Yes, the historical claim in the image is valid and well-supported.5 Quick Fact Check: Pope Leo IV (847–855 AD) ordered the construction of the Leonine Walls (also called Leonine City walls) around Vatican Hill and St. Peter’s Basilica. Construction ran from 848 to 852 AD and was completed/dedicated in 852. This was a direct response to the 846 Arab (Saracen/Muslim) raid on Rome, in which raiders from North Africa sailed up the Tiber, sacked and looted Old St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Paul’s Outside the Walls (both outside Rome’s main Aurelian Walls), and desecrated sacred sites.25 Captured Saracen prisoners from the Battle of Ostia (849) were even used as forced labor to help build the walls.0 The walls were about 3 km long, up to 40 feet high, with towers — and parts of them still exist today as part of Vatican City’s fortifications. The Modern Context The image uses this history as a pointed “note to the current Pope Leo” (Leo XIV), contrasting 9th-century defensive action …More
https://www.catholic.com/ /magazine/online-edition/jesus-post-resurrection-to-do-list It's hard to keep track of everything Jesus did after he rose from the dead. Let us do it for you. • 4/16/2026 2026-04-16T08:40:52 Listen to the audio version of this content Where did Jesus appear alive between his resurrection and ascension? And who were the witnesses, beyond just the holy women and the apostles? It can be very confusing. So we will lay it out in an orderly manner. Jesus had repeatedly informed his disciples in advance of his death and resurrection, “And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise” (Luke 18:33). Luke summarizes Jesus’ activity before his ascension into heaven. “Jesus presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:3). We will start with a brief summary of the twelve places and events. We will continue with more detailed information. …
Integration Design Group (IDG) have yet another interesting 'before and after' project to share, this time with Our Lady of Lourdes in Denver, Colorado. As we usually do, we begin with the company's own account of the scope and accomplishments of the renovation project: This project encompassed a dramatic transformation of a 60 year old masonry church building, including the addition of a prominent front door on Logan Street, a narthex addition providing ample gathering space, and a complete interior renovation. Interior improvements include a clerestory window addition above the existing roof, a dome over the sanctuary, and a beautiful stone wall as a backdrop and frame for the crucifix and tabernacle. The project includes all new liturgical elements and furnishings. The efforts at this parish began with a comprehensive master planning effort. To date, the architectural beauty and liturgical artistry of the church have been enhanced with the major renovation of the existing nave and …