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Ireland’s High Court will hear a case later this month, involving a couple who claim that their unborn child was aborted, after they were mistakenly told that the baby had a fatal, fetal abnormality. Ireland’s constitution recognized the right to life of the unborn, until Irish citizens voted to repeal pro-life laws in 2018.
Arizona bishops are concerned that the state could resume executions this fall, including the possibility of executions by gas chamber. Documents obtained by journalists show that Arizona’s department of corrections spent more than $2,000, on the necessary ingredients to make hydrogen cyanide gas. In 2018, Pope Francis ordered a revision to the Church’s catechism, calling the death penalty “inadmissible”, and an “attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person.”
Cardinal George Pell turned 80 years old on Tuesday, losing his eligibility to vote in a future papal conclave. The Australian was made a cardinal by St. Pope John Paul II in October 2003. Ten years later, Pope Francis appointed Pell a member of his Council of Cardinals, and the year after, put him in charge of Vatican finances. In total, six cardinals have turned, or will turn 80 years old in 2021, losing their right to vote in a conclave.
During his general audience today, Pope Francis encouraged busy Catholics, to say the “Jesus Prayer” throughout the day. The short prayer goes, ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ It is at the heart of Eastern Christianity’s mystical tradition.
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Ephrem of Syria. The deacon, hermit, and Doctor of the Church, made important contributions to the spirituality and theology of the Christian East, during the fourth century.