Christopher Hale
@christopherjhale.bsky.social
Proud Tennessean. ’20 Democratic nominee for Congress & DNC Delegate. Obama-Biden White House & campaign alum. Former nonprofit exec. Bad guitarist & good 💃.
The first American pope spent his first Thanksgiving in Turkey — literally.
But beneath the irony was a major diplomatic debut: Pope Leo XIV used the trip to celebrate diversity and to call for mercy over might and unity over tribalism.
But beneath the irony was a major diplomatic debut: Pope Leo XIV used the trip to celebrate diversity and to call for mercy over might and unity over tribalism.
American Pope Spends Thanksgiving in Turkey: Pope Leo Serves Pie — and a Challenge to ‘Might Is Right’
History’s first American pope spent Thanksgiving Day far from home — trading pumpkin pie banter at 30,000 feet for a profound plea to build bridges and shun brute power.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:59 PM
The first American pope spent his first Thanksgiving in Turkey — literally.
But beneath the irony was a major diplomatic debut: Pope Leo XIV used the trip to celebrate diversity and to call for mercy over might and unity over tribalism.
But beneath the irony was a major diplomatic debut: Pope Leo XIV used the trip to celebrate diversity and to call for mercy over might and unity over tribalism.
On Thanksgiving, let me say this as plainly as I can: from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
In just a few months, people from all over the world have written in to say how much this community has meant to them and to those they love.
In just a few months, people from all over the world have written in to say how much this community has meant to them and to those they love.
November 27, 2025 at 6:28 PM
On Thanksgiving, let me say this as plainly as I can: from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
In just a few months, people from all over the world have written in to say how much this community has meant to them and to those they love.
In just a few months, people from all over the world have written in to say how much this community has meant to them and to those they love.
Leo XIV spent Thanksgiving in Turkey — no turkey on the menu for the first American pope, but plenty of pecan and pumpkin pie for the traveling press corps.
November 27, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Leo XIV spent Thanksgiving in Turkey — no turkey on the menu for the first American pope, but plenty of pecan and pumpkin pie for the traveling press corps.
This Thanksgiving, I wrote about what Clarence taught George Bailey — and what this community has taught me. Hope is contagious.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
What Clarence Taught George Bailey — And What You’ve Taught Me
A Thanksgiving reflection on friendship, this community, our purpose, and the work ahead.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:14 AM
This Thanksgiving, I wrote about what Clarence taught George Bailey — and what this community has taught me. Hope is contagious.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
This Thanksgiving, I wrote about what Clarence taught George Bailey — and what this community has taught me. Hope is contagious.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
What Clarence Taught George Bailey — And What You’ve Taught Me
A Thanksgiving reflection on friendship, this community, our purpose, and the work ahead.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:06 AM
This Thanksgiving, I wrote about what Clarence taught George Bailey — and what this community has taught me. Hope is contagious.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
And somehow, in a season of national exhaustion, Letters from Leo has become a place where thousands are finding it again.
Pope Leo XIV has a message to climate change deniers: repent.
“Listen to the Cry of the Earth!” — Pope Leo Doubles Down on Climate Action
After two interventions in 24 hours, Leo makes it clear: the planet cannot wait, and global leaders can’t either.
open.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Pope Leo XIV has a message to climate change deniers: repent.
NEW: Recently published remarks from Pope Leo XIV’s U.S. envoy take direct aim at JD Vance’s “post-liberal” political crusade.
Originally delivered in September, the speech warns of politicized religion and the dangers of Vance's creeping authoritarianism.
Originally delivered in September, the speech warns of politicized religion and the dangers of Vance's creeping authoritarianism.
Pope Leo XIV’s US Ambassador Rips Vance’s “Post-Liberal” Crusade in Newly Discovered Speech
In a once-secret address now brought to light, Pope Leo's envoy to America delivers a stinging critique of JD Vance’s “post-liberal” Catholic movement — warning it flirts with authoritarianism.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:24 PM
NEW: Recently published remarks from Pope Leo XIV’s U.S. envoy take direct aim at JD Vance’s “post-liberal” political crusade.
Originally delivered in September, the speech warns of politicized religion and the dangers of Vance's creeping authoritarianism.
Originally delivered in September, the speech warns of politicized religion and the dangers of Vance's creeping authoritarianism.
Thank you Pope Francis for the gift of Pope Leo XIV.
Secrets of Leo XIV’s Election: Smuggled Phones, Double Votes, and a Terrified Papabile
A major insider account of the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV has arrived — in Spanish — spilling jaw-dropping anecdotes from the Sistine Chapel.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 26, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Thank you Pope Francis for the gift of Pope Leo XIV.
A popemobile once used by Pope Francis has been transformed into a mobile clinic for children in Gaza.
Outfitted with oxygen, vaccines, and medicine, the “Vehicle of Hope” delivers life-saving care — and the legacy of a pope who called Gaza’s parish priest almost every night before his death.
Outfitted with oxygen, vaccines, and medicine, the “Vehicle of Hope” delivers life-saving care — and the legacy of a pope who called Gaza’s parish priest almost every night before his death.
Pope Francis’s Popemobile Reborn as Gaza’s First Mobile Clinic for Kids
One of Pope Francis’s final wishes is hitting the road: a bulletproof popemobile reborn as a field clinic for Gaza’s war-scarred children. Blessed by Francis, it was delivered by Leo.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:20 AM
A popemobile once used by Pope Francis has been transformed into a mobile clinic for children in Gaza.
Outfitted with oxygen, vaccines, and medicine, the “Vehicle of Hope” delivers life-saving care — and the legacy of a pope who called Gaza’s parish priest almost every night before his death.
Outfitted with oxygen, vaccines, and medicine, the “Vehicle of Hope” delivers life-saving care — and the legacy of a pope who called Gaza’s parish priest almost every night before his death.
WATCH: Pope Leo XIV delivers a four-minute press conference in four languages — a rapid, panoramic moral briefing to the world.
He calls for peace between Israel and Hezbollah, unity among Christians, an end to violence against women, and a spirit of gratitude for Thanksgiving.
He calls for peace between Israel and Hezbollah, unity among Christians, an end to violence against women, and a spirit of gratitude for Thanksgiving.
November 26, 2025 at 1:21 AM
WATCH: Pope Leo XIV delivers a four-minute press conference in four languages — a rapid, panoramic moral briefing to the world.
He calls for peace between Israel and Hezbollah, unity among Christians, an end to violence against women, and a spirit of gratitude for Thanksgiving.
He calls for peace between Israel and Hezbollah, unity among Christians, an end to violence against women, and a spirit of gratitude for Thanksgiving.
Pope Leo XIV used a rapid-fire, four-minute press conference — delivered in four languages — to criticize Israel’s escalation in Lebanon and call for dialogue rooted in justice. The remarks offered a sweeping moral overview of global unrest.
“Lay Down Your Arms” — Pope Leo XIV Chastises Israel for Airstrikes Ahead of Lebanon Visit
In a four-minute, four-language press conference, Pope Leo XIV delivered a rapid, panoramic moral briefing to the world.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Pope Leo XIV used a rapid-fire, four-minute press conference — delivered in four languages — to criticize Israel’s escalation in Lebanon and call for dialogue rooted in justice. The remarks offered a sweeping moral overview of global unrest.
NEW: Inspired by Pope Leo, priests and nuns are suing the Trump-Vance White House after being repeatedly barred from bringing the Eucharist to migrants at an ICE detention center outside Chicago.
Catholic Clergy Sue Trump-Vance White House Over Communion Ban at ICE Facility
Inspired by Pope Leo, priests and nuns are taking the Trump-Vance Administration to court after being repeatedly barred from bringing Holy Communion to migrants at a Chicago detention center.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:25 PM
NEW: Inspired by Pope Leo, priests and nuns are suing the Trump-Vance White House after being repeatedly barred from bringing the Eucharist to migrants at an ICE detention center outside Chicago.
JD Vance’s most grotesque lie against Pope Leo and the Catholic Church? That we’re getting rich off of helping migrants in need.
JD Vance Is Lying — Catholic Church Doesn’t Profit Off Migrants
A baseless claim from MAGA’s Catholic poster boy has gone viral again after the U.S. bishops stood up against Trump-Vance's deportation raids. Pope Leo and the bishops are setting the record straight.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:48 PM
JD Vance’s most grotesque lie against Pope Leo and the Catholic Church? That we’re getting rich off of helping migrants in need.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV to denounce the ICE raids sweeping Chicago — and brought along a six-pack of “Da Pope Beer” as a gift.
Leo’s response? “We’ll put that in the fridge.”
Their conversation quickly turned to immigration, dignity, and the moral costs of ICE raids.
Leo’s response? “We’ll put that in the fridge.”
Their conversation quickly turned to immigration, dignity, and the moral costs of ICE raids.
Da Pope Beer Summit: Pritzker Gifts Leo XIV Brew as They Blast ICE Raids
Pritzker flew to Rome to enlist Leo’s support against Trump’s immigration raids terrorizing Chicago — and even gifted the Chicago-born pope some local craft beer named “Da Pope Beer”
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker met with Pope Leo XIV to denounce the ICE raids sweeping Chicago — and brought along a six-pack of “Da Pope Beer” as a gift.
Leo’s response? “We’ll put that in the fridge.”
Their conversation quickly turned to immigration, dignity, and the moral costs of ICE raids.
Leo’s response? “We’ll put that in the fridge.”
Their conversation quickly turned to immigration, dignity, and the moral costs of ICE raids.
In newly leaked audio, Peter Thiel admits he urged JD Vance to ignore Pope Leo XIV on moral questions — including the ethical development of AI.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
NEW: JD Vance’s Top Donor Suggests Pope Leo XIV is Antichrist
In a leaked lecture, Peter Thiel says he’s urged Vance to ignore the pope on moral questions — and simply pray for him.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:43 AM
In newly leaked audio, Peter Thiel admits he urged JD Vance to ignore Pope Leo XIV on moral questions — including the ethical development of AI.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
He goes even further, branding Leo “the woke American pope” and suggesting he’s a tool of the Antichrist.
Pope Leo XIV will make his first international trip this week. In the most dad joke of all time, the first American pope will spend Thanksgiving Day in Turkey.
November 25, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Pope Leo XIV will make his first international trip this week. In the most dad joke of all time, the first American pope will spend Thanksgiving Day in Turkey.
In the first round of ballots, the candidate who actually led was Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary — the great hope of the conservative bloc.
Here's how Leo came back to be elected the 266th successor of St. Peter. www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/secrets-of...
Here's how Leo came back to be elected the 266th successor of St. Peter. www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/secrets-of...
Secrets of Leo XIV’s Election: Smuggled Phones, Double Votes, and a Terrified Papabile
A major insider account of the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV has arrived — in Spanish — spilling jaw-dropping anecdotes from the Sistine Chapel.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 AM
In the first round of ballots, the candidate who actually led was Cardinal Péter Erdő of Hungary — the great hope of the conservative bloc.
Here's how Leo came back to be elected the 266th successor of St. Peter. www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/secrets-of...
Here's how Leo came back to be elected the 266th successor of St. Peter. www.thelettersfromleo.com/p/secrets-of...
NEW: Inspired by Pope Leo, priests and nuns are suing the Trump-Vance White House after being repeatedly barred from bringing Holy Communion to migrants at a Chicago detention center.
Catholic Clergy Sue Trump-Vance White House Over Communion Ban at ICE Facility
Inspired by Pope Leo, priests and nuns are taking the Trump-Vance Administration to court after being repeatedly barred from bringing Holy Communion to migrants at a Chicago detention center.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:06 AM
NEW: Inspired by Pope Leo, priests and nuns are suing the Trump-Vance White House after being repeatedly barred from bringing Holy Communion to migrants at a Chicago detention center.
Silicon Valley titans fear him. MAGA’s would-be strongmen loathe him. Wall Street mocks him. We stand with him. Viva il Papa.
November 24, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Silicon Valley titans fear him. MAGA’s would-be strongmen loathe him. Wall Street mocks him. We stand with him. Viva il Papa.
When asked about an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presidency, Thiel says that he worries about there being a “woke American pope” — Leo XIV — and a “woke American president,” creating a dystopian “Caesar-Papist fusion”.
He even told JD Vance that he should keep his allegiance to Rome purely perfunctory.
He even told JD Vance that he should keep his allegiance to Rome purely perfunctory.
NEW: JD Vance’s Top Donor Suggests Pope Leo XIV is Antichrist
In a leaked lecture, Peter Thiel says he’s urged Vance to ignore the pope on moral questions — and simply pray for him.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 24, 2025 at 5:25 PM
When asked about an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presidency, Thiel says that he worries about there being a “woke American pope” — Leo XIV — and a “woke American president,” creating a dystopian “Caesar-Papist fusion”.
He even told JD Vance that he should keep his allegiance to Rome purely perfunctory.
He even told JD Vance that he should keep his allegiance to Rome purely perfunctory.
NEW: Peter Thiel, JD Vance’s top donor and one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful men, recently called Pope Leo XIV a tool of the Antichrist — and directly told the vice president not to listen to him.
NEW: JD Vance’s Top Donor Suggests Pope Leo XIV is Antichrist
In a leaked lecture, Peter Thiel says he’s urged Vance to ignore the pope on moral questions — and simply pray for him.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:23 AM
NEW: Peter Thiel, JD Vance’s top donor and one of Silicon Valley’s most powerful men, recently called Pope Leo XIV a tool of the Antichrist — and directly told the vice president not to listen to him.
Happy Feast of Christ the King to all who celebrate!
November 23, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Happy Feast of Christ the King to all who celebrate!
Pope Francis very intentionally left a last gift for the Church and the entire world — Leo XIV.
Secrets of Leo XIV’s Election: Smuggled Phones, Double Votes, and a Terrified Papabile
A major insider account of the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV has arrived — in Spanish — spilling jaw-dropping anecdotes from the Sistine Chapel.
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Pope Francis very intentionally left a last gift for the Church and the entire world — Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV was clear: Don’t let technology raise you.
He offered Catholic teens advice on AI, friendship, and the importance of staying human in a digital world:
“These tools are powerful, but they can shrink us if we’re not careful. They can make us less curious, less brave, and less human.”
He offered Catholic teens advice on AI, friendship, and the importance of staying human in a digital world:
“These tools are powerful, but they can shrink us if we’re not careful. They can make us less curious, less brave, and less human.”
Pope Leo to US Teens: Use AI Wisely, Don’t Let Tech Replace Real Friends
From his starter word on Wordle to warnings about AI dangers, Pope Leo spoke directly to young Americans about relationships, prayer, and why no political party owns the Church.
www.thelettersfromleo.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Pope Leo XIV was clear: Don’t let technology raise you.
He offered Catholic teens advice on AI, friendship, and the importance of staying human in a digital world:
“These tools are powerful, but they can shrink us if we’re not careful. They can make us less curious, less brave, and less human.”
He offered Catholic teens advice on AI, friendship, and the importance of staying human in a digital world:
“These tools are powerful, but they can shrink us if we’re not careful. They can make us less curious, less brave, and less human.”
America's greatest export.
November 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
America's greatest export.