Ohio Lawmakers Override Governor’s Veto on Gender Law
Ohio lawmakers have voted to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of legislation that bans certain medical or surgical gender reassignment procedures for transgender minors. The bill also prohibits athletes from competing on sports teams that do not align with their biological sex. The Ohio Senate voted to override the governor’s veto after the state’s House did so earlier this month. The bill is set to become law in April, but it includes a grandfather clause for youth already undergoing transgender treatments. The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of the legislation, emphasizing the importance of compassion and personal accompaniment for young people with gender incongruence.
Bishop Flores to Lead Webinars on Scripture and Synodality
Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, is set to lead a series of webinars exploring synodality through the lens of Jesus Christ’s words at the Last Supper. The four sessions, titled John 14 and Synodality, will be held on Zoom on various dates in February and March. Bishop Flores, who chairs the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine, has been overseeing the synodal process in the United States. The process, initiated by Pope Francis, aims to promote dialogue and collaboration within the Church. As part of the process, dioceses across the U.S. have been asked to conduct additional listening sessions in the coming months.
Another Bishop Ordained in China
Pope Francis has approved the ordination of Father Anthony Sun Wenjun as a bishop in China. This marks the second ordination approved by both the pope and the Chinese government within a week. Bishop Sun Wenjun was ordained in Weifang, and the Diocese of Weifang was established on the same day, according to a Vatican announcement. This ordination follows the 2018 agreement between the Vatican and China, which has been renewed every two years since then, allowing the appointment of bishops in the country.
Six Nuns Freed from Captivity in Haiti
Six nuns who were kidnapped in Haiti have been freed, bringing relief to Archbishop Max Leroys Mésidor of Port-au-Prince and the local community. The nuns, who belong to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne, were abducted along with other passengers while traveling on a bus. Their release comes after Pope Francis made an appeal for their freedom and for social harmony in Haiti. The Latin American bishops’ council designated a day of prayer for the nuns’ release, demonstrating solidarity with the Church in Haiti.
Pope Calls for Global Cease-Fire
Pope Francis has called for an immediate global cease-fire, as conflicts and wars threaten the well-being of humanity. In an interview with an Italian newspaper, the pope urged political leaders to stop bombings and hostile actions. He emphasized the urgent need for peace, stating that humanity is on the brink of an abyss. Regarding the situation in Israel and Palestine, the pope highlighted the importance of implementing the two-state solution outlined in the Oslo Accord. The pope’s appeal for peace aligns with his message on World Communications Day, which emphasizes the need for human wisdom and promoting the good of communities in the age of artificial intelligence.
Proper Use of AI Requires Human Wisdom, Pope Says
While acknowledging the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for communication and information exchange, Pope Francis emphasized that AI cannot replace the uniquely human wisdom needed to promote the well-being of people and communities. The pope’s message for World Communications Day emphasizes the importance of using AI for the good of humanity and awakening humanity from the illusion of omnipotence. The theme for this year’s World Communications Day is Artificial Intelligence and the Wisdom of the Heart: Toward a Fully Human Communication. The pope’s message underscores the importance of maintaining human connection and social bonds in an increasingly technologically driven world.
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