Catholics from around the world joined in an act of reparation last weekend, responding to the recent LGBT pilgrimage at the Vatican that many viewed as a desecration of sacred spaces. The event occurred during the Catholic identity conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from October 3 to October 5. The conference was organized by Michael Matt, the editor of The Remnant Newspaper.
On October 4, at 3:30 PM Eastern time, Bishop Athanasius, Schneider of Kazakhstan, led the prayers, flanked by fellow bishops, including Joseph Strickland, former bishop of Tyler, Texas; Marian Eleganti, and others. The group gathered before a statue of our lady of Fatima, kneeling in prayer and leading the rosary, as an offering for what they called the abomination in the Saint Peter‘s Basilica.
The live stream allowed for faithful Catholics, who were unable to attend in person to take part in real time. Matt later described the response as “overwhelming,” with millions uniting through the broadcast. By sharing videos, photos, and the full text of the prayer across social media platforms, this emphasized the global reach with the act bringing together Catholics in a spirit of charity and common sense without division or judgment.
The prayer itself, titled “Act of Reparation for the Desecration of the Jubilee Year and Saint Peter’s Basilica by LGBTQ+ Activists,” addressed the Most Holy Trinity. It expressed deep sorrow for the use of holy sites, like the Church of Gesú and Saint Peter’s to promote what many devout Catholics saw as sins against the sixth Commandment, including advocacy for homosexual acts and extra marital-sinful conduct. Invoking scripture, the bishops asked for mercy, conversion, and grace for those involved, repeating, phrases like “Lord, have mercy! Christ have mercy!” in response to specific offenses such as complicity by church authorities, and blasphemies against God’s creation.
The gathering brought together traditional Catholics, clergy, and families, creating an atmosphere of solidarity. Vendors from organizations like the Fatima center and iCatholic mobile added to the sense of community at the conference. Although no exact attendance numbers were released, the event built on previous years' momentum, where hundreds have gathered in person.
Critics questioned the approach of the conference. Some assessments suggested that the prayers tone leaned toward denunciation rather than compassion, potentially alienating those at aim to convert. Still, supporters saw it as a necessary response to the ambiguities in church leadership, echoing calls for staying true to church doctrine.
