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Articles by S.D. Wright
The bad fruits of the 1986 interreligious Assisi event: What you need to know
Editor’s note: This is the fourth part in a series considering John Paul II’s pan-religious “World Day of Prayer for Peace” in 1986 – the 40th anniversary of which is being commemorated this October, with a message from Leo XIV. (LifeSiteNews) — In the first part of our analysis of the 1986 Assisi World Day of Prayer for Peace, we considered what happened at the event. In the second part, we considered how it served as a catalyst for Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre’s 1988 episcopal consecrations.
What were the real problems with John Paul II’s Assisi interfaith prayer meeting?
Editor’s note: This is the third part in a series considering John Paul II’s pan-religious “World Day of Prayer for Peace” in 1986 – the 40th anniversary of which is being commemorated this October by Leo XIV. In this third part, we will examine the criticisms a little closer and evaluate John Paul II’s attempts to defend and justify the event. The 1986 interfaith event caused a very great scandal throughout the Catholic world.
How the 1986 Assisi interfaith ‘World Day of Prayer’ led to the SSPX consecrations
Editor’s note: This is the second part in a series considering John Paul II’s pan-religious “World Day of Prayer for Peace” in 1986 – the 40th anniversary of which is being commemorated this October by Leo XIV. Prior to the Assisi meeting, John Paul II had shown great enthusiasm for such ceremonies and spectacles. As mentioned in the previous article, he visited the West African country of Togo in 1985; he described what he did in his own words: I prayed for the first time with animists.
Why was the 1986 Assisi World Day of Prayer for Peace so scandalous?
(LifeSiteNews) – October 27 is the 40th Anniversary of John Paul II’s “World Day of Prayer for Peace” at Assisi, Italy. To mark the occasion, Leo XIV is repeating the controversial event. But what happened at the event, and why was it so controversial? This is the first of a four-part series examining this event and its legacies. Each part will cover the following topics: What actually happened at the 1986 Assisi event?
Did Leo XIV praise the French Revolution – and do past popes provide a precedent?
(LifeSiteNews) – Last weekend, Leo XIV said the following in an address to Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic: How can we fail to see such a commitment as an expression of the authentic “secularity” (laïcité) of the earthly city? A Christian engaged in public service and is guided by the light of his or her conscience illumined by faith, cannot be considered a proselytizer or a threat to the unity of the nation.
Archbishop Viganò and the Seat of St. Peter: A respectful reply
(Sign of the Cross Media) – Following the release of his recent essay The Capital Schism, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò gave an exclusive three-part interview to LifeSiteNews. EXCLUSIVE: Archbishop Viganò says restraint on Antichrist loosened at Vatican II EXCLUSIVE: Abp. Viganò says Leo XIV has intensified Francis’s agenda, not slowed it EXCLUSIVE: Abp. Viganò: The Catholic Church ‘is alive’; the ‘synodal church is a corpse’ The interview covered a range of topics about the state of the Church.
Conservative politician’s war rhetoric raises questions about his Catholic politics
“The way of peace they have not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes.” — Rom. 3:17-18 (LifeSiteNews) — Over the last few days, sections of the British mainstream media have been alluding to imminent war with Russia.
Christ is King: New book sets out full doctrine using works of Cardinal Pie
This article was originally published on August 15, 2026. (LifeSiteNews) – Stabat Mater Press just released a new translation of Fr. Théotime de Saint-Just’s classic work, The Social Kingship of Christ According to Cardinal Pie. I had the honor of providing the foreword for this handsome new edition, available in both hardback and paperback. (NB: I am not receiving any commission or benefits from sales.) Who was Cardinal Pie? Louis-Edouard-Désiré Pie (1815-80) was born in Pontgouin, France, in 1815.
The Church’s teaching on suicide: everything you need to know
WARNING: The following essay deals with very serious issues. Some readers may be troubled by its content, especially if they have lost loved ones to suicide. Reader discretion is required.
Abp. Lefebvre and the 'heretics can't excommunicate' argument
Just before the 1988 episcopal consecrations, Archbishop Lefebvre himself presented the argument which we have been proposing this week. Yesterday, we shared the letter from SSPX Superior General Fr Davide Pagliarani, responding to the Vatican decree declaring excommunications and schism against the Society. That article also included a republication of the Open Letter of the SSPX District Superiors, dated 6 July 1988.
History Repeating Itself? A Closer Look at the Vatican’s SSPX Excommunications
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has issued a decree of excommunication against the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) for Wednesday’s episcopal consecrations, accompanied by an explanatory note. Yesterday, I explained the principle, expressed by Pope St. Celestine and others, which holds that the preachers of heresy are unable to excommunicate others.
New SSPX bishop invokes Mediatrix of All Graces in first episcopal sermon
(LifeSiteNews) – Newly consecrated – and now newly excommunicated, according to Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith – Bishop Pascal Schreiber of the Society of St. Pius X delivered his first episcopal sermon on Thursday. At a Pontifical High Mass taking place on the “prairie” of the Écône seminary, Schreiber’s message centerd on the Blessed Virgin Mary, the priesthood, and the Society of St. Pius X’s work in the world.
History repeating itself? A closer look at the Vatican’s SSPX excommunications
(LifeSiteNews) — Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, has issued a decree of excommunication against the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) for Wednesday’s episcopal consecrations, accompanied by an explanatory note. Yesterday, I explained the principle, expressed by Pope St. Celestine and others, which holds that the preachers of heresy are unable to excommunicate others.
EXCOMMUNICATED – Vatican declares SSPX bishops and priests 'schismatics' and excommunicated, threatens laity
Image from Séminaire Saint-Pie X – Écône, YouTube (Fair Use). As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Shop. Leo XIV’s Vatican has issued a statement declaring that the six bishops and priests are in schism and excommunicated. (WM Round-Up) – Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, the supposed Prefect of the “Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith”, has issued a decree of excommunication against the SSPX, accompanied by an explanatory note.
Leo XIV can’t excommunicate the SSPX or its bishops – here’s why
(LifeSiteNews) – After the Society of Saint Pius X’s episcopal consecrations on July 1, the Vatican is expected to issue a declaration of excommunication soon. These expectations were strengthened the day before after Leo XIV’s June 29 letter to Father Davide Pagliarani, the SSPX’s superior general.
'Shout-out' from Bishop Sanborn for slavery article - Plus: gladiatorial blood-sports vs. slavery
Bishop Donald Sanborn referred to S.D. Wright’s article on slavery as ‘excellent’ and suggested that Leo XIV should read it. With our additional comments comparing slavery with the gladiatorial games. (WM Round-Up) – In a special edition of Questions with the Rector on Leo XIV’s first encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Bishop Donald Sanborn praised my article critiquing its treatment of slavery.
Joe Rogan’s ‘Christian expert’ gets everything wrong about the Bible
(LifeSiteNews) – A clip of an “erotic thriller” film writer slamming the Catholic Church on the Joe Rogan Experience has gone viral on X, attracting over three million views at the time of writing.
The Church ended slavery. So why is Leo XIV apologizing?
(LifeSiteNews) — In Leo XIV’s new encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, given on May 15, 2026 (“On safeguarding the human person in the time of Artificial Intelligence), he asked for “pardon” for the Church having taken “eighteen centuries” to recognize the “full incompatibility” between slavery and “the dignity of every human being” – and the “suffering and humiliation” this has caused. In paragraph n.
BREAKING: Four new SSPX bishops named
By Nicola Quirico, CC BY-SA 4.0. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Reading List. Frs Schreiber, Goldade, Poinsinet de Sivry and Hanappier are to be concsecrated to the episcopate on 1 July 2026 by the SSPX.
BREAKING: SSPX announces names of new bishops
(LifeSiteNews) – The Society of St Pius X’s General House in Menzingen, Switzerland, has announced the names of the four men to be consecrated to the episcopate on July 1, 2026. They are: Father Pascal Schreiber (Swiss) Father Michael Goldade (American) Father Michel Poinsinet de Sivry (French) Father Marc Hanappier (French). The announcement of the names – and the number of future bishops – follows months of speculation since the SSPX’s announcement on February 2, 2026.
'Sedevacantism' as a 'pestiferous heresy'? Fr Ripperger's accusation analysed
Image from Fr Lawrence Lew OP. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Reading List. Some accusations, especially made by men of prominence, require a response. In a sermon on the Ascension, seemingly published on Ascension Thursday or the following Sunday, Fr Chad Ripperger has described “sedevacantism” as a “pestiferous heresy”.
The Last Supper and the Crucifixion were on the same day - by Jewish reckoning
By Maximilian775 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Reading List. One and the same Sacrifice, in a bloody and unbloody manner – not separated by a night, but united in it. We conclude here our translation of Fr Gabriel Daniel SJ’s treatment of the practice of the Quartodecimans – a group which fell out of the Church following the Council of Nicaea.
Bishop Barron is wrong about Judas – here’s why
“All those things are to be believed with divine and catholic faith which are contained in the Word of God, written or handed down, and are proposed by the Church either by a solemn judgment or by her ordinary and universal magisterium to be believed as divinely revealed.” Chapter II, On Faith, Dei Filius, Vatican I “(I)t is not permissible for anyone to interpret Holy Scripture in a sense contrary to (that of the Church), or indeed against the unanimous consent of the fathers.” Chapter II,...
Top 5 articles on Our Lady of Sorrows
Image: Fr Lawrence Lew OP. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. Click here for The WM Review Reading List. On the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, check out our top five articles on the compassion of the Blessed Virgin, and her role as Co-Redemptrix.
St Joseph and the Church - Mgr Guérard des Lauriers
Image from Fr Lawrence Lew OP. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Shop. What are the parallels between the Holy Family and the Church, and between St Joseph and the Pope? In 1987 – for the last feast of St Joseph before his death – Mgr Guérard des Lauriers preached the following sermon on St Joseph and the Church.
LOOK: New photos of future Pope Leo XIV in Pachamama idolatry emerge
(LifeSiteNews) — Independent research has confirmed that Fr. Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, participated in a Pachamama ritual in 1995, with newly uncovered photographic and video evidence corroborating LifeSiteNews’ earlier report. Following the publication of evidence by Father Charles Murr on a special edition of Faith & Reason, the website Novus Ordo Watch disclosed that it had been independently investigating the same event since 2025, and has now released further material.
Ted Cruz doubles down after backlash for sharing article that attacked Traditional Catholics
(LifeSiteNews) — Texas Senator Ted Cruz appears to be doubling down on his demonization of traditional Catholics, suggesting that they are being used by “America’s enemies” to undermine support of Israel. The GOP senator reposted an X message from “The Drunk Republican” which claimed that “America’s enemies are using influencers and centuries-old tropes to divide the right” as a means of “getting the left” into power.
Ted Cruz endorses article accusing Traditional Catholics of being ‘parasites’
(LifeSiteNews) — On Sunday, March 15, Senator Ted Cruz retweeted a long anti-Catholic X essay by the Republican Zionist account “Insurrection Barbie,” stating: READ every word of this. It’s the best & most comprehensive explanation of what we’re fighting. READ every word of this. It’s the best & most comprehensive explanation of what we’re fighting.
‘Conservative’ English bishop slams the SSPX, says Masses do not fulfil Sunday obligation
PORTSMOUTH, England (LifeSiteNews) — Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth said that Catholics cannot fulfil their Sunday obligation by attending Mass celebrated by priests of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX), citing the group’s “irregular” status. In comments given to Niwa Limbu of The Catholic Herald, Egan addressed questions about whether attendance at SSPX chapels satisfies the obligation for Mass on Sundays and holy days. “Schism is a great sadness for the Church,” Bishop Egan said.
Leo XIV continues to use Francis’ troubling ‘God of surprises’ theme
(LifeSiteNews) – Leo XIV raised several controversial themes during his Sunday Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, touching on ecumenism, feminism, and language echoing a favorite theme of his predecessor, Francis.
SSPX announces consecration of bishops without Vatican approval
(LifeSiteNews) — The General House of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X announced Monday that it plans to proceed with new episcopal consecrations later this year, citing what it described as an “objective state of grave necessity” for the continuation of its sacramental ministry. In a press release dated February 2, Superior General Father Davide Pagliarani said the SSPX’s bishops have been tasked with carrying out the consecrations on July 1.
Catholic publisher's aid to saying the Rosary released in third edition
(The WM Review) – Arouca Press has brought out the third edition of their lovely little work The Liturgical Rosary. It is an unusual book, and to my knowledge, nothing of its kind has been produced before. There are many collections of meditations, but none like this. This small book (about the size of a hand missal, but just a little more than a centimeter thick, with a proper Smyth-sewn binding) contains hundreds of texts to be announced at the start of each mystery of the Rosary.
What we can learn from bad reactions to the 'sede' Sisters of St Thomas Aquinas online
Image from the Congregation’s website (fair use). As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Shop. The point here is not documenting a meaningless Twitter drama, but drawing out the interesting questions and principles behind it. (WM Round-Up) – For several months, X has seen a few viral videos of white-habited Sisters singing Gregorian chant in a high gothic church.
Did the Virgin Mary suffer in giving birth to Jesus?
Incorporating image from Fr Lawrence Lew OP. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Shop. Here’s what happened at the first Christmas. In this reading, we’re going to reflect on the Nativity – birth of Our Lord at Christmas – and consider how this important period can make us grow in knowledge and love of her and her son. This text is taken from Fr Henry James Coleridge.
Are YOU on your way to Hell?
Incorporating Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Shop. Hell is real, and when the temptations of sin prove to be more forceful than our love for God, a salutary fear can help us stay on the straight road to life.
Why Christians become liberals - and how to avoid it happening to YOU
Image incorporating photo by cottonbro studio. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases through our Amazon links. See also The WM Review Shop. ‘Liberalism is a Sin’ gives us one last warning of three was that Christians become liberals – and sets out the relations that can send us to this terrible fate.
Catholics and the spirit of liberalism
Returning to the classic work ‘Liberalism is a Sin,’ let’s see how and why Liberalism maintains its grip, even on Catholics – and how we can escape it. (Day 7 of Total Consecration) The first period of the preparation for St Louis de Montfort’s Total Consecration to the Blessed Virgin is focused on gaining a greater awareness of the spirit of the world, and emptying ourselves of it.
The theological basis of 'True Devotion' and the Consecration to Mary (Garrigou-Lagrange)
Is St Louis de Montfort’s spiritual method based on rigorous doctrinal grounds? Fr Réginald Garrigou-Lagrange OP explains. As previously noted, The WM Review will shortly be beginning a communal preparation for the St Louis de Montfort consecration to Our Lady on Christmas Eve, coinciding with Advent. Sign up to emails/notifications if you would like to receive the daily meditations, and more: You can read more about the initiative here: Time to return to de Montfort?
'She is neither liberal, nor modernist, nor ecumenical' - Abp. Lefebvre on Our Lady
In his final years, Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre made several powerful remarks on the power of Our Lady against modernism and ecumenism.
'Co-Redemptrix' – The testimony of Popes, Saints and Theologians
Our Lady is ‘Co-Redemptrix,’ and the fact that this term needs explanation and qualification is no more argument against it than against that of ‘Mother of God.’ In a previous piece, we considered a lesser-appreciated aspect of Our Lady’s sorrows: the fact that she willed and consented to the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.
Leo XIV urges 'world without barriers' in new call to 'accompany' migrants
(LifeSiteNews) — Leo XIV has explicitly positioned his new exhortation Dilexi Te in continuity with his “beloved predecessor” Francis, echoing many of the same themes pertaining to migrants and calling for “a world and a Church without barriers.” The exhortation, Leo says, was originally written by Francis as a continuation of his encyclical Dilexit Nos, with Leo “adding some reflections” and thereby making it “his own.” Of the 130 footnotes, more than 50 refer to his predecessor’s texts and...
Leo XIV's new Pope Video hails joint religious action for 'peace, justice and fraternity'
(LifeSiteNews) — In Leo XIV’s latest “Pope Video,” he urged believers of different religions to collaborate for “peace, justice, and human fraternity.” The two-minute video, which repeats this list twice, marks the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, described in the YouTube caption as the Declaration that “transformed the Catholic Church’s relationships with other religions.” Released by the Vatican-affiliated “Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network,” the October message addressed Christ as “You,...
How the September Ember Days echo Israel’s holiest feasts
(LifeSiteNews) — Four times a year, the Roman Liturgy marks the Ember Days: three days of fasting and penance. Rooted in Roman custom, they echoed both Jewish fasts and the Roman agricultural festivals, which the Church preserved and sanctified in four seasonal fasts. In Rome, these festivals marked: December’s sowing of seeds June’s summer harvest September’s vintage of grapes. In time, the Church introduced a fourth set of Ember Days: Spring’s emergence of shoots and buds.
Setting the record straight with Avoiding Babylon
Avoiding Babylon’s latest video mentions The WM Review, and ideas we share with others – and some of its points need to be set straight. Sorry about the thumbnail: while we have many positive things to say about Avoiding Babylon, we are unable to praise their aesthetic taste! (WM Round-Up) – The popular YouTube channel Avoiding Babylon has published a video with Matt Gaspers responding to an article by .
Catholic rites and prayers for deceased non-Catholics? Pope Gregory XVI answers
Pope Gregory XVI rebuked the Bishop of Augsburg for his reaction to the death of the Protestant Queen Dowager. But on what grounds? The following text is a translation of Pope Gregory XVI’s 1842 Epistola (Letter) to the Bishop of Augsburg.
'Faith is absolutely necessary for salvation' (Fortes in Fide)
What actually is faith, and why is it the foundation of the entire supernatural life in Christ? Fr Noël Barbara explains. What follows is the first of Fr Noël Barbara catecheses in Fortes in Fide, N. I Vol. I. Having previously published the opening material and editorial of that issue, we are now in the meat of the periodical, and it is easy to see why Fr Peter Morgan felt that the French version (Forts dans la foi) was what was needed by English Catholics, following Vatican II.
Can a non-Catholic be a martyr? Benedict XIV's explanation (Part I)
If a non-Catholic dies for the Name of Christ, or for truth or virtue, are they a martyr? The following text is an excerpt of Pope Benedict XIV’s De Servorum Dei Beatificatione et de Beatorum Canonizatione, newly translated. Benedict XIV was a fascinating person: an remarkably dedicate scholar (whose “best friend was his pen”), with a quick temper and a quicker wit.
Where is 'Trad Inc.' in the face of the most 'hyperpapalist' statement ever made?
Leo XIV's words repeatedly presume that he has the power to change Catholic doctrine. But does anybody care? (WM Round-Up) – By now, everyone will have seen clips from Leo XIV's extended interview with Elise Ann Allen of Crux Now. While some are praising this interview with what used to be called “gay abandon,” this interview reveals that Leo has transcended even Francis in the gravity of his denial of the Catholic religion.
Why awe is the right response to Our Lady of Sorrows
Here's why Our Lady of Sorrows is about more than having pity on the Mother of God – and why she is called the ‘co-redemptrix.’ Many meditations on Our Lady of Sorrows emphasise the suffering she endured at the foot of the Cross.
'CATHOLICS! Beware! A new religion has been established!' (Fortes in Fide)
The first part of our serialisation of Fr Noël Barbara's 'Fortes in Fide' includes an open letter from four early pioneers of the post-Vatican II period. What follows is the foreword and first article of Fr Noël Barbara’s Fortes in Fide, N. I Vol. I. It is based on the typeset version of the late James McNally. Unfortunately, at this time of republication, it has not been possible to ascertain the date of the original text.
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