5 Simple Ways to Head into the Holidays with Gratitude

The Vatican’s quiet decision to provide a Muslim prayer room within its historic library has ignited new concerns among those who see Western traditions and religious heritage increasingly under pressure from globalist and multicultural agendas. Vatican Library Approves Muslim Prayer Room, Raising Questions The Vatican Library, one of the oldest and most revered institutions of the Catholic faith, has quietly approved a request from Muslim scholars for a dedicated prayer room within its walls. Father Giacomo Cardinali, the Vice Prefect of the Vatican Library, confirmed in a recent interview that the institution now permits Muslim academics to practice their faith onsite, stating, “Some Muslim scholars asked us for a room with a prayer rug, and we gave it to them.” This move marks a significant development in the Vatican’s approach to interfaith accommodation, particularly at a time when many Westerners are concerned about preserving the cultural and religious identity of their historic institutions. Vatican II Theology in Action: Vatican Library Provides Prayer Room for Muslim Visitors – https://t.co/JYLg7FB0mm You can't make this stuff up… pic.twitter.com/oGPrsXQLbl — Novus Ordo Watch (@NovusOrdoWatch) October 8, 2025 The Vatican Library, established in 1475, has long held a reputation for collecting theological texts and artifacts from around the world. Today, it houses approximately 80,000 manuscripts, 50,000 archival items, countless engravings, coins, and nearly two million printed books. Cardinali highlighted the library’s universal scope, listing collections from Arabic, Jewish, Ethiopian, and even rare Japanese archives. Despite its historical openness to diverse scholarship, the recent decision to provide a specific prayer space for Muslims on Vatican grounds has drawn scrutiny from those concerned about the erosion of Western religious traditions. Concerns Over Tradition and Religious Identity For many conservatives and defenders of Western heritage, the quiet granting of a Muslim prayer room in the Vatican is emblematic of a wider trend: the incremental accommodation of non-Christian practices in the heart of historically Christian institutions. Critics argue that such policies not only dilute the unique identity and traditions of these institutions but also set a precedent for further erosions of their foundational values. The Vatican’s willingness to meet extraordinary requests — including those considered “absurd” by library staff — suggests a broader openness that some see as undermining centuries of carefully preserved heritage. The concern is not rooted in opposition to religious freedom, but rather in the perceived imbalance: while Christian traditions are often restricted or marginalized in public spaces throughout the West, iconic Christian sites now appear increasingly willing to accommodate other faiths, sometimes at the expense of their own distinctiveness. This development resonates with broader frustrations among conservatives who have long warned about the dangers of unchecked multiculturalism, globalism, and the watering down of foundational Western principles. Desecration of Sacred Spaces Amplifies Tensions The debate over religious accommodation inside the Vatican was further inflamed by a recent act of desecration within St. Peter’s Basilica. Just last week, a man climbed onto the sacred Altar of Confession during a 9 a.m. mass and proceeded to urinate in front of horrified worshippers and tourists. Security struggled to contain the situation, and Pope Leo XIV was reportedly “shocked” by the blatant disrespect shown to one of Catholicism’s most sacred spaces. The Vatican has not yet released a formal statement, and questions remain about whether the perpetrator will face charges. This incident has fueled concerns that increased openness and diminished reverence for tradition invite further disrespect and endanger the sanctity of Western religious sites. Vatican to open Muslim Prayer room to accommodate Muslim scholars visiting the Vatican Apostolic Library. “Some Muslim scholars have asked us for a room with a carpet for praying and we have given it to them.” – Vice Prefect Fr Giacomo Cardinali. Source: Catholic Herald pic.twitter.com/xfg45ch08w — Oli London (@OliLondonTV) October 15, 2025 Many observers see a pattern: as institutions like the Vatican prioritize inclusivity and accommodation, they may unintentionally signal that long-standing traditions are negotiable or less deserving of respect. This perception, whether fair or not, is at the heart of a growing backlash from those who believe that the West’s unique heritage must be actively defended against both subtle and overt forms of erosion. Balancing Openness with Upholding Tradition The Vatican’s leadership, by emphasizing the library’s role as a “universal” institution, may view the decision to allow a Muslim prayer room as a gesture of hospitality and academic inclusiveness. However, critics argue that even well-intentioned accommodations can have unintended consequences, especially when they occur within institutions that serve as global symbols of Christian identity and tradition. The tension between openness and preservation is not unique to the Vatican; it reflects a broader challenge facing many Western societies as they grapple with questions of identity, heritage, and the limits of multiculturalism. As debates continue, many conservatives urge vigilance in defending the values and traditions that have defined Western civilization for centuries. For them, the story of the Vatican’s new prayer room is a cautionary tale — a reminder that even the most iconic institutions are not immune to the pressures of globalism and the slow erosion of foundational beliefs. Sources: Pope Leo XIV ‘shocked’ after man urinates on St. Peter’s Basilica altar Vatican ‘grants request for Muslim prayer room’

Cheap Trick came together in Rockford, Illinois, in 1973, when four musicians with distinctly different personalities created a sound that combined the punch of hard rock with the melodic flair of pop. Guitarist Rick Nielsen and bassist Tom Petersson had already played together in several bands, developing a tight musical bond and an irreverent sense of humor that would become central to the group’s identity. When vocalist Robin Zander joined, his powerful range and polished delivery gave the band the charisma it needed, while drummer Bun E. Carlos anchored the lineup with precision and swing. Together, they forged a style The post Complete List Of Cheap Trick Songs From A to Z appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

Measuring no more than 2 feet long from nose to tail, a newly-described crocodilian nicknamed “Elton” likely lived its entire life on land where it lounged in the Cretaceous Montana sunshine, eating plants and insects. Elton was about the size of a big lizard, according to Montana State University professor of paleontology David Varricchio, whose […] The post A Plant-Eating Croc? Newly Identified Species Demonstrates Crocodilian Versatility appeared first on Good News Network.

This week, I had the opportunity to visit the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, to hear President Donald Trump speak. Trump, who had just brokered a ceasefire deal involving the release of all 20 living Israeli hostages from Hamas—without a full Israeli withdrawal, and with a stated commitment by Hamas, backed by erstwhile allies like Qatar and Turkey, to disarm—was met with ecstatic applause. Calling out his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump stated, “We’re not gonna go into a war, but if we do, we’re going to win that war like nobody has ever won a war before. We will not be politically correct … I think, you know, as you mentioned, Bibi, before, ‘Peace through strength.’ And that’s what it’s all about.” Indeed it is. Critics of the Trump administration have claimed that President Joe Biden’s ceasefire plan from 2024 was similar to the ceasefire achieved by Trump. That’s absolutely untrue. Biden’s plan involved a pullback of Israeli forces from “all populated areas of Gaza,” in exchange for an unspecified number of living hostages; phase two would involve a complete end to hostilities, which would involve the release of the remaining hostages. The proposal did not include the disarmament of Hamas. Trump’s plan, by contrast, committed Hamas and its allies to return of all hostages, living and dead, in phase one; Israel would not be forced to withdraw from all populated areas (in fact, Israel currently continues to militarily control some 53% of the Gaza Strip); only after phase two, with the demilitarization and disarmament of Hamas, would Israel pull back fully from Gaza. In short, Trump’s plans contained immediate deliverables—and those deliverables came in the form of Israeli hostages, who were returned to their families. Those deliverables were made possible not only because of Trump’s negotiating acumen but because between Biden’s proposal and Trump’s, the situation on the ground changed: Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, and utterly decimated Hezbollah’s offensive capacity, including via the most highly targeted anti-terror attack of all time—the famed beeper operation; Israel’s destruction of Hezbollah capacities led indirectly to the collapse of the Syrian regime, which in turn made the Syrian border safer for Israel; Israel shattered Iran’s nuclear capacity, with the assist of Trump’s daring Operation Midnight Hammer; Israel performed continuing operations in Judea and Samaria to degrade Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s terrorist operations there; Israel made clear, by striking Hamas leadership inside Qatar, that it would target its enemies anywhere they were found. Much of that situational change between June 2024 and October 2025 was due to Netanyahu’s stalwart leadership and the extraordinary performance of the Israeli defense community. But without Trump supporting the Israeli moves, it would have been difficult if not impossible to reach the end of the war in such victorious fashion. And that’s why Trump received a hero’s welcome in Israel. Trump has always been a peace president, because the only way to achieve peace is strength. Geopolitics is an arena of force—and only the credible threat of its use can bring people to the table. The oft-repeated saw that peace cannot be won on the battlefield is just as false as it is hackneyed. Peace can only be won on the battlefield—because only through victory can the conditions for peace be achieved. A preliminary peace is no peace at all. It is merely a hudna, a waystation on the road back to war and terrorism. So, what comes next? Given Hamas’ attempts to reconsolidate control of the areas of the Gaza Strip from which Israel has withdrawn, it is doubtful that phase two will ever come into play. Will Arab and Muslim nations supply a peacekeeping force to make the Strip quiescent and finally stop Hamas’ murderous reign? If not, how will an interim government ever take power? These questions remain open. But one thing is certain: The same strategy that brought home Israel’s hostages will be the only strategy that ensures eventual prosperity not just in Gaza but in Ukraine and in other hot spots around the globe. That strategy is Peace Through Strength. And there is no substitute for it. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Donald Trump, Peace President appeared first on The Daily Signal.

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It’s hoped that making the giant garter snake a state symbol will bring it a much-needed conservation boost.