December 8, 2023

Catholic News

A daily news briefing from Catholic News Agency, powered by artificial intelligence. Ask your smart speaker to play “Catholic News,” or listen every morning wherever you get podcasts. www.catholicnewsagency.com - Pope Francis had seven meetings Thursday morning where he read out three speeches unassisted for the first time in nearly two weeks. The pope, who has been recovering from a bout of bronchitis, said that he was feeling “much better” on Wednesday but opted to have an aide read his general audience catechesis, explaining to the crowd that he still had difficulties if he “talks too much.” https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256201/pope-francis-reads-speeches-unassisted-for-the-first-time-in-nearly-two-weeks Pope Francis on Thursday accepted the resignation of Major Archbishop Cardinal George Alencherry of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church, based in India, commending his faithfulness after decades of leadership in that Church. Canon law dictates that bishops must submit their resignations to the pope at age 75. Alencherry turned 78 this year. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256204/pope-francis-accepts-resignation-of-head-of-syro-malabar-church-cardinal-alencherry The US House and Senate reached a compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act on Thursday in which they dropped House amendments banning military spending on abortion and sex change surgeries. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256214/congress-drops-amendment-banning-military-spending-on-abortion-and-sex-change-surgeries A Wisconsin circuit court judge has affirmed her earlier ruling that an 1840s law protecting unborn children does not outlaw abortion. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256211/wisconsin-court-rules-that-pro-life-law-doesn-t-apply-to-abortion Today, the Church celebrates The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which recognizes the long-held belief of the Church that Mary was conceived free from original sin. Mary was granted this extraordinary privilege because of her unique role in history as the Mother of God. Even though Mary is unique in all humanity for being born without sin, she is held up by the Church as a model for all humanity for her holiness and her purity in her willingness to accept the Plan of God for her. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/solemnity-of-the-immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-77