Los Angeles Teen's Wildfire Recovery Fund Goes Viral

A new study reveals surprising locations of bacterial concentration in homes, with some unexpected items harboring more germs than toilet seats. Key findings: - Kitchen sponges and dishcloths top the list of bacterial hotspots - Smartphone screens carry 10x more bacteria than toilet seats - Remote controls and doorknobs are significant germ carriers Expert recommendations: - Replace kitchen sponges weekly - Use UV sanitizers for electronics - Regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces These findings align with recent dermatologist guidelines on cleaning practices that maintain both hygiene and skin health.

According to TIME contributor Austen Ivereigh, Pope Francis's most distinctive contribution to the Catholic Church was his revolutionary approach to placing mercy at the core of ecclesiastical teaching and practice. Francis characterized this approach as being in *God's style*, marking a significant departure from his predecessors' methodologies. The Pope's emphasis on mercy is being viewed as his enduring legacy, fundamentally reshaping how the Church operates and interacts with its followers. [Read the full analysis on TIME](https://time.com/7267008/pope-francis-greatest-achievement-mercy/)

Pope Francis has made significant shifts in Catholic Church positions on two major fronts: - **LGBTQ+ Community**: Moving from traditional condemnation toward a more inclusive approach, marking a historic change in church rhetoric and policy. - **Environmental Leadership**: Establishing himself as a prominent voice on climate change and environmental protection, connecting spiritual teachings with ecological responsibility. These developments represent notable departures from previous Vatican positions, though maintaining core Catholic doctrine. Read more at [TIME's coverage](https://time.com/7267052/pope-francis-impact-on-the-lgbtq-community/)

Pope Francis has emerged as a significant voice on environmental and social issues during his pontificate. His leadership marked two notable shifts: - **Environmental Advocacy**: Consistently addressed climate change and environmental protection as moral imperatives - **Social Inclusion**: Moved the Catholic Church toward greater acceptance and dialogue, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ communities His approach combined traditional Catholic teachings with progressive stances on contemporary challenges. Through writings and public statements, he emphasized the connection between environmental stewardship and social justice. [Read more about Pope's environmental legacy](https://time.com/7278986/pope-francis-environment-climate-legacy/)

Following the Pope's passing, the Vatican enters a structured transition period: - *Novendiales*: A sacred 9-day mourning period begins immediately - **Conclave Timeline**: New Pope election process starts 15-20 days after death - **Key Figure**: The camerlengo (cardinal) oversees the election organization The conclave represents a centuries-old tradition of selecting the next leader of the Catholic Church. Cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel for this historic process. [Learn more about the papal succession process](https://time.com/7278963/new-pope-election-process-conclave-cardinals-candidates-francis-death-successor/)