WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14

POPE LEO DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer, the Holy See Press Office announced Oct. 13. The diagnosis followed a successful surgery to remove a small, localized nodule from the Pope’s lung. He is expected to remain in the hospital in Rome for about a week of recovery from surgery. READ

16-YEAR-OLD VOLLEYBALL PLAYER SUES OVER MALE OPPONENT A 16-year-old Michigan volleyball player and her father filed a federal lawsuit Oct. 9 accusing school officials of knowingly allowing her to compete against a male athlete and allowing him to use the girls’ locker room facilities without informing her or her parents. Briley Lechner said that her goal “is to preserve opportunities and safety for female athletes.” READ

DOJ ANNOUNCES NEW SET OF 16 CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL VOTING Since President Donald Trump returned to office, the DOJ has charged 104 people with voting-related offenses, while Democrats say such voting is rare and polls show majority support for requiring proof of citizenship. READ

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CALIFORNIA MANDATES ‘ANTI-HATE SPEECH’ TRAINING, DOESN’T DEFINE HATE Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two “anti-hate speech” bills Sept. 27 that take effect in 2028. Supporters say they target workplace harassment, but critics say the laws’ failure to define hate speech could result in their beliefs being labeled as such. READ

MINNESOTA PREGNANCY CENTER MARKS 20 YEARS OF HELPING FAMILIES CHOOSE LIFE Pregnancy Choices Lifecare Center in Apple Valley, Minnesota, is marking 20 years of life-affirming care. Despite lost state funding and challenges facing pregnancy centers, its outreach continues to grow to meet the needs of women and families. READ

ANALYSIS: SANCTUARY NEW YORK RELEASED 16,000+ ILLEGAL ALIENS FROM JAIL The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that officials in Democrat-run New York have ignored federal requests to detain illegal aliens convicted of or charged with serious crimes, instead releasing more than 16,000 illegal aliens onto the street in the past 15 months. READ

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TEACHER SUES SCHOOL AFTER BEING FIRED FOR SHARING PRO-LIFE VIEWS A Christian teacher in England is challenging her dismissal after answering students’ questions about abortion and politics. Her case comes amid broader concerns raised by ADF International over religious discrimination and freedom of expression in the United Kingdom. READ

CATHOLIC, EVANGELICAL LEADERS UNITE IN CALL TO KEEP FAMILIES TOGETHER Catholic and evangelical leaders issued a joint immigration appeal, calling for secure borders and reforms to protect families facing separation. The statement urges Congress to address limited legal pathways and seeks religious care for detained immigrants. READ

CELEBRATING STILL-WARM FALL Fall in large swaths of the world, like Florida, doesn’t bring the crisp, cooler days that justify cozy sweaters and hot spiced drinks, but that shouldn’t stop you from embracing the season! Zeale Lifestyle’s Rosie Hall offers five ways to get into the autumn spirit no matter the temperature outside. READ

CATHOLIC 101 Both Catholics and Orthodox are known for making the Sign of the Cross before praying, while the custom is less common amongst Protestants. However, the Sign of the Cross has its roots in the books of Revelation and Ezekiel. READ

SAINT OF THE DAY Today, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Callistus I, who dedicated his life to helping others return to Christ, defending the hope of forgiveness even when his compassion for repentant sinners brought him opposition. READ

DAILY PSALM "Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life." (Jn 8:12) READ

DAILY READINGS Today's Mass readings. READ

NEW EPISODE If you can't go to Italy, this is the closest you can get! The words “family restaurant” take on a whole new meaning at Na Favola, where pure ingredients, authentic recipes, and genuine care for each person who walks through the door create an atmosphere where everyone feels like family. Join Cecilia on the latest episode of Flourish, out now on Zeale. WATCH

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