Dilexi Te, I Have Loved You
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| On October 9, Pope Leo XIV released his first major papal document, Dilexi te (I Have Loved You). The exhortation encourages all Christians to “appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and his summons to care for the poor” (3).
Like Pope Francis, who completed the work of Pope Benedict XVI on the encyclical Lumen fidei (The Light of Faith), Pope Leo XIV completed the exhortation that Pope Francis had begun in his final months. Dilexi te builds on the teaching of Francis’ final encyclical, Dilexit nos (He Loved Us).
Pope Leo explains God’s closeness with the poor, the Church’s teaching and “preferential option of the poor,” and demonstrates the Church’s long history of serving the poor, especially through the lives of the saints. He emphasizes that:
The condition of the poor is a cry that, throughout human history, constantly challenges our lives, societies, political and economic systems, and, not least, the Church. On the wounded faces of the poor, we see the suffering of the innocent and, therefore, the suffering of Christ himself. (9)
Further, he explains that the poor are teachers of the Gospel. “No Christian can regard the poor simply as a societal problem; they are part of our “family.” They are “one of us.” Nor can our relationship to the poor be reduced to merely another ecclesial activity or function” (104).
Pope Leo concludes by explaining that “Christian love breaks down every barrier.” He underscores that, “A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today” (120). |
Action at the Capitol
Abortion Definition ▲ Registered in support
SB 553 (Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood) / AB 546 (Joy Goeben, R-Hobart)
The bill amends the various statutory definitions of abortion to make explicit that a physician’s performance of a medical procedure or treatment designed or intended to prevent the death of a pregnant woman and not designed or intended to kill the unborn child is not an abortion. This includes an early induction or cesarean section performed due to a medical emergency, or the removal of a miscarried or stillborn child, or an ectopic, anembryonic, or molar pregnancy.
Status: Awaiting public hearings
Age Verification for Minors Online ▲ Testified in support
SB 130 (Van Wanggaard, R-Racine) / AB 105 (Joy Goeben, R-Hobart)
The bill requires age verification for viewing pornography online to protect minors. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that pornography “does grave injury to the dignity of the participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others. It immerses all who are involved in the illusion of a fantasy world. It is a grave offense.” Numerous studies have demonstrated the harms of pornography, especially to children.
Status: Senate public hearing held and awaiting committee vote / Passed the Assembly |
Save the Date! March for Life Wisconsin 2026
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| On Saturday, April 25 from 2-4pm, the Wisconsin Catholic Conference–along with Pro-Life Wisconsin, Wisconsin Right to Life, and Wisconsin Family Council–will host the 2026 March for Life at the State Capitol in Madison. The event is free and open to the public. Bus transportation will be available from locations across the state. Mark your calendars and share the Save the Date with your friends. |
All Saints Day Coming Up on November 1
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| November 1 is All Saints Day and normally a Holy Day of Obligation. However, because the feast falls on Saturday this year, Mass attendance is not obligatory. Though Mass attendance is not required this year, Mass attendance or some other celebration is still strongly encouraged to celebrate all the saints, known and unknown, in heaven. To learn more about Holy Days of Obligation, read this explainer. |
Updates from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
To take action on the USCCB’s current federal action alerts, click here. |
Legislative Resources
Find the WCC’s session priorities, legislative committees, contact info for your legislators, and more.
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