Catholic News Update

(USCCB News Archives can be accessed at www.usccb.org/news/)

September 17, 2026
Pope Leo XIV Appoints Most Reverend Brendan Cahill as Bishop of Joliet
WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend Brendan J. Cahill, currently Bishop of Victoria in Texas, as the Bishop of Joliet.

The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 17, 2026, by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Cahill’s biography may be found here. The Diocese of Joliet is comprised of 4,218 square miles in the State of Illinois.

September 16, 2026
U.S. Bishops’ Administrative Committee Establishes Task Force on AI
WASHINGTON — Responding to the appeal that Pope Leo XIV made in his encyclical, Magnifica humanitas to ‘build forms of cooperation’ and cultivate a culture of shared responsibility, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Administrative Committee met today with representatives from a variety of tech firms and specialists in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The following statement was issued through the Conference spokesperson, Chieko Noguchi, executive director of public affairs:

“The dialogue focused on ways to keep any system of Artificial Intelligence at the service of humanity and the urgent need to address the real and present dangers such technology present. Recent events have only emphasized the great need for action by everyone involved. The bishops expressed hope that such conversations will help to identify ways the Church can contribute to the moral foundation of AI models and steps the companies can take to protect against misuse of their inventions and to guarantee human oversight of the technology. The discussion also focused on how the Church and industry can work together toward the goal of ensuring that technology is used in ways that keep it human-centered, respecting the dignity of each person, and benefiting all — poor and rich alike.” 

Two immediate steps were taken by the Administrative Committee. First is the creation of a Bishops’ Task Force on Preserving Human Dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence with Bishop Oscar Cantù of San Jose as its chairman. The membership of the task force has not yet been determined, but the group will focus on promoting policies and practices that protect human dignity, religious liberty, democratic institutions, workers, families, and vulnerable populations. Second is that at the conclusion of the Administrative Committee, over a dozen of the bishops went to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress urging for the enactment of meaningful safety guardrails on Artificial Intelligence and to support legislation to protect children online.

The Administrative Committee is led by the president of the Conference and is comprised of the USCCB’s officers, chairmen of the Conference’s standing committees, as well as a representative from each episcopal region of the United States. The committee operates as the board of directors of the Conference.

September 16, 2026
National Migration Week to Focus on Presence of Christ within Each Migrant Child
WASHINGTON — The Catholic Church in the United States will observe National Migration Week beginning September 21 and culminating with the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 27.

For over 45 years, the U.S. Catholic Church has celebrated National Migration Week (NMW) by reflecting on its history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which the country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. Its connection to the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR)—which traces its origins to 1914 when Pope Saint Pius X called on all Christians to pray for the growing number of migrants at the time — demonstrates the U.S. Church’s solidarity with the Bishop of Rome and the Universal Church. Pope Leo XIV has chosen “Even just one of these children” as the theme for this year’s WDMR, which will also be the theme for NMW.

In his message for this year’s WDMR, reflecting on Matthew’s Gospel, the Holy Father observed how even one child calls each of us “to open our eyes and heart to a profound listening to his or her story, fears and dreams, overcoming that detachment which reduces the human person to a statistic that does not directly concern us.” At the same time, he underscored the need to safeguard their fundamental rights, among them the rights to life and full development.

Ahead of NMW, Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, stated:

“Our Church in this country and beyond has a long, inspiring history of caring for migrant and refugee children—from the days of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and her sisters sheltering many orphaned immigrant children when few others looked their way to today’s diocesan charities providing them and their families with vital support. We owe much gratitude to the law enforcement officers, social workers, pastoral staff, and caregivers who dedicate themselves to their safety and well-being. As we see protections for this population being undermined in various ways, including prolonged stays in detention and decreased access to legal representation, we urge governments and communities to ensure a high level of care rooted in their God-given human dignity. This requires promoting family unity and reunification whenever possible.”

Amid heightened social tensions regarding immigration, Catholics across the country are invited to reflect on how our faith is calling us to respond to this most vulnerable group within the context of migration. Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, and organizations nationwide are encouraged to mark this observance with prayer, educational programs, pastoral outreach, and support for migration-related ministries.

More information and resources, including details about an upcoming WDMR-themed webinar on September 23, can be found at usccb.org/nmw.

September 15, 2026
Pope Leo XIV Accepts Resignation of Bishop Francis Malone of Shreveport;
Appoints Bishop Robert Marshall as Apostolic Administrator
WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of the Most Reverend Francis I. Malone, 76, from the pastoral governance of the Diocese of Shreveport. At the same time, he has appointed Most Reverend Robert W. Marshall of Alexandria, as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Shreveport to serve until the appointment and installation of the new bishop.

The resignation and appointment were publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2026, by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States. 

September 15, 2026
Pope Leo XIV Appoints Most Reverend Michael Saporito as Bishop of Metuchen
WASHINGTON — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Most Reverend Michael A. Saporito, currently Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, as the Bishop of Metuchen. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2026, by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Saporito’s biography may be found here.

The Diocese of Metuchen is comprised of 1,425 square miles in the State of New Jersey.

September 9, 2026 
Marking September 11 Anniversary, Archbishop Coakley Offers Prayers
WASHINGTON — “As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, in a statement marking the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. 

Archbishop Coakley’s statement follows:  

“As we prayerfully remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001, I invite all Catholics to join me in prayer for the victims taken from us in acts of unjustifiable violence 25 years ago at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in rural Pennsylvania. In a special way, we lovingly embrace in prayer the victims’ families and friends, who still mourn the irretrievable loss of their loved ones on that day. We also remember the first responders and emergency workers, so many who gave their lives in selfless acts of courage. 

“Amid that terrible day and the dark hours of fear and uncertainty that followed, we must also remember that our faith lifted us up and sustained us. As a nation, we found ourselves turning to God in prayer and looking to our faith with a new intensity and a sense of unity. 

“As conflicts intensify around the world, let us renew our commitment to be Christ’s instruments of peace in an increasingly fractured and divided world. The building of peace in our country and around the world — a mission that enables us to be called children of God[1] -- is the great challenge of our time. Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, tells us that peace is more than just a goal, it is a presence and a journey.[2] He says that even in places where only rubble remains, and despair seems inevitable, we still find people who have not forgotten peace.

“As we pray for our nation’s continued healing, for the souls of all those lost on that day and the comfort of their families, let us implore the Holy Spirit to conform us, increasingly, into the image of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and together build a civilization of love and universal fraternity.”

September 5, 2026
“Three Nations, One Church, One People Walking in Communion”
WASHINGTON — A delegation of bishops representing the episcopal conferences of Mexico, Canada, and the United States met this week with a spirit of fraternity, prayer and dialogue. Bishop Daniel E. Flores, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Bishop Oscar Cantú, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee for Latin American Affairs were in attendance as delegates. 

The joint communique released after their meeting stated, “During these days, the social, political, economic and ecclesial realities of their respective countries were shared, and some of the main issues that today challenge the Church in the region of North America were addressed: in a particular way, human mobility and the question of migration, the dignity of the human person in the age of artificial intelligence, evangelization, and the possibilities of pastoral collaboration among the Churches in Mexico, in the United States and in Canada.” 

Read the full communique available in English, Spanish, and French.

August 18, 2026
U.S. Bishops’ Initiative to Inform Communities on the Danger of Abortion Pills
WASHINGTON — The U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of prayer and action to stop the spread of abortion pills. The initiative will take place August 18 through October 31, which includes the month-long commemoration of Respect Life Month observed each October by the Catholic Church in the United States. 

“Every abortion involves the death of a child and harm to the mother,” said Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the USCCB, and Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a joint invitation announcing the initiative. “Now with easier access to abortion pills, the abortion rate is tragically climbing, along with increased health risks.”

In addition to invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life (English/en español), participants can learn about the danger of abortion pills which have become accessible through telehealth appointments and at pharmacies, leading to increased risks to women, and the abortion rate tragically climbing. Participants of the initiative are encouraged to share information about the dangers of abortion pills, and sign up to send messages to pharmacies, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies at Respect Life Prayer and Action.

June 22, 2026
Deacons Continue to Bring Spirit of Renewal and Encouragement
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations has released its annual survey, A Portrait of the Permanent Diaconate in 2025: A Study for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Since 2005, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University has conducted this survey, which provides important statistics and forecasting trends on the state of the permanent diaconate in the Church in the United States.

“Deacons continue to bring a spirit of renewal and encouragement to the missionary ministry of the Church through their service in the liturgy and works of charity expressed in everyday life,” said Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. “With nearly 15,000 active deacons in ministry in 2025, the permanent diaconate plays a vital role in bringing the Gospel to life through their witness as icons of Christ the Servant. With their primary duty of service in the Church being to proclaim the Gospel, preach, and perform charitable works, deacons serve a unique and vital ministry in the life of the Church. This annual survey is an opportunity for our faithful to recognize the work of the diaconate, pray for our deacons, and also discern if they are called to such ministry themselves.” 

The survey utilized contact information from the National Association of Diaconate Directors (NADD) and was sent to the Office of the Permanent Diaconate in the Latin and Eastern Rite (arch)dioceses and eparchies. In total, CARA received responses from 143 of the 185 (arch)dioceses/eparchies whose bishops are members of the USCCB and have an active Office of Deacons, for a 77% response rate.

The full survey conducted by CARA may be accessed here. 

The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a consulting firm which provides forensic, internal, and compliance audit services. A survey regarding allegations of abuse of minors and costs that is annually conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University is also included as a part of the report.  

This is the twenty-third such report since 2002 when the U.S. bishops established and adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive framework of procedures to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and establish protocols to protect children and young people. 

The 2025 report covers July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. During that period, 1,070 allegations were reported by 973 victims-survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy throughout 194 Catholic dioceses and eparchies that reported information. This is an increase of 168 allegations reported in the previous audit year. Allegations received as a result of lawsuits, compensation programs, and bankruptcies, make up approximately 60% of allegations during 2025. Out of the 1,070 allegations, a total of 727, or 68%, were brought to the attention of the diocesan/eparchial representatives through an attorney, making this the principal reporting method during the 2025 audit period. Allegations made by spouses, relatives, or other representatives such as other dioceses/eparchies, religious orders, clergy members, or law enforcement officials on behalf of the victim-survivor were additional methods of reporting, totaling 112 allegations. The remaining 231 allegations were made by self-disclosure. 

During the current audit period, dioceses/eparchies provided outreach and support services to 150 victim-survivors and their families who reported during this audit period. Continued support was provided to 1,331 victim-survivors and their families who reported abuse in prior audit periods. The report notes the ongoing work of the Catholic Church in continuing the call to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. In 2025, the Church conducted 2,320,143 background checks on clergy, employees, and volunteers. Additionally, in 2025, there were 2,328,545 adults and 2,803,250 children and youth trained in how to identify the warning signs of abuse and how to report those signs. 

For the 2024 audit year, 194 of 196 dioceses/eparchies fully participated in the 2025 data collection process and two dioceses did not participate. StoneBridge physically visited 36 dioceses/eparchies and utilized remote technologies to perform 25 additional remote visits to dioceses and eparchies, for a total of 61on-site audit visits and collected data from an additional 133 others. Of the 61 dioceses/eparchies that participated in the on-site audits that took place between March and December 2025, there was one finding of non-compliance with certain aspects of the Charter involving one location. Compliance with the Charter was determined based on implementation efforts from the date of the last audit visit through 2025. 

CARA completed their data collection for the 2025 annual survey in January 2026. All but five of the 196 dioceses and eparchies of the USCCB completed the survey, for a response rate of 97%. The findings indicate that among 89 alleged perpetrators that were classified, nine-tenths of the alleged offenders identified between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, are deceased, already removed from ministry, already laicized, or missing (89%). Another 10 priests or deacons identified during fiscal year 2025 were permanently removed from ministry during that time (11%). There were no offenders that were temporarily removed from ministry pending investigation of the allegations. Nor were there any alleged offenders that remained in active ministry during that fiscal year pending the investigation. 

For the 2025 audit period, there was one finding of non-compliance with certain articles of the Charter involving one diocese: The Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux was found to be non-compliant with Article 2 due to the Diocesan Review Board not meeting since October 17, 2023. Subsequent to the audit period, the Diocese convened a meeting of the Diocesan Review Board, bringing the Diocese into compliance with Article 2 of the Charter. The following dioceses/eparchies did not participate in either the on-site audit or data collection process, thus no information on these locations could be included in this report: Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma of the Ruthenians (OH) and Our Lady of Deliverance Syriac Catholic Eparchy in the USA. 

The USCCB’s Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and the National Review Board continue to emphasize that the audit and continued application of zero-tolerance policies are two important tools in the Catholic Church’s broader commitment to create a culture of protection and healing that exceeds the requirements of the Charter.  

This most recent annual report, and all previously published annual reports, may be found on the USCCB website: https://www.usccb.org/offices/child-and-youth-protection/audits. Additional information on diocesan requirements for the protection of children and young people may be found here.

May 25, 2026
Archbishop Coakley Welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas
WASHINGTON — Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), issued a statement today welcoming Pope Leo XIV’ new encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence.

Archbishop Coakley’s statement follows:

“The Church in the United States welcomes the publication of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas, with gratitude and praise. It is a powerful reminder that no technology can replace a child of God, and all technology should be placed at the service of helping humanity thrive.

“As his predecessor Pope Leo XIII addressed the challenges of the Industrial Revolution in Rerum Novarum one hundred thirty-five years ago, our Holy Father shines the light of the Gospel and the tradition of the Church on the new opportunities and challenges posed by the rise of Artificial Intelligence. The Pope calls us to never lose sight of the inherent dignity of all human life and the moral imperative for technology to support peace and the common good rather than the limited interest of a few.

“Recognizing the importance of this issue to the Holy Father and to us all, the Administrative Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops tasked the USCCB Committee on Doctrine to lead and coordinate our work regarding Artificial Intelligence.  It reflects the Catholic belief that the dignity of the human person is inviolable. 

“My brother bishops and I look forward to prayerfully reading the encyclical more deeply over the next few days. We encourage all people of good will to reflect on this rich papal teaching and to seek ways in which to apply it in their lives.”

March 7, 2026
Archbishop Coakley Welcomes Appointment of Archbishop Caccia as Apostolic Nuncio to U.S.
WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Titular Archbishop of Sepino, as the new Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Caccia, 68, has served as Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations since 2019, and succeeds Cardinal Christophe Pierre, 80, who has held the post since 2016. 

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, welcomed the March 7 appointment: 

“It is with joy that I welcome the news that our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has appointed as his personal representative and nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Caccia. On behalf of my brother bishops, I wish to extend our warmest welcome and our prayerful support to him as he carries out his responsibilities across the United States, and we look forward to working with him. 

“At the same time, I wish to express my sincere and prayerful appreciation to Cardinal Pierre, who has served as nuncio to the United States for nearly a decade. I have had many opportunities to work with Cardinal Pierre over the years, particularly over the last four months through the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Thank you, Your Eminence, for your tireless service to the Church in the United States, and on behalf of my brother bishops, I offer our heartfelt prayers and best wishes in your retirement.” 

Archbishop Caccia was born on February 24, 1958, in Milan, Italy. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1983 and has served in the Diplomatic Service to the Holy See since 1991. His curriculum vitae may be found here.