___

For more coverage of the 2025 Met Gala, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/met-gala

Advertisement

Continue Reading

World

Who could be the next pope?

Published

on

Who could be the next pope?

There is no formal candidate process for the College of Cardinals to pull from when selecting the next pope – meaning any Catholic male could potentially be chosen as the next leader of the Catholic Church. 

For the last 3,400 years, the College of Cardinals – which is the holy body that elects each pope – has pulled from within its own ranks to choose each successor to the papacy, and it is widely believed it will do so again when the conclave meets on Wednesday.

Reports suggest that there is still no clue who will succeed Pope Francis, though there are a few men expected to be at the top of the 135-member electoral body.

  1. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy
  2. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines
  3. Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, Hungary
  4. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Jerusalem
  5. Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, 59, Portugal
  6. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Democratic Republic of Congo
  7. Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, United States of America
  8. Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy
  9. Cardinal Anders Arborelius, 75, Sweden
  10. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, 66, France

In this photo from files taken on April 18, 2005 and released by the Vatican paper L’Osservatore Romano, Cardinals walk in procession to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, at the beginning of the conclave. (Osservatore Romano via AP)

PAPAL PULSE: EVERYDAY CATHOLICS REVEAL THEIR HOPES FOR THE NEXT POPE

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, Italy

Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, is the highest-ranking diplomat in the Holy See – which is the governing body of the Catholic Church – and is believed to be among the cardinals most likely to be elected to the top position.

Advertisement

His favor among cardinals in the Sacred College, who will vote on the next pope, is due to his politically moderate position and his career in diplomacy, reported The New York Post.

Parolin, who spent part of his career in Mexico and Nicaragua, was appointed by Pope Francis in 2014 and would likely be seen as an extension of the current papacy. 

Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin

The Vatican’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, attends the blessing ceremony of the newly opened reception and integration center for Ukrainian refugees during the Bishops’ Conference of Slovakia in Kosice, Slovakia, on Sept. 15, 2023. (Robert Nemeti/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

WILL THE NEXT POPE BE FROM ASIA?

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, Philippines

Tagle is also believed to be a frontrunner among voting cardinals and serves as the pro-prefect for the section of first evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, as well as president of the Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious.

He has been dubbed the “Asian Pope Francis” particularly for their similarities when it comes to their more embracing position of the LGBTQI community than their predecessors. 

Advertisement

In a 2015 interview, Tagle said the Church’s “severe” position on the LGBTQI community, divorcees and single mothers was doing it harm. 

According to the Catholic Herald, Tagle “would be hailed by liberals, given the changing demographic of the Church.”

Pope Francis greets Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle

Pope Francis greets Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle during a ceremonial welcome at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Sept. 4, 2024. (Tiziana FabiI/AFP via Getty Images)

US CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS SUES TRUMP OVER IMMIGRATION, REFUGEE FUNDING FREEZE

Cardinal Peter Erdo, 72, Hungary

There are several conservative cardinals who are believed to be top contenders for the papacy, including Cardinal Peter Erdo, who has been critical of Francis’ position on divorce and immigration.

Erdo has argued that divorced or re-married Catholics should not be allowed to receive Holy Communion due to his position regarding the “indissolubility of marriage.”

Advertisement

The Catholic Herald pointed out that appointing a conservative pope following Francis’ tenure would “send a powerful message about the direction the Church would be taking.”

Erdo has also differed from Francis greatly on immigration and argued in 2015 that permitting refugees to resettle is tantamount to human trafficking.

Pope Francis greets Cardinal Peter Erdo

Pope Francis greets the archbishop of Budapest, Cardinal Péter Erdő, after arriving in Budapest, Hungary, on April 28, 2023. (Vatican Media Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

FROM THE HOLY LAND TO THE HOLY SEE: CARDINAL PIZZABALLA EMERGES AS PAPAL CANDIDATE

Pierbattista Pizzaballa, 60, Jerusalem

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, offered himself up as a hostage in exchange for the release of the Israeli children brutally abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.

Though Hamas did not accept the exchange, the offer garnered international attention and brought his name forward as a potential future leader of the Catholic Church. 

Advertisement

Should the Italian cardinal be chosen for the papacy, it would be the first time in 50 years that an Italian headed the Catholic Church, which was previously long seen as under Italian control – though, given the decades he has spent in the Middle East he is also seen as a Vatican outsider. 

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa attends the 7th Novemdiales Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on May 02, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Cardinals have agreed to begin the conclave on May 7th to elect the 267th Pope, following the conclusion of the Novemdiales Masses to pray for the eternal repose of the late Pope Francis.  (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça, 59, Portugal 

The Cardinal, often referred to as one of his baptismal names Tolentino, was made prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Culture and Education in 2022.

Tolentino is among the youngest of the men flagged as a potential successor to Pope Francis, which could hinder his chances of landing the papal seat. 

He was also closely aligned with Francis on several issues which has garnered some controversy, particularly when it comes to the church’s position on same-sex relationships. 

The Portuguese cardinal is also viewed as liberal leaning given his push for the church to engage with modern culture, including in his support of a feminist Benedictine sister who favors women’s ordination and is pro-choice. 

Advertisement
Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça

Cardinal José Tolentino Calaça de Mendonça and American comedian Whoopi Goldberg in the Galleria Lapidaria of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, after the meeting with the Pope, on the occasion of the audience with comedians from all over the world, at the Apostolic Palace. (Photo by Stefano Spaziani/Archivio Spaziani/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

VATICAN PREPARES FOR LARGEST CONCLAVE IN HISTORY TO ELECT NEW POPE

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, 65, Democratic Republic of Congo

Another conservative cardinal thought to be a serious contender is Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the war-torn nation of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Membership of the Catholic Church in Africa is growing faster than anywhere else in the world, according to the Associated Press.

The 65-year-old Ambongo controversially rejected Pope Francis’ blessing of same-sex couples by the Catholic Church. In a letter signed by other African priests, they said they refused to follow the pontiff’s declaration because such unions are “contrary to the will of God.”

cardinal fridolin among besungu

Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, United States of America

The Wisconsin native and former archbishop of St. Louis is considered to be the leading American candidate. The 76-year-old cardinal is also viewed as being from the conservative side of the Church. 

He is a proponent of the Latin Mass, and has been critical of Pope Francis regarding the Church’s new language around artificial contraception, LGBT issues and civil marriages. Burke was made a cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.

Advertisement
Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke

Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke attends the Consistory for the creation of new Cardinals led by Pope Francis at the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Vatican. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

CHIMNEY INSTALLED ON SISTINE CHAPEL’S ROOF AHEAD OF CONCLAVE TO PICK POPE FRANCIS’ SUCCESSOR

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, 69, Italy

Zuppi was born in Rome. He is the president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and is viewed as an insider in Francis’ Vatican, having served as the archbishop of Bologna.

The 69-year-old Zuppi is seen as being one of Pope Francis’ favorites. He was sent on a peace mission in 2023 to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He was also sent to meet with President Joe Biden that same year. 

Zuppi was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2019.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Pope Francis

Pope Francis meets with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi during an audience at the Apostolic Palace on Aug. 24, 2023, in Vatican City. (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Cardinal Anders Arborelius, 75, Sweden

Arborelius is the first Swedish cardinal in history and has become one of the favorites slated as one of the emerging front-runners to lead the Catholic Church. 

Advertisement

As Sweden is a predominately Protestant nation with Catholics making up just over 1% of the country, Arborelius’ elevation from Bishop to Cardinal by Pope Francis in 2017, is still seen as an advantage when it comes to vying for the top spot. 

He was also the first Swede to be made a bishop of Stockholm since the 1517 Protestant Reformation when St. John Paul II appointed him in 1998, reported the Catholic Review. 

Anders Arborelius

Cardinal Anders Arborelius arrives for a College of Cardinals meeting at he Vatican on April 29, 2025 in Rome, Italy.  (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, 66, France

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline is seen as a top contender for those who are looking to see core principles of Pope Francis carried on by the next pope, particularly when it comes to social justice and immigration. 

Aveline also embraced Francis’ push to make the Catholic Church more welcoming. 

As a native of Marseille, he is familiar with arguments for and against migration and he has worked with ethnically diverse populations in a city often seen as the crossroads between Africa and Europe, reported the National Catholic Reporter.

Advertisement
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline

Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline greets guests on the forecourt of La Major after the funeral ceremony for the former mayor of Marseille, Jean-Claude Gaudin, in Marseille, France on 23 May 2024.  (ANNE-SOPHIE NIVAL/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)

The Vote

Of the 252 cardinals in the Sacred College, only 138 are under the age of 80 and therefore are permitted to participate in the conclave, the papal election process – though there are no age limitations for the candidate who would serve as the future pope. 

Following the death of a pope, the conclave then holds a vote, and will continue to vote, until a pope is chosen by a two-thirds majority. 

At that time, the ballots will be burned with a chemical that produces white smoke, as opposed to black smoke, to alert the world that a new pope has been chosen. 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

World

Palestinian author Mosab Abu Toha wins Pulitzer Prize for commentary

Published

on

Palestinian author Mosab Abu Toha wins Pulitzer Prize for commentary

The poet gets the prestigious award for New Yorker essays ‘on the physical and emotional carnage in Gaza’ amid war.

Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha, who has been targeted by pro-Israel groups in the United States for deportation, has won a Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

Abu Toha received the prestigious award on Monday for essays published in The New Yorker “on the physical and emotional carnage in Gaza that combine deep reporting with the intimacy of memoir to convey the Palestinian experience” of the war.

“I have just won a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary,” Abu Toha wrote on social media. “Let it bring hope. Let it be a tale.”

The comment appears to be a tribute to his fellow Palestinian poet Refaat Alareer, was killed in an Israeli attack in Gaza in December 2023. Alareer’s final poem was titled, “If I must die, let it be a tale”.

Advertisement

Abu Toha was detained by Israeli forces in Gaza in 2023 before being released to Egypt and subsequently moving to the US.

“In the past year, I have lost many of the tangible parts of my memories – the people and places and things that helped me remember,” Abu Toha wrote in one of his New Yorker essays.

“I have struggled to create good memories. In Gaza, every destroyed house becomes a kind of album, filled not with photos but with real people, the dead pressed between its pages.”

In recent months, right-wing groups in the US have called for deporting Abu Toha amid a campaign by President Donald Trump cracking down non-citizens critical of Israel. The author cancelled events at universities in recent months, citing fears for his safety.

The Palestinian poet told Al Jazeera’s The Take podcast in December that the feeling of inability to help people in Gaza has been “devastating”.

“Imagine that you are with your parents, with your siblings and their children in a school shelter in Gaza,” Abu Toha said. “You are unable to protect anyone. You are unable to provide them with any food, with any water, with any medicine. But now you are in the United States, the country that is funding the genocide. So, it is heartbreaking.”

In other Pulitzer categories, New York Times won prizes for explanatory reporting, local reporting, international coverage and breaking news photography on Monday.

With the four awards, the New York-based newspaper received the most prizes from Pulitzer’s 14 journalism contests this year.

Advertisement

Winners of the award, named after the Hungarian-American newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, are selected by a board of journalists and academics and announced at Columbia University annually.

The New York Times received the international reporting prize for its coverage of the conflict in Sudan, edging out The Washington Post, which was a finalist in the category for its “documented Israeli atrocities” in Gaza, including investigations into the killings of Palestinian medics and journalists.

The Post won the breaking news prize for its coverage of the Trump assassination attempt during a campaign rally last year. The Reuters news agency took the investigative reporting award for a “boldly reported expose of lax regulation in the US and abroad that makes fentanyl”.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending