Pope Leo XIV, historys first North American pope, said Friday that his election was both a cross and a blessing as he celebrated his first Mass in Sistine Chapel (Video: Associated Press.)

Bishop Robert Brennan joins Fox & Friends to discuss the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, and what his leadership could mean for the future direction of the Catholic Church.

Bishop Robert Brennan joins Fox & Friends to discuss the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, and what his leadership could mean for the future direction of the Catholic Church.

EXCLUSIVE: President Donald Trump's Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, has proposed a 15% workforce reduction with a goal of cutting 80,000 jobs at the VA.Retired Lt. Col. Jim Whaley, CEO of Mission Roll Call, a veteran advocacy non-profit, said such VA reform is necessary to improve veterans' lives across the United States.Whaley told Fox News Digital that veterans want to see less bureaucracy at the VA and more "community care" to cut wait times and increase services at local VA hospitals, but "if it was easy, somebody would have solved it.""Every American and politician, from both sides of the aisle, can agree that we want to make sure we take care of our veterans," Whaley said. "We just got out of over 20 years of war, so there are a lot of veterans and their families that need help. We want to make sure that every dollar that the American taxpayer is paying to support the VA is spent wisely, and that veterans are getting the care that they need. And more importantly, that they're getting the care when they need it, where they need it and how they need it."'CHANGES THAT ACTUALLY HELP OUR VETERANS': VA SECRETARY DEFENDS PROPOSED 15% WORKFORCE REDUCTIONThe VA serves only half of U.S. veterans. While Whaley said Collins is trying to reach the other 50% through TV and podcast appearances, he encouraged more transparency about the VA's services to reach the other half of veterans who still need care."One hundred days into the second Trump administration, and VA is no longer content with poor results. Under President Trumps leadership, we have already stripped away many of the costly distractions that were coming between VA beneficiaries and the benefits they have earned. And were looking to make even more historic reforms to better serve our veterans," Collins said.Trump and Collins have faced controversy in the media and among Democrats for cutting VA jobs and for their efforts to overhaul the department. Whaley, whose organization conducts veteran polling, said more than half of veterans are worried about VA cuts.'DOWN TO ZERO': VETERAN SUICIDE CRISIS TARGETED IN VA BILL BY BIPARTISAN HOUSE COALITION"When all you hear is about the cuts versus what the philosophy is behind why you're making those changes in an organization, there's going to be fear. Change is hard. It's important that the VA stays as transparent as possible and reports on what is being done and what improvements are being made," Whaley said.However, Whatley, a veteran himself, said all veterans want to see an improved VA."They want to see services improve, they want to see wait times reduced. As time goes on and Veterans Affairs communicate more and more with veterans, they will know a little bit about what's going on, and they'll be a little less anxious about it. I think it's all about making sure that veterans are getting the news, making sure they understand why they're making these cuts."Whaley encouraged Collins and the VA to include more veterans in the conversations surrounding the VA's reform by listening to families and caregivers to learn how to best invest in veteran care."Veteran affairs are very important to recruitment issues, and that, of course, affects national security. So they're not all separate, it all wraps together. When a veteran gets out of the service after a few years of serving their country, we have to make sure that the transition to the civilian world and finding a job and plugging into the community goes smoothly, because if we don't, then we have an issue," Whaley said.According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, more than 17 veterans committed suicide per day in 2021."We need to get the number of suicides as close to zero as possible. That's the number one priority," Whaley said, adding that community care is also a top priority, so veterans don't have to drive long distances and wait a long time to get the services they need."We need to make sure that the Department of Defense and the VA are working together when veterans are transitioning out of the military to make sure they're plugged into the VA and that the transition goes well. Because the fact of the matter is, the majority of suicides among veterans are from veterans that have recently transitioned to the civilian world."

Rafael Devers had a tense spring training.During the exhibition period, Red Sox manager Alex Cora and Devers appeared to be at odds about whether he would spend time on the baseball diamond covering third base.Shortly before Opening Day, Cora confirmed Devers would handle the team's designated hitter duties on a full-time basis. However, when Boston's primary first baseman Triston Casas suffered a serious injury, it prompted another proposal from the Red Sox brass.Former Red Sox pitcher and the franchise's current chief baseball officer, Craig Breslow, brought up the idea of Devers covering first base in the future, the New York Post reported. However, the three-time MLB All-Star reportedly shut down the idea.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMDuring his public rebuttal of the potential position change, Devers cited the Red Sox' previous instructions related to him using his glove."I know Im a ballplayer, but at the same time, they cant expect me to play every single position out there," Devers said via a translator, per the Boston Globe. "In spring training, they talked to me and basically told me to put away my glove, that I wasn't going to play any other position but DH."RED SOX'S RAFAEL DEVERS BRUTAL START TO MLB SEASON RESULTS IN UNFORTUNATE HISTORYDevers suggested a question concerning a position switch was effectively inappropriate. "So right now, I just feel like its not an appropriate decision by them to ask me to play another position," he added.Devers then questioned whether Breslow, the baseball pitcher-turned team executive, had some level of discontent towards him. "Im not certain what [issue] he has with me," Devers told reporters. "He played ball, and I would like to think that he knows that changing positions like that isnt easy."Nevertheless, Devers made it clear he has strong relationships with his Red Sox teammates before hinting that good will did not necessarily extend to others across the organization."I dont understand some of the decisions that the GM makes. Next thing you know, someone in the outfield gets hurt, and they want me to play in the outfield," he said on Thursday.Casas, who spent his past four big league seasons at first base, is expected to miss the remainder of the year with a knee injury.Devers also suggested the Red Sox front office should utilize the free agent market in their search for a solution at first base. "Now I think they should do their job essentially and hit the market and look for another player [to play first base]. I'm not sure why they want me to be in between the way they have me now," he said via MassLive.com.Devers inked a contract with the Red Sox worth $313.5 million in January 2023, ESPN reported. He finished last season with 28 home runs. The 28-year-old has hit six home runs in 39 games so far this season.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

While many celebrities may jump at the chance to sit in a "The Voice" spinning chair or hand out an "American Idol" golden ticket, fans will not find country music legend Dolly Parton doing either.The "9 to 5" crooner revealed why she has turned down offers to sit on the judging panel for the popular singing competition shows."I've been asked to do that a lot of times," Parton told E! News. "It's too hard for me. That's why I don't accept it, because I know how sincere everybody is. Even if they're not that good, they believe they are. And I just can't hurt people."DOLLY PARTON DOESNT KNOW IF SHES STILL CONSIDERED A COUNTRY ARTIST'While Parton, 79, has no interest in criticizing aspiring artists, she joined "American Idol" season 7 as a guest mentor in 2008. During this season, several top contestants chose to perform her songs, including winner David Cook.Parton was additionally tapped in as a guest mentor on "The Voice" twice in 2015 for season 9 and in 2016 for season 11.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSAlthough being a music judge is not in the cards for Parton, the country star is gearing up to debut her autobiographical musical, "Dolly: An Original Musical," on Broadway in 2026. She has also recently celebrated the 40th anniversary of her theme park, Dollywood."I'm just very proud of all of it, because I've seen it grow. It's like having a house full of kids. Every time something new goes in, it's like, 'Oh, we got a new baby, we got a new kid in the family," she told E! News.DOLLY PARTON'S 'TO HELL WITH YOU' APPROACH FUELED DECADES OF SUCCESS"But it's an amazing park and it's catered to families we're proud of that. I think I'm as proud of that as anything, that people want to come back."The "Jolene" singers comments come after the recent death of her longtime husband, Carl Dean.Parton announced Dean's death in a heartfelt statement that she shared on Instagram on March 3.APP USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW POST"Carl and I spent many wonderful years together," Parton wrote. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years. Thank you for your prayers and sympathy."On March 7, Parton took to Instagram to reveal a new song that she had dedicated to Dean, titled "If You Hadn't Been There.""I fell in love with Carl Dean when I was 18 years old," she wrote along with a throwback photo of herself with her spouse."We have spent 60 precious and meaningful years together," Parton continued in her caption. Like all great love stories, they never end. They live on in memory and song. He will always be the star of my life story, and I dedicate this song to him."

The morning after his election, Robert Prevost now Pope Leo XIV and the first American pontiff in the Catholic Churchs 2,000-year history presided over his first Mass.In a nod to his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, Leo pledged to align himself with "ordinary people" and pointed to a loss of religious faith for contributing to "appalling violations of human dignity.""A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society," the new pope said in his homily delivered at the Vatican's Sistine Chapel on Thursday.However, the message from the pope who, like his predecessor, appears to hail from the more inclusive and progressive wing of the Catholic Church does not appear to be receptive to some in the "America First" movement.FIRST AMERICAN-BORN POPE INSPIRES FAITH LEADERS ACROSS THE NATIONThe founder and leader of the movement, President Donald Trump, on Thursday quickly praised the selection of Leo, who was Chicago-born but has lived much of his adult life in Peru."It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!" Trump wrote in a social media post.Additionally, Vice President JD Vance, only the second Catholic vice president in U.S. history, congratulated the new pope, adding, "Im sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!"PRESIDENT TRUMP CALLS FIRST AMERICAN POPE LEO XIV AN HONOR FOR US, VERY HAPPYHowever, thanks to a paper trail of weighing in on major American lighting rod issues such as illegal immigration, gun control, and even the 2020 death of George Floyd which sparked nationwide protests targeting police brutality towards minorities the new pope was bound to be controversial among some of Trump's millions of MAGA supporters.Steve Bannon, the former White House chief strategist in Trump's first administration and a conservative Catholic, wrote, "Worst pick ever," in responding on social media to the new pope's election.That sentiment from Bannon, and much harsher words from some far-right podcasters and social media influencers, was likely fueled in part by apparent past posts from the new pope which could not be independently verified by Fox News that were critical of the Trump administration's sweeping and controversial immigration policies.Pro-Trump conservative commentator Joey Mannarino took to X to charge that "the new Pope has recently attacked JD Vance, shown solidarity with Kilmar Abrego-Garcia and begged Trump to open the borders like Biden had them. This guy is worse than Francis."LIVE UPDATES: CARDINAL ROBERT PREVOST ANNOUNCED AS FIRST AMERICAN POPE, TAKING NAME LEO XIVHowever, influential conservative activist and commentator Charlie Kirk, a MAGA world rock star and Trump ally who leads the powerful Turning Point USA youth organization, was more measured."Lets just say, not so great tweets about having some willingness for open borders. Well see kind of how he is on that. Also some George Floyd stuff that Im not too crazy about," Kirk said in a video posted on X.Kirk added that "overall, it seems like hes a pro-life warrior. Theres a lot yet to learn about this pope, but I hope that he will be a strong advocate for strong borders. And for sovereignty."Popular conservative commentator and radio host Hugh Hewitt seemed receptive to the new pope.Trump has warmly embraced American Catholics in recent years and captured nearly 60% of the Catholic vote in last year's presidential election, according to a Fox News voter analysis. Four years earlier, former President Joe Biden, the nation's second Catholic president, narrowly captured the Catholic vote.Among those Catholics who supported Trump is former New Hampshire state House Speaker Bill O'Brien, who is one of the state's two members on the Republican National Committee.O'Brien told Fox News that he's "very respectful of the votes of the conclave, and I'm also proud that we do have a pope from America.""I certainly would have liked to have seen someone more in the tradition of Pope Benedict, who held more closely to the traditional doctrines of the church," O'Brien said. "But I'm not sure that Pope Leo is really established now in terms of where he will be. And the fact that he criticized Trump, I suppose that probably shows a less than developed political sense than it does a doctoral sense, which is more important."O'Brien noted that "any pope, any religious figure for that matter, is going to be concerned about those who are powerless in our society, and rightfully so, but that doesn't mean he's given intense thought to the importance of national borders."He additionally emphasized that "I'm thrilled about where he comes from, and I'm hopeful about where he's going."

A Texas district attorney is calling for stricter bail amid a manhunt for a murder suspect who allegedly cut off his ankle monitor and fled before his trial was scheduled to begin on Monday.Kaufman County authorities have been searching for Trevor McEuen, who allegedly admitted to shooting and killing his neighbor, horse trainer Aaron Martinez, in 2023, since early this week."As our community continues to await the apprehension of Trevor McEuen, the individual indicted for the capital murder of Mr. Martinez, Kaufman County District Attorney Erleigh Wiley expresses her strong support for Governor Abbott's proposed bail reform legislation," the Kaufman County DA's office said in a Tuesday press release. "This legislation seeks a constitutional amendment that would empower judges to deny bond to individuals charged with violent offenses, including capital murder."The DA's office further noted that a court imposed a $2 million bond for McEuen after his arrest, "along with the strictest possible conditions, including electric monitoring and house arrest."TEXAS MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR SUSPECT WHO REMOVED ANKLE MONITOR"Whether the bond is $2 million, $5 million, or more if a defendant can post it, they will walk free," Wiley said in a statement.Gov. Greg Abbott's office said in a statement Wednesday that he held a roundtable at the Texas Public Policy Foundation "to demand legislators fix Texas' deadly and broken bail system to ensure dangerous criminals are kept behind bars."Abbott is pushing legislation that would:KENTUCKY COURTHOUSE WHERE SHERIFF ALLEGEDLY KILLED JUDGE PLAGUED BY SEX ABUSE ALLEGATIONS: LAWSUITIn the hunt for McEuen, local authorities have requested that anyone aware of suspicious activity in the area contact 911, though they urged residents not to attempt to apprehend him.McEuen faces charges of capital murder, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and murder after he allegedly shot 35-year-old Martinez in May 2023. Martinez was found dead from gunshot wounds inside a truck parked outside his home at the time.Police observed McEuen driving away from the house and followed him until he came to a stop. He then refused to exit the vehicle, engaging in a standoff with police until a SWAT team took him into custody two years ago, according to Fox 4.KAREN READ'S GOOGLE TIMELINE DERAILED AGAIN AS 2ND EXPERT DISPUTES DEFENSE CLAIMSFormer Texas Rep. Mayra Flores said in a Facebook post following Martinez's death that she met his family at an event near Kaufman County.Martinez's obituary states that his "biggest accomplishments were owning his own business, becoming a U.S. Citizen, building his dream ranch, giving back to the community but most of all his dear Children.""The Martinez family is seeking justice after Aaron Martinez was killed by his neighbor, Trevor McEuen," she said. "The family is demanding Trevor McEuen be charged with a hate crime."Authorities are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect's whereabouts. Tipsters can contact the Kaufman County Sheriffs Office at 469-376-4500 or share anonymous information by calling Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 1-877-847-7522."Justice for the Martinez family will come," Wiley said. "In the meantime, we ask the public to stay alert and help us ensure the safety of our community."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"If seen do not approach himreport any sightings to authorities immediately," the sheriff's office said Monday.Fox News Digital has reached out to the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office for an update on the search for McEuen.Fox News' Anders Hagstorm contributed to this story.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff to take up the highest seat in the Catholic Church, returned to the Sistine Chapel on Friday to deliver his first mass in an address to the more than 1.4 billion Catholics he now leads.The pontiff urged outreach and missionary work and warned that much of what the Church stands for, and the belief in Jesus Christ, has been lessened in the eyes of both believers and non-believers."Today, too, there are many settings in which Jesus, although appreciated as a man, is reduced to a kind of charismatic leader or superman," he said in a homily translated from Italian, warning that this has led to even baptized Christians living in "a state of practical atheism."FIRST AMERICAN ELECTED PONTIFF, GET TO KNOW POPE LEO XIV"There are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent. Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure," the pope said.The new pontiff will face many challenges ahead as followers wait to see how he will lead the church and which issues he will choose to put great emphasis on.The pope has not said why he chose the name Leo to call himself, but papal names signify predecessors or values they admire, suggesting the newest pontiff will put great emphasis on social issues based on others in the papacy who have held that name.Like his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo is expected to focus on humanity and kindness, particularly in the face of global migration and helping the poor.It remains unclear how this American pope will interact with the Trump administration, given apparent divisions over positions on the treatment of migrants and other issues involving human rights.POPE LEO XIV, VILLANOVA GRAD, INTRODUCES HIMSELF ADORNED IN SYMBOLISM, PROVERBIAL RELIGIOUS DEVOTIONIn his homily, the pope also pointed to a loss of faith and argued it has not only led to a loss in the meaning of life, but a loss in "human dignity.""These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied," he said.Pope Leo went on to say that "A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society."

House Republicans are trying to find the right cocktail of tax reductions and new revenue to pass President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" by Memorial Day.No taxes on tips is politically popular and is a key campaign promise of the president, but a coalition of deficit hawks could block that if the GOP fails to find revenue to cover the gap.That is why the president pushed House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., this week to raise taxes on the super rich.HORSE SENSE: HOUSE REPUBLICANS WORK TO PASS BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILLTrump is considering allowing the rate on individuals making $2.5 million or more to increase by 2.6%, from 37% to 39.6%, Fox News Digital reported Thursday.Such a move would resonate with working-class Americans who elected the president. However, many conservatives have signed pledges for years against raising any taxes.Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Friday morning, "The problem with even a TINY tax increase for the RICH, which I and all others would graciously accept in order to help the lower and middle income workers, is that the Radical Left Democrat Lunatics would go around screaming, Read my lips, the fabled Quote by George Bush the Elder that is said to have cost him the Election. NO, Ross Perot cost him the Election! In any event, Republicans should probably not do it, but Im OK if they do!!!"CAPITOL HILL LAWMAKERS REACT TO ELECTION OF FIRST AMERICAN POPE: UNBELIEVABLEA deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) also remains unresolved as a group of Republican representatives from New York threaten to vote against the latest proposal. Meantime, a debate rages about health assistance.House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, accused Democrats of trying to "paralyze our conference" and "frighten" Republicans about Medicare and Medicaid cuts. Specifics are key."Until we see what comes out of the committee, I dont know whats on and whats off," said Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris, R-Md.