President Macron, however, seems to wish that the Vatican paid him more attention. Pope Francis has infuriated Macron by planning to visit Corsica next month, but rebuffing the president’s invitations to join dozens of world leaders at a televised ceremony for the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral days earlier. (Chazan, The Times)
Read MoreAcutis, who was born to Italian parents in London, was a web designer who died of leukemia in Italy in 2006 at the age of 15. Francis beatified him in 2020 in Assisi, where his tomb draws a steady stream of pilgrims. (AP News)
Read MoreWhile scientific research offers theories ranging from brain chemistry to psychological coping mechanisms, no single explanation fully captures the mystery of these experiences—leaving open questions about whether they’re glimpses into an afterlife or simply the brain’s response to extreme trauma. (1440 Daily Digest, YouTube)
Read MoreAccording to a statement from HBO provided to Hollywood trade publications Variety and TheWrap, Rowling's "contribution has been invaluable" to the company and the "Potter" show "will only benefit from her involvement" as executive producer. (Robinson, USA Today)
Read MoreSpeaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced Wednesday that transgender women are not permitted to use bathrooms in the Capitol that match their gender identity, taking a stance on the hot-button issue that has overtaken the Capitol in recent days. (Schnell, The Hill)
Read MoreToday, Apple shared the most popular podcasts of 2024, with year-end charts localized for listeners in nearly 100 countries and regions. (Apple)
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