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Cardinal Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, the First American Pontiff, Vowing a Humble and Christ-Centered Papacy

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1 year ago

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Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, taking the name Pope Leo XIV and becoming the first American in history to ascend to the papacy. The announcement came on May 8, following the fourth round of voting by the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.

Born in Chicago in 1955, Pope Leo XIV brings a unique blend of North American and Latin American experience to the papacy. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he served as a missionary and later as bishop in Peru, and was appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis the same year.

In choosing the name Leo XIV, he honors both Pope Leo I, known for theological clarity, and Pope Leo XIII, a champion of social justice and workers’ rights.

In his first Mass as pope, celebrated on May 9 in the Sistine Chapel, Leo XIV warned of a world increasingly consumed by technology, wealth, and power, calling instead for a return to Christ-centered values. “We are not here to preserve a museum,” he said. “We are here to light the path with the truth of the Gospel.”

Global reaction to his election has been largely positive, with leaders from the United States, Latin America, and Europe offering congratulations. Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver his first public Angelus address from St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 11.

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Help Cookie Find a Forever Home After 4 Years at Rockland County Shelter

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1 week ago

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May 2, 2026

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Meet Cookie — a beautiful, sweet soul who has spent far too long waiting.

Cookie has been at the Rockland County Animal Shelter for 4 years. She’s now over 8 years old, meaning she’s spent half her life in a shelter.

Despite that, Cookie remains incredibly loving and full of life.

She:

  • Loves car rides and adventures
  • Enjoys running around and soaking up the sun
  • Walks well on a leash and knows basic commands
  • Absolutely adores people and loves to snuggle

Cookie does need to be the only dog in the home, which can make finding the right match take longer—but the right person is out there. There are people looking for that one deeply loyal, affectionate companion—and Cookie is exactly that dog.

She also has a dedicated advocate, Jessica Hyman Garcia, who regularly takes her out to experience the world beyond the shelter. But what Cookie truly deserves is a home of her own.

Recently, volunteers say she seems more resigned… and that’s the hardest part. After all this time, she’s still waiting.

We can change that.

If you or someone you know is looking for a loving, devoted companion, please consider meeting Cookie.

📞 Call: 845-414-9700
📍 Location: Rockland County, NY

Please share and help Cookie finally find the home she deserves.

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Spring Valley High School Names 2026 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

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2 weeks ago

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April 30, 2026

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Spring Valley High School has announced its top academic honors for the Class of 2026, naming Pablo Monzon-Lemus as valedictorian and Kristian Vetchy as salutatorian.

The designations recognize the students with the highest and second-highest weighted grade point averages in the graduating class.

Monzon-Lemus, this year’s valedictorian, plans to pursue a path in law and advocacy, inspired by his upbringing in a marginalized community. While he has not yet finalized his college choice, he intends to double major in political science and computer science.

He is a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and Math Honor Society. His extracurricular involvement includes YMCA Youth & Government, where he served as a bill sponsor, as well as Model United Nations, where he held the role of president. He is also active in Key Club, Yearbook, and the Superintendent’s Circle.

Outside the classroom, Monzon-Lemus has worked as a tutor and instructor at Mathnasium and a local retail store. He also volunteers his time at school by tutoring classmates during lunch periods to help them prepare for the New York State Regents exams.

Vetchy, named salutatorian, plans to pursue studies in computer science or engineering and is considering a future career as a computer programmer or game developer.

He is a member of the National Honor Society and Science Honor Society. His extracurricular activities include participation in Thespian Troupe 721, the varsity golf team, and the school orchestra.

Vetchy has played the piano for more than a decade and also enjoys drawing, cooking, and baking. In his free time, he is an avid gamer.

School officials praised both students for their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the school community.

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