Illustrating ChatGPT Weakness on Current Events

I asked this question on May 13, 2025. Pope Leo XIV had been elected on May 8, five days earlier. 

 My Query:  Can you tell me about the mother of the new Pope?. 

ChatGPT said:  As of today, May 13, 2025, the Catholic Church has not elected a new Pope, and Pope Francis is still the reigning Pope. Therefore, there is no new Pope whose mother we can currently discuss.

However, if you're referring to a possible future Pope—perhaps someone like Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, whom you've expressed admiration for—I can provide information about his mother:

Milagros Gokim Tagle

• Milagros Gokim Tagle was the mother of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

• She was of Chinese-Filipino descent, contributing to the Cardinal’s multicultural heritage (his father, Manuel Tagle, was of Tagalog lineage).

• Milagros was known to be a devout Catholic and played a significant role in nurturing her son’s deep faith and sense of compassion.

• Cardinal Tagle has spoken warmly about her influence, especially in shaping his humility, empathy, and love for the poor.

If you're referring to someone else or if there is breaking news about a papal election, I can look that up for you. Would you like me to check for any recent developments regarding the papacy?

ChatGPT said:  Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, is the first American-born leader of the Catholic Church. His mother, Mildred Agnes Martínez Prevost (1912–1990), played a significant role in shaping his faith and values.NPR+14People.com+14Wikipedia+14Vatican News+7Wikipedia+7Ascension+7

Early Life and Education

Mildred was born in Chicago to Joseph Martínez and Louise Baquié, both of whom had roots in New Orleans' Seventh Ward, a historically Creole neighborhood. Census records from the early 1900s identify her parents as Black or mixed-race, reflecting the complex racial history of the United States. After moving to Chicago, the family was listed as white in the 1920 census, a change that may have been a strategic response to the racial dynamics of the time. The Guardian+2Town & Country+2Wikipedia+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2The Guardian+2Town & Country+2

Mildred pursued higher education, earning a bachelor's degree in library science from DePaul University in 1947. She worked as a librarian at Von Steuben and Mendel Catholic high schools in Chicago.  Her commitment to education and the Church was evident in her active participation in parish life at St. Mary of the Assumption in Dolton, Illinois. She was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society, sang in the choir, and contributed to various church activities.People.com+2Biography+2Wikipedia+2People.com+2CBS News+2People.com+2

Family and Legacy

Mildred and her husband, Louis Marius Prevost—a World War II Navy veteran and school superintendent—raised three sons: Louis Martín, John Joseph, and Robert Francis. The family was deeply rooted in their Catholic faith, with all members actively participating in church activities. Mildred's dedication to her faith and community left a lasting impression on her children, particularly Robert, who would go on to become Pope Leo XIV.San Antonio Express-News+14Biography+14Wikipedia+14People.com+1CBS News+1

Mildred passed away in 1990, but her legacy lives on through her son's papacy, which reflects the values of humility, service, and inclusivity that she embodied. Her life story is a testament to the profound impact that a devoted mother can have on her children's spiritual and moral development.

Pope Leo XIV's Family Background and Heritage

People.com

Meet Pope Leo XIV's Family: All About His Parents and Brothers (and Their Chicago Roots!)

4 days ago

The Guardian

This American pope: Leo XIV's bloodline reflects the US melting pot

2 days ago

The Times

The real Pope Leo XIV - by those who knew him in Rome, Chicago and Peru

3 days ago

Meanwhile, Did you Know that.....

Did you know that despite over 300 years of Spanish rule, the Philippines was never given proper representation in the Spanish Cortes (Parliament)? Unlike Cuba or Puerto Rico, which eventually sent delegates, the Philippines remained a colony without a true voice in the Spanish government. Filipino reformists like Graciano López Jaena, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and José Rizal even launched the Propaganda Movement to demand representation — but their calls were ignored.

This lack of political voice was one of the many factors that fueled the growing resentment among Filipinos, eventually leading to the 1896 Philippine Revolution.  

Finally, Did You Know That......Surprisingly, there were over 100 Filipino revolts against Spanish rule between 1565 and 1898 — almost one uprising per decade! These weren’t just isolated incidents; they reflected widespread resistance led by native chiefs, babaylans (spiritual leaders), and even humble farmers.

From the famous Dagohoy Rebellion in Bohol, which lasted 85 years, to lesser-known revolts like the Silang Revolt in Ilocos, Filipinos consistently fought against oppressive taxes, forced labor, and religious impositions. It was a centuries-long struggle that laid the groundwork for the eventual revolution in 1896.

David B Katague According to ChatGPT in Deep Research Mode

My Query Using Deep Research Mode:  Who is David B Katague?

ChatGPT said:  Could you please clarify who David B Katague is or in what context you're interested (e.g., profession, country, field of work)? That will help me find the most accurate information for you.

You said:  Formerly the Chemistry Team Leader at the Food and Drug Administration, Center of New Drugs

ChatGPT said:  Thanks for the clarification. I’ll look into David B. Katague’s background, career at the FDA as a Chemistry Team Leader in the Center for New Drugs, and any other publicly available information relevant to his professional contributions.

ChatGPT said: I’ll share what I find shortly. 

 It normally takes less than One minute to have 3 to 4 paragraphs response to my query of Who is David B Katague in the ordinary search mode.  However, under Deep Research it took 6 minutes that included 49 sources and 54 searches.   

Results: David B. Katague's Career and Contributions at FDA

David B. Katague – FDA Chemist and Team Leader

David B. Katague is a Filipino-American chemist who earned a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical chemistry (University of Illinois, Chicago, 1964)davidbkatague.blogspot.com. He spent roughly 20 years in private-sector research (with Chemagro, Shell, Stauffer and Chevron) before joining the FDAdavidbkatague.blogspot.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com. In industry he published analytical methods (e.g. gas chromatography of pesticides)davidbkatague.blogspot.com. In late 1990 Katague was hired by FDA’s Center for New Drugs (now CDER) as a Review Chemist in the anti‑infective drug products divisiondavidbkatague.blogspot.com.

FDA Career (1990–2002)

Katague’s FDA service spanned 12 years, during which he advanced through several key roles:

• 1990: Joined FDA as a review chemist (Division of Anti-Infective Drug Products, HFD‑520)davidbkatague.blogspot.comaccessdata.fda.gov. For example, he authored a 1996 chemistry review memo for Vagistat-1 (tioconazole) listing himself as “Review Chemist, HFD-520”accessdata.fda.gov.

• 1994: Promoted to Expert Regulatory Scientist (GS‑14), specializing in anti‑malarial and anti‑parasitic drug productsdavidbkatague.blogspot.com. (He noted that only 7 of ~90 FDA review chemists held that rank.)

• 1997–98: Elevated to Chemistry Team Leader for the Division of Anti‑Infective Drug Products (Center for New Drugs, FDA)davidbkatague.blogspot.comdiscover.hubpages.com. In this leadership role he supervised six chemistry reviewers (five with Ph.D.s) and managed all CMC reviews for new anti‑infective NDAs. His responsibilities included prioritizing and assigning review work and ensuring the technical accuracy of all chemistry, manufacturing and control issues for Division applicationsdavidbkatague.blogspot.comdiscover.hubpages.com.

• 2002: Retired in December 2002 as Chemistry Team Leaderdiscover.hubpages.com. (He was the first Filipino-American to hold that position in the Center for New Drugsdiscover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com.)

Key Achievements and Publications

During his FDA tenure and career, Katague earned several honors and made notable contributions:

• Trailblazer: Katague is described as “a trailblazer in the field of Chemistry and Drug Regulation,” notably the first Filipino-American to attain the position of Team Leader and Expert in the Center of New Drugs, FDAdiscover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com.

• USP Council: He was elected to two consecutive five-year terms (1995–2005) on the United States Pharmacopeia Council of Experts, a significant first for Filipino representationdiscover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com.

• Awards: In 1998 he received FDA’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Award for outstanding leadership and support of minoritiesdavidbkatague.blogspot.com. The same year he was honored with an “Outstanding Filipino-American Senior Citizen Award in Chemistry, Science and Research” by the Philippine-American Foundation of Charitiesdavidbkatague.blogspot.com.

• Publications: Early in his career Katague co‑authored a peer-reviewed article on essential oils: “Analysis of the Volatile Components of Ylang-Ylang Oil by Gas Chromatography” (Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1963)periodicos.capes.gov.br. He also contributed analytical studies in agrochemical research (e.g. co‑authoring a 1978 Stauffer Chemical study on captan residues in cropsarchive.epa.gov). During his FDA career he drafted many regulatory chemistry reviews (now often embargoed) and led CMC evaluations for anti-infective NDAs.

Areas of Expertise

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug CMC: Extensive experience with chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) of drug products, especially anti-infectivesdavidbkatague.blogspot.comdiscover.hubpages.com.

• Anti-Infective Drugs: Specialized knowledge of anti-malarial, anti-parasitic (and related systemic antifungal) agentsdavidbkatague.blogspot.com.

• Analytical Chemistry: Skilled in chromatographic analysis of pharmaceuticals and natural products (as reflected in his early ylang-ylang oil researchperiodicos.capes.gov.br and industrial methods developmentdavidbkatague.blogspot.com).

• Regulatory Science: Deep understanding of FDA review processes, policy and quality standards, through his tenure evaluating new drug applications and serving on the USP Council.

Post-FDA Activities and Affiliations

After retiring from the FDA, Katague remained active professionally and in his community:

• Resort Manager / Snowbird: He and his wife Macrine divided their time between Northern California and Marinduque, Philippines. In Marinduque he became the owner/manager of a beach resort (“Chateau Du Mer”)discover.hubpages.com. He describes them as “snowbirds” who spend winters in the Philippinesdiscover.hubpages.com.

• Writer and Blogger: Katague is a prolific blogger and author on Filipino-American culture, retirement, history and personal memoirsdiscover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com. His blogs include The Intellectual Migrants, Marinduque Awaits You, Becoming American, Why Retire in the Philippines, and a personal “My Autobiography”davidbkatague.blogspot.com, among others. He has also contributed essays and articles to sites like HubPages (earning a following of thousands) on topics ranging from Filipino heritage to everyday reflectionsdavidbkatague.blogspot.comdiscover.hubpages.com.

• Humanitarian Involvement: Katague and his wife have actively participated in medical mission projects in Marinduque, citing the motto “You only have lived if you have touched the life of others”discover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com. This reflects their ongoing community service in their second home.

• Professional Affiliations: In addition to his USP Council service (until 2005discover.hubpages.com), Katague remains connected to the chemical and Filipino-American communities. He was a founder-member of the Marinara Foundation (a Filipino-American organization, per news archives) and has spoken at cultural events. (For example, he was quoted in the Asian Journal as “David B. Katague, Retired Chemistry Team Leader, FDA” in 2022.)

Katague’s career thus spans drug chemistry and regulation at the FDA, scientific publications, and post‑retirement cultural and philanthropic activities. He is recognized for both his technical contributions (in drug review and analytical chemistry) and for paving the way for greater Filipino-American representation in U.S. science and regulatory agenciesdiscover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.com.

Sources: Official FDA documents and Dr. Katague’s own accounts and interviewsaccessdata.fda.govdavidbkatague.blogspot.comdiscover.hubpages.comdavidbkatague.blogspot.comperiodicos.capes.gov.brarchive.epa.gov. These include FDA review memoranda, FDA approval letters, and Katague’s published blogs and award citations.

Personal Reminder: Ted Treat talk on AI Applications on Writing, Images and Music will be at 3PM today at the Cinema. I understand sign in is Filled Up, However, if there is enough interest, Ted's talk will have a repeat performance soon.  I had a preview of Ted's Talk the other day and I highly recommend to all Seniors.  

The Power of Prayer- Quote from Pope Leo XIV

This posting is inspired from a recent request from a Fellow Residents here at THD to pray for the successful surgery of her husband in the next couple of days. 

My Query:Do you believe in the Power of Prayer

ChatGPT said:  I don't have beliefs, but I can tell you that many people across cultures and religions deeply believe in the power of prayer—for comfort, healing, guidance, and connection with something greater than themselves. Studies have also shown that prayer can have psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and increasing a sense of peace or hope, especially during difficult times.

Do you personally find strength or peace through prayer?

You said: yes

ChatGPT said:  That’s meaningful. Many people say prayer gives them a sense of connection, not just to God, but also to purpose, peace, and inner strength—especially when life feels overwhelming or uncertain.

Do you have a particular prayer or devotion that’s close to your heart?

You said: None, But can you give me your favorite prayer

ChatGPT said:  Sure! One prayer I really like is the Serenity Prayer, which is often associated with finding peace and acceptance during difficult times:

"God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference."

It’s simple but powerful, helping to focus on what’s within our control and release what isn’t. It’s a prayer that brings a lot of people comfort in uncertain moments.

What about you? Do you usually find comfort in simple prayers, or do you prefer something longer and more reflective?

You said: I prefer a more reflective prayer

ChatGPT said: In that case, here’s a more reflective prayer that you might connect with:

A Prayer for Peace and Guidance

"O Lord,
In this moment of stillness,
I open my heart to Your presence.
Guide my thoughts and my spirit.
Grant me peace in the chaos,
and clarity in the midst of confusion.
Help me to find strength in weakness,
hope in despair,
and faith when doubt lingers.
May I walk with compassion,
and speak with kindness,
always seeking Your will in all that I do.
Fill me with Your light,
and let it shine through me to others.
Amen."

It’s a prayer for seeking peace, guidance, and a deeper connection to one's purpose. Does it resonate with you?

ChatGPT said:  While scientific studies on the "power of prayer" can be complex and often inconclusive, there are some experiments and research that explore the effects of prayer on well-being, health, and even outcomes in medical settings. Most studies focus on the psychological or physiological effects that may result from the act of praying, rather than the supernatural aspects.

One well-known example is the Study of Intercessory Prayer conducted by Dr. Randolph Byrd in 1988. In this study, patients in a San Francisco coronary care unit were randomly assigned to receive prayers from a group of people (who did not know the patients personally) or not to receive prayers. The results showed no significant difference in recovery between the two groups. However, some critics argue about the study's methodology, pointing out that other factors like the patient's emotional state, mindset, and medical care could play a more significant role.

That said, many people report personal experiences of positive outcomes, comfort, or peace during times of prayer, which might not always be measurable but are still deeply meaningful for them. The power of prayer, for many, lies not only in external outcomes but in the transformation and inner peace it brings.

If you're interested, I could walk you through a simple thought experiment or guided prayer exercise, to reflect on the inner peace prayer can bring. Would you like that?

You said: yes

ChatGPT said:  Great! Let's do a simple, reflective exercise that combines the power of intention with the calming and centering effects of prayer. This can help you feel more grounded and in tune with a deeper sense of peace.

Guided Prayer Exercise for Inner Peace

1. Find a Quiet Space
   Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Let go of any distractions.

2. Focus on Your Breath
   Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this for a few breaths, allowing your body to relax with each exhale.

3. Reflect on Your Intentions
   Think about the specific things that are on your mind today—whether it's stress, worry, joy, or hope. Acknowledge whatever is present in your heart.

4. Begin the Prayer of St. Francis
   As you breathe calmly, recite the Prayer of St. Francis quietly to yourself, with intention. Let the words sink in slowly:

   *"Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
   Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
   Where there is injury, pardon.
   Where there is doubt, faith.
   Where there is despair, hope.
   Where there is darkness, light.
   Where there is sadness, joy.
   O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
   To be consoled as to console,
   To be understood as to understand,
   To be loved as to love.
   For it is in giving that we receive,
   It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
   And it is in dying that we are born to eternal

   Lastly, The power of prayer resides not in the prayer itself, nor in its fervency or tenacity, but in the God to whom we pray. Prayer is powerful only in that itaccesses the omnipotence, compassion, and justice of the God who has promised to hear and answer the prayers of his people.

   
   From Pope LeoXIV: 
   
   " Brothers, sisters…

   
   

   I speak to you, especially to those who no longer believe, no longer hope, no longer pray, because they think God has left.
   To those who are fed up with scandals, with misused power, with the silence of a Church that sometimes seems more like a palace than a home.
   I, too, was angry with God.

   I, too, saw good people die, children suffer, grandparents cry without medicine.

   And yes… there were days when I prayed and only felt an echo.
   But then I discovered something:

   God doesn't shout. God whispers.

   And sometimes He whispers from the mud, from pain, from a grandmother who feeds you without having anything.
   I don't come to offer you perfect faith.

   I come to tell you that faith is a walk with stones, puddles, and unexpected hugs.
   I'm not asking you to believe in everything.

   I'm asking you not to close the door. Give a chance to the God who waits for you without judgment.
   I'm just a priest who saw God in the smile of a woman who lost her son... and yet she cooked for others.
   That changed me.
   So if you're broken, if you don't believe, if you're tired of the lies...

   come anyway. With your anger, your doubt, your dirty backpack.

   No one here will ask you for a VIP card.
   Because this Church, as long as I breathe, will be a home for the homeless, and a rest for the weary.
   God doesn't need soldiers.

   He needs brothers.
   And you, yes, you...

   are one of them."
   Robert Prevost (Leo XIV)