Pope Leo XIV Appoints Progressive Irish Bishop Who Backed Female Leadership

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Michael Router — who has publicly advocated for women in liturgical leadership roles and praised a pro-LGBT Episcopal sermon — as the next Bishop of Derry, Ireland. This appointment signals a continued drift within Catholic leadership away from established doctrine, a pattern Scripture warns will mark the last days when men will 'not endure sound teaching' and gather teachers to suit their own passions. The Bible explicitly warns of a great apostasy — a falling away from truth within the church — as a defining sign preceding the return of Christ.