Hi Ann,
I’m a bit embarrassed how long it’s taken me to get where I am spiritually and theologically. After several years in evangelical/charismatic Protestant ministry, I was received into the Catholic Church in 2004 at the age of (redacted).
Amoris Laetitia and the summer of shame woke me up out of my Conciliar slumbers and I began to transition into traditional Catholicism. There was also a Novus Ordo dumpster fire in (city redacted) that was an epiphany.
Just recently I moved to be closer to my SSPX chapel and pursue a contemplative lifestyle. Praying for others is my new day job.
Jesus often rebuked the disciples for being slow to learn and hard of heart. I cop to both of those.
Just a few days ago I finally acknowledged that the last two “popes” are antipopes. I fought it for years using the same defense you’ve heard many times:
“An assertion like that is above my pay-grade. I’m just a layman. It’s something to be decided by a consistory of Cardinals after the ‘pope’ has died. It’s a very complex and nuanced issue requiring special training. As they say, ‘Don’t try this at home.’“
I was also struck by the fact that two clerics I really respect, Fr. Ripperger and Bishop A. Schneider, did not see Francis and Leo as antipopes. Once again I felt that they must be privy to profound theological knowledge and insights from Church history that I wasn’t. It seemed best to defer to my betters.
However, I was haunted by certain gut-level realities and a kind of inescapable logic:
(1) The Holy Spirit is supposed to safeguard the Pope when he is holding forth on issues related to the Extraordinary and Ordinary Magisterium.
(2) Francis and Leo promote heresy.
(3) Either I’m not understanding them (here’s where the popesplainers come in with their gaslighting) or they are antipopes.
A thought process I fought that complements this: “If Francis and Leo promulgate heresy and don’t defer to the Magisterium, then they’re not Catholic, and, if they’re not Catholic, then they can’t be the pope.”
Many factors helped me finally see that they are antipopes and at the top of the list were Ed Mazza’s book and your podcast. Thanks so much for your labors!
BTW…your podcast is hands-down better than anything that shows up from Catholic content-creators on You Tube. I’m late to the game so I am working backwards.
I’m definitely planning to give to you financially in the future. The Tombstone Four will also be in my prayers.
I’m not good at many things but God has given me the grace to intercede for others. Intercessors are needed as the Mystical Body of Christ endures her Passion.
In 2026 many Rosaries, other prayers, days of fasting, my willingness to suffer, etc. will be offered up from time to time and united to Masses given at the SSPX for the Tombstone Four. I believe in your mission.
Viva Christo Rey!
Mr. X











