The Texas Supreme Court Nov. 28 heard arguments in a challenge to the state's abortion ban after a group of women alleged that the law forced them to continue pregnancies despite grave risks to their health.
Pope Francis told the prefects of Vatican dicasteries that he saw no reason for the Vatican to continue giving U.S. Cardinal Raymond L. Burke a monthly salary and questioned why the Vatican should be providing him with a free apartment in Rome, various sources have confirmed.
With a soft and raspy voice, Pope Francis began his weekly general audience by making the sign of the cross and explaining that "I'm still not well with this flu, and my voice isn't great," so he would have an aide read his catechesis and greetings.
More than 2 million watched the Nov. 25 Apple Cup football game between the University of Washington Huskies and the Washington State University Cougars at Husky Stadium in Seattle.
Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, is expected to sign an immigration bill that would make it a state crime to cross into Texas from Mexico. Catholic organizations including the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops have opposed the legislation.
Nicaraguans spilled into the streets after Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe, celebrating the success of a countrywoman rising from humble origins to international acclaim.
As Vatican workers continued to decorate the Christmas tree in St. Peter's Square and to erect a platform for the Nativity scene, the office of papal liturgical ceremonies published the list of holiday Masses and prayer services Pope Francis would celebrate.