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The Supreme Court heard nearly three hours of oral arguments on Monday, in a pair of cases challenging an abortion ban in the state of Texas. The law restricts most abortions after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which typically happens at about six weeks gestation. The two challenges heard on Monday focus on the way the law is designed to be enforced, through private civil lawsuits, rather than by state officials. One of the challenges was brought to the court by the Biden administration.
A 28-year-old man was arrested Monday, after bringing a gun to a parish in Providence Rhode Island. The man threatened a priest and parishioners at a Monday evening Mass. It was the former parish of a recently arrested priest in Providence. Police have said the threat was related to the recent arrest of the former pastor.
Pope Francis prayed today before the tombs of deceased popes, in the crypt beneath Saint Peter’s Basilica. The pope visited the tombs after celebrating Mass for All Souls’ Day, at a military cemetery in Rome. Pope Francis also prayed before the tomb of Saint Peter.
Today is the feast of All Souls Day. The celebration is based on the doctrine that the faithful on earth can help souls trying to reach Heaven, by prayers, almsgiving, and the sacrifice of the Mass.