Laura, a young American Catholic woman, has posted a video that has gone viral on social media, in which she directs a direct message to Pope Leo XIV, asking him for greater doctrinal clarity and firmness in the face of what she considers serious deviations within the Church. Laura, who converted from Buddhism to Catholicism in 2018, begins her speech by stating that she speaks “out of love for the truth” and appealing to the Pope as “Christ’s representative on Earth”.
Criticism of women’s ordination and warning against “false shepherds”
The young woman maintains that “it is not in God’s law to ordain women as deacons or priests”, and exhorts the Pope to correct those who promote that thesis. She defines them as “false shepherds, wolves in sheep’s clothing” who, according to her, put the salvation of the faithful at risk. “You cannot be passive in the face of sin,” she warns.
Laura harshly criticizes the recent appointment of Cristiana Perrella as president of the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts, alleging that the artist has promoted exhibitions with homoerotic and sadomasochistic content. She particularly mentions the 2020 exhibition “Nudes,” with works by photographer Ren Hang. According to Laura, that artistic profile “should not have space in the realm of sacred art”.
Reproaches for meetings with controversial figures
The young woman also refers to the Pope’s meeting with Sister Lucía Caram, whom she describes as a promoter of positions contrary to Catholic doctrine on abortion, sexual morality, and Mariology. “What kind of Catholic doesn’t believe in hell?” she asks, expressing her desire that the Holy Father exhort her to conversion.
On a similar note, she denounces the celebration of masses or ecclesial activities linked to LGBT activism, mentioning the case of the auxiliary bishop of San Diego, Ramón Bejarano, and the intervention of the activist Nicole Murray-Ramírez during a mass. She also criticizes the Jesuit James Martin, whom a homosexual journalist publicly thanked for accompanying him to receive the sacraments along with his partner.
Laura maintains that those who live publicly in contradiction with Catholic morality “cannot receive the Eucharist,” and explicitly requests the excommunication of Fr. Martin.
Pointing out immigration and moral priorities
The young woman also addresses other topics, such as climate change, stating that “sin will be the true destroyer of humanity.” On immigration, she states that the Pope would not be considering the suffering of families affected by crimes committed by people who –according to her– do not wish to integrate.
Claim for real unity and rejection of confusion
Laura reproaches the Pope for talking about synodality, but “without really uniting the faithful,” and asks him: “Stop being confusing. Stop being abstract. This is false compassion.” She exhorts him not to promote “political agendas” and to correct those who put others’ faith at risk.
Defense of the Marian title “Co-Redemptrix”
In the final part of the video, Laura criticizes the recent Vatican declaration that considered the title “Co-Redemptrix” inappropriate for the Virgin Mary. She states that Mary constantly intercedes before God for humanity and exhorts: “Do not trivialize our faith for those who have no interest in it”.
The young woman concludes by reminding the Pope of his universal vocation to holiness: “Saint John Paul II is a saint. You too are called to be a saint.” And adds: “Do greater things. Do holy things, in the name of God. Do not think like the world. Discover the will of the Son of God”.