Jana Riess

Author of “The Next Mormons,” “Flunking Sainthood” & others. Senior columnist for Religion News Service (@rns). Proud book editor. Past president of MSSA.

[Jana Riess @janariess]

LDS leaders weren't at Trump's 5/17 "jubilee" in DC, and they've kept quiet on politics.

But they're doubling down on charitable giving, interfaith outreach to Muslims, & globalizing the church.

Feels like the politest Mormon “F you” ever.

https://t.co/0XpQ1vWhz2 @RNS

[Jana Riess @janariess]

1st, the LDS Church posted a story by a man supporting his wife's career.

2nd, the dudebros attacked it.

And now 3rd, popular influencers are not only defending the church but saying it's *always* encouraged working moms.

Happy Mother's Day
https://t.co/apP51h3BzB @RNS

[Thomas Reese, S.J. @ThomasReeseSJ]

Former LDS mission president explains what we get wrong about people leaving the church https://t.co/Tk8EvzD9UE @janariess

[MormonSocialScience @MormonMSSA]

Purity teachings in the #LDS Church often impose expectations on girls & women to maintain their own purity and also the purity of men. This research by Reilly H. Brady highlights how this "responsibility rhetoric" affects self-concept and shame. https://t.co/JYU8nlTGee

[RNS @RNS]

As the U.S. approaches 250 years as a nation, how has religious freedom evolved? Join constitutional scholar @RosenJeffrey and RNS reporter @jackmjenkins on May 19th for a special live simulcast of the 1A show! https://t.co/Fc8XtVyAgu

[RELEVANT @RELEVANT]

A new Gallup poll found that men under 30 who place a high importance on faith grew from 28 to 42 points in the last two years, as young women moved in the opposite direction.
https://t.co/JFYGw3YNK8

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth. #ApostolicJourney #Cameroon https://t.co/bKteFZ3iWE

[Thomas Reese, S.J. @ThomasReeseSJ]

Reading 'Theo of Golden' as resistance to Donald Trump https://t.co/FNtsT5FEni @janariess

[James Martin, SJ @JamesMartinSJ]

James Martin: “Il Papa non è anti-Trump. Ma è a favore di Gesù. E Gesù non diceva: ‘Beati i guerrafondai’”
https://t.co/RRa6c4teBd

[RosarySon @SkyVirginSon]

With all due respect to the Office of the President, this post contains several claims that are factually inaccurate and theologically misguided, and as a Catholic I feel compelled to respond.

1. The Pope was not elected to please any president.

Pope Leo XIV was elected by 133 cardinals from across the world in a sacred conclave, on the fourth ballot, on May 8, 2025. 

The Holy Spirit guides the conclave, not American politics.

To suggest that “if I wasn’t in the White House, Leo wouldn’t be in the Vatican”  is not only historically ignorant but theologically offensive to every Catholic on earth.

2. He was not an unknown outsider.

Pope Leo XIV served as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops under Pope Francis, one of the most powerful roles in the Vatican, responsible for selecting bishops for dioceses worldwide. 

He was one of the most qualified candidates in the College of Cardinals.

3. He is deeply rooted in service, not politics.

An Augustinian missionary who worked for decades in Peru, Pope Leo XIV dedicated his life to the poor and the Gospel long before any political figure noticed him. 

His name honors Leo XIII, the Pope who championed workers’ rights and the poor during the Industrial Revolution, a tradition of Catholic Social Teaching that predates any modern political party.

4. The Pope’s role is prophetic, not partisan.

When the Pope speaks on peace, nuclear weapons, immigration, or the dignity of nations, he is fulfilling the mission of Christ, not opposing any government.

His first words as Pope were “Peace be with you all,”  echoing the Risen Christ (John 20:19).

A Pope who is silent on injustice would be failing his divine mandate.

5. Demanding a Pope “get in line” with a president contradicts 2,000 years of Church history.

From St. Peter before Nero, to St. Thomas More before Henry VIII, to John Paul II before Soviet communism, the Church has never existed to validate earthly power.

“We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

As Catholics, we pray for all leaders, including President Trump.

But we stand firmly with our Holy Father.

Habemus Papam. And he answers to God alone.

[Russell Moore @drmoore]

That one can excuse or ignore this while claiming to be “pro-life” is a sign of a seared conscience. God have mercy on us all.

[Jana Riess @janariess]

The LDS Church just reported more convert baptisms than any prior year in history, boosted by strong volunteer missionary service & an aggressive social media ad campaign.

Meanwhile, new US data shows that more people are leaving the church.

https://t.co/O6rWNyPOR5
@RNS

[sarah @sahouraxo]

In Tehran today, Iranian Christians gathered for Easter at Saint Sarkis Cathedral.

Iran has one of the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world — over 2,000 years old.

These are the people that Trump wants to bomb “back to Stone Age.”

[Jana Riess @janariess]

@UGAGymnastics Way to go, Georgia! So excited to see you going to Nationals.

[Moroni Channel @MoroniChannel]

At the April 2026 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, D. Todd Christoffersonannounced a new Primary General Presidency: Rosemary K. Chibota (President), Nina M. Garfield, and Theresa A. Collins, who will begin serving on August 1, 2026.

[Jana Riess @janariess]

@AllThingsGymPod @OhioStateWGYM I was in the audience for that and was so impressed

[Jana Riess @janariess]

Latina/o Latter-day Saints are growing as a share of the US LDS population.

They love their faith and what it brings them.

Many are also deeply concerned about MAGA’s influence on fellow members.

https://t.co/E8AaMMx91K @RNS

[George W. Bush Presidential Center @TheBushCenter]

Statement by President George W. Bush on Robert Mueller:

"Laura and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Robert Mueller. Bob dedicated his life to public service. As a Marine in Vietnam, he proved he was ready for tough assignments. He earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart before returning home to pursue law. In 2001, only one week into the job as the 6th Director of the F.B.I., Bob transitioned the agency mission to protecting the homeland after September 11. He led the agency effectively, helping prevent another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Laura and I send our heartfelt sympathy to his wife of nearly 60 years, Ann, and the Mueller family."

[Frog and Toad @frogandtoadbook]

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[Cookie Monster @MeCookieMonster]

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