Author: Brandon Kraft

  • Unexcused Absences

    Unexcused Absences

    My therapist and I are working on the premise that the things that trigger us are rooted in childhood in some way. My mom passed away earlier this month, and my children attended the funeral. She died on Wednesday evening, and we had her funeral on Monday. They missed school from Friday through Tuesday. We’re…

  • Bobbie Kraft, 1944-2025

    Bobbie Kraft, 1944-2025

    My mom passed away almost two weeks ago.

  • Understanding the Liturgies to Begin Pope Leo XIV’s Ministry

    Understanding the Liturgies to Begin Pope Leo XIV’s Ministry

    Starting this Sunday, you’ll hear about a few liturgies to formally begin Pope Leo XIV’s ministry. Leo XIV is the Pope, with full authority, when he accepts his election without needing any additional liturgy or ritual. Similarly, the King of England became the king immediately upon the death of his mother, yet, in both cases,…

  • Pope Leo XIV

    Pope Leo XIV

    Many blessings to our new Holy Father Leo XIV! With all new popes, we don’t really know how the Spirit will lead them to lead the Church. I remember when Pope Benedict XVI was elected. Local news interviewed me on the narrative that Cardinal Ratzinger was “God’s German Shepherd”—a hardass conservative. As I said then,…

  • Conclave Time!

    Conclave Time!

    Tomorrow afternoon for those in Rome or tomorrow morning for those in the U.S. (), the Cardinals will take the short trip from their temporary housing at Casa Santa Marta to the Sistine Chapel of the Apostolic Palace to begin the conclave to elect the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. While I’m sure…

  • Apostolica Sedes Vacans: Day 2

    Apostolica Sedes Vacans: Day 2

    As the second day in Rome—and the first full day—without a Pope comes to a close, a few things have happened or been announced since yesterday’s message. Confirmation of Death and Transfer The Camerlengo, per the rite of papal funerals that Pope Francis revised last year (Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis), confirmed his death. Pope Francis…