Catholic News Update

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

May 8, 2025
U.S. Bishops Welcome Pope Leo XIV
WASHINGTON — Upon the news that the Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, has been elected as the 267th pope, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offered the following statement:

"In communion with Catholics around the world, the bishops of the United States offer prayers of thanksgiving for the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. In my lifetime, the Church has been blessed with a series of popes each uniquely prepared for his particular moment in history yet sharing a common mission to proclaim the ageless truth of the Gospel. I rejoice in the international experience of the new Bishop of Rome who has been a student and superior in Rome, a bishop in Peru, and charged with the Dicastery for Bishops. Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this Nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognize that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will. His words advocating peace, unity, and missionary activity already indicate a path forward. Trusting in the Holy Spirit, we also pray that the Holy Father, as the successor of St. Peter, will enjoy serenity in his ministry and be a watchful and wise shepherd who will confirm us in our faith and fill the world with the hope inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

May 5, 2025
U.S. Bishops, Ukrainian Religious Leaders Speak to Truth of War
WASHINGTON — “Continue to speak the truth, and treat every human being with dignity,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) while hosting a meeting on May 1 with religious leaders from Ukraine. The USCCB welcomed representatives of The Ukrainian Council of the Churches of Religious Organizations (UCCRO) to Washington in a show of solidarity with their war-torn country.

The Ukrainian religious leaders spoke about indiscriminate bombing of churches, illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia, and religious persecution in the occupied territories. They expressed great gratitude for the prayers and aid of the American people and asked for continued help with sharing the truth about what is happening in Ukraine.

Bishop Vitaliy Kryvytskyi of the Diocese of Kyiv-Zhytomyr said, “We really have felt the solidarity of the Church in the USA, and we never cease to pray for you. Now we are asking the Church to be on the side of the truth, and not to allow a false narrative to prevail in the current political climate. For us it is ‘war’ not a ‘conflict.’ This is one example of how we see things have shifted.”

In response, Archbishop Broglio encouraged the Ukrainians to continue their authentic witness of Biblical values -- “to speak the truth, even when not politically expedient, respect fundamental human rights and treat every human person with dignity, even Russian prisoners of war.”

Another member of the delegation, Bishop Igor Bandura, deputy head of the All-Ukrainian Union of the Churches of Evangelical Christians-Baptists, gave testimony to the power of prayer as “the most powerful weapon,” and asked for continued prayers.

The Kyiv-based council which includes Christians, Jews, and Muslims, was organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

April 29, 2025
National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners May 22
WASHINGTON — Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of the Diocese of Victoria, the bishop-promoter of Stella Maris in the United States, will commemorate National Maritime Day and the Catholic Church’s observation of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea on May 22. The maritime apostolate for the Catholic Church that serves those who work or travel on the high seas and work in ports is known as “Stella Maris” (Star of the Sea).

The men and women who make their living working on the seas include merchants, sailors, seafarers, fishermen, port personnel and many others in the maritime industry whose work is vital to global commerce. The work of seafarers ensures that raw materials, food, medicines and countless other products are transported to keep the global economy moving.

The nature of maritime work means they are not always a visible presence in the community, and seafarers make great sacrifices with their families to carry out their work. Stella Maris chaplains, deacons and lay ministers serve at ports across the United States to welcome them and be a network of support for them and their families.

“On National Maritime Day, we thank our brothers and sisters who work as seafarers for their dedication. We also seek the intercession of Our Lady, Star of the Sea — that she protect and guide those in this important industry that is vital to global commerce,” said Bishop Cahill.

Commemoration in the Dioceses
In commemoration of National Maritime Day, Bishop Cahill is encouraging dioceses in the United States to remember seafarers during Mass. Dioceses may also wish to consider holding events to support and thank seafarers and raise public awareness of the contributions they make to our country.

Commemoration in Washington, D.C.
Bishop Cahill will celebrate the Votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 12:10 p.m. in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (400 Michigan Ave. NE; Washington, D.C.  20017)

Jubilee Year 2025
Pope Francis has designated the 2025 Holy Year as a time to renew ourselves as “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Vatican has appointed the Italian naval ship Amerigo Vespucci, as a Jubilee church and pilgrimage site, providing seafarers the opportunity to be part of the Holy Year celebrations. A pilgrimage to the ship will allow the faithful to gain a plenary indulgence during the Jubilee Year. Read more about the Amerigo Vespucci from Catholic News Service in Rome: https://catholicreview.org/chapel-onboard-historic-italian-naval-ship-designated-a-jubilee-church/.

For more information on the ministry of Stella Maris, please visit: http://www.usccb.org/stellamaris.

April 24, 2025
Bishop Boyea: Encourage young men to pursue priesthood
WASHINGTON – According to a new survey, nine in ten men who will be ordained to the priesthood this year were encouraged to consider this vocation by someone in their life. Three-quarters of them regularly participated in Eucharistic Adoration before entering the seminary.  “Encourage a young man to consider the priesthood or to attend Eucharistic Adoration; he could be your future pastor,” said Bishop Earl Boyea. “We express our deepest gratitude to the many priests, family members, mentors, formators, and laity who have encouraged and supported these men in their discernment of their call to the priesthood.” In conjunction with the World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 11, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations released the Ordination Class of 2025 Study, conducted annually by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University.  

“We pray for the continued fidelity of the newly ordained to the voice of God and for the faithful to whom they will minister,” said Bishop Boyea, who serves as chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. “As witnesses of hope, we thank them for their courage to commit their lives to what Pope Francis said is a call that embraces their entire existence.” 

Out of the 405 men who are to be ordained this year, 309 completed CARA’s Ordination Class of 2025 survey, for an overall response rate of 76%. These ordinands represent 115 dioceses and eparchies in the United States and 36 distinct religious institutes.  

A few of the major findings in the report:  

• Nine in ten responding ordinands (89%) reported being encouraged to consider the priesthood by someone in their life, most frequently by a parish priest (60%), friend (52%), or fellow parishioner (42%). 

• Regarding prayer practices, three-quarters of responding ordinands participated in Eucharistic Adoration (78%) on a regular basis before entering the seminary.  

• Most of the ordinands received formation at a seminary in the Midwest (37%) followed by the South (29%), Northeast (16%), West (13%), and abroad (5%).  

• Responding ordinands indicate they first considered priesthood during elementary school (35%), followed by high school (20%).   

• Hispanics/Latinos constituted 12% of the responding ordinands. Between 2006 and 2025, the share of Hispanics/Latinos averaged 15% and ranged between 11% and 22%.  

• Ordinands who attended Catholic elementary school constituted 46% of all respondents, and 36% attended a Catholic high school.  

• Most respondents (92%) were baptized Catholic as an infant and raised primarily by their biological parents (95%) and a married couple living together (89%).  

The full CARA report and profiles of the Ordination Class of 2025 can be accessed here.

April 21, 2025
Archbishop Broglio’s Statement on Death of Pope Francis
WASHINGTON – Upon the news from the Holy See announcing the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement in remembrance:

Pope Francis will long be remembered for his outreach to those on the margins of the Church and of society. He renewed for us the mission to bring the Gospel out to the ends of the earth and offer divine mercy to all. He has also taken advantage of the present Jubilee to call us to a profound hope: one that is not an empty or naïve hope, but one grounded in the promise of Almighty God to be with us always. 

Even with his roots in the Piedmont region of Italy, the first Pope from our American Continent was marked by his experience as a Jesuit and a shepherd in Buenos Aires. He brought that experience and vision with him to his ministry for the universal Church.

Recently, he expressed anew prayerful hope in his letter of support to the Bishops of this country in our attempts to respond to the face of Christ in the migrant, poor, and unborn. In fact, he has always used the strongest and clearest expressions in the defense of the dignity of the human person from conception to natural death.

I last saw him at the Jubilee Mass for the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Personnel. Despite the challenges of his health, he was with us and even used a slight gesture to salute the group of bishops who concelebrated the Mass before he boarded the vehicle to return to Santa Marta.

The passage from this life of the Bishop of Rome calls us to pray for his eternal rest and to continue on our path to a deeper union with the Lord Jesus. We remember his leadership in inspiring nations, organizations, and individuals to a renewed commitment to care for each other and our common home.

The Bishops of the United States unite in prayer with Catholics here and around the world and all people of good will in gratitude for the life of our revered shepherd. We mourn the passing of our Holy Father and beg Saint Joseph to accompany him.  Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord.

April 10, 2025
Religious Workforce Protection Act
WASHINGTON — “We would not be able to serve our diverse flocks, which reflect the rich tapestry of our society overall, without the faithful men and women who come to serve through the Religious Worker Visa Program,” said Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Mark J. Seitz, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, in a letter to Congress this week. The two bishops called on legislators to advance a “much needed source of relief” for communities across the United States by passing the bipartisan, bicameral Religious Workforce Protection Act (RWPA) (S. 1298 and H.R. 2672). Its passage, the bishops asserted, would further the free exercise of religion in our country for the benefit of all Americans.

The RWPA is a simple, targeted measure that, if enacted, would rely on precedent in existing law to provide flexibility to foreign-born religious workers and their employers in the United States who are confronted by an expanded backlog in the employment-based, fourth preference (EB-4) visa category. Due to the backlog, someone applying today through the EB-4 category would be forced to wait well over a decade before receiving permanent residency in the United States. This impacts the diverse array of religious traditions that have come to depend on the Religious Worker Visa Program.

Under the RWPA, those already in the United States on an R-1 visa (normally capped at five years) who have applied for permanent residency would be able to remain in the country in their current nonimmigrant status for renewable, three-year periods until they are able to receive a green card. In the absence of this relief, R-1 visa holders awaiting adjustment of their status are forced to depart the country and abandon their ministries. Moreover, under existing regulations, those faced with this situation cannot return on a subsequent R-1 visa for at least one year, creating significant hardship for the workers, their employers, and the people they serve. There have already been numerous instances of this involving Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

“Beneficiaries of the Religious Worker Visa Program provide a range of services and play a pivotal role in advancing the religious exercise of everyday Americans,” Archbishop Broglio and Bishop Seitz stated in their letter. “In the Catholic context, these workers include priests, men and women in religious orders and congregations, and other laypersons serving in a wide range of ministries. Some parishes, especially those in rural or isolated areas, would go without regular access to the Sacraments, if not for these religious workers. Additionally, dioceses with large immigrant populations rely on foreign-born religious workers for their linguistic and cultural expertise. . . . Simply put, an increasing number of American families will be unable to practice the basic tenets of their faith if this situation is not addressed. Likewise, hospitals will go without chaplains, schools will go without teachers, and seminaries will go without instructors.”

Commending the bill’s cosponsors for their steadfast leadership in addressing this nationwide challenge, the bishops called on all members of Congress to join them in supporting the RWPA. The full letter is available on the USCCB website at: https://www.usccb.org/resources/USCCB%20Letter%20on%20RWPA.pdf

April 7, 2025
Catholic Faithful Help to Sustain More than 70 Mission Dioceses in US
WASHINGTON — Bishop Chad W. Zielinski used to make pastoral visits using a snow machine and seaplane when he was bishop of Fairbanks, Alaska. As chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Subcommittee on Catholic Home Missions, he asks Catholics to consider the challenges faced by dioceses like Fairbanks and to give generously to the annual appeal supporting the ministry to the Catholic faithful in dioceses that need assistance to sustain basic ministries.

Just over one-third (35%) of the total number of dioceses in the United States are considered “home mission dioceses.” They are often in rural areas with small Catholic populations or are in communities that struggle economically and cannot provide basic pastoral services such as Mass, the sacraments, religious education, and ministry training for priests, deacons and lay people without outside help. This year, $8.1 million in grants is supporting essential diocesan and parish ministries.

When he was a military chaplain in Iraq, Bishop Zielinski encountered Chaldean Catholics who would later flee to the United States as refugees to escape terrorism. The Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, based in Michigan, has 23 priests for 30 states with 189,000 parishioners — many recent refugees from Iraq. Catholic Home Missions supports a radio ministry that offers spiritual support and evangelization in English, Syriac Aramaic and Arabic. The eparchy also provides marriage preparation, which includes counseling for couples who have suffered trauma from terrorism and refugee experiences.

“Right here in the United States, we have dioceses that need help providing pastoral care. Whether it is assistance to Chaldean Catholic refugees, supporting the ministry of catechists in rural dioceses, offering help to pregnant women in need, or guiding victims of domestic violence to proper counseling and support, the support offered to home mission dioceses epitomize the love of Christ,” said Bishop Zielinski.

Youth ministry is important for any diocese. But in dioceses with fewer than 31,000 Catholics such as the Diocese of Baker, Oregon, it is a priority. The diocese is located in a region larger in area than Florida, and a grant through the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps to send teens on mission trips, retreats and for discipleship training. In the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia, where Catholics are so few that it’s hard to organize a youth group, a home missions grant assisted 12 teens and young adults to attend World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal in 2023.

“They returned on fire for the Lord, becoming leaders of Catholic ministry in their parishes and on college campuses,” Bishop Zielinski said. “Catholics in home mission dioceses are profoundly grateful for the assistance that other Catholics offer. Whatever our difficulties, most of us are blessed with the means to share with sisters and brothers whose need is greater than our own.”

Many dioceses will take the Catholic Home Missions Appeal on the weekend of April 26-27, though some have different dates. Those who wish to support the appeal with an online contribution can donate at #iGiveCatholicTogether.

For more information on the Catholic Home Missions Appeal see: https://www.usccb.org/committees/catholic-home-missions

April 7, 2025
USCCB Forced to Reconsider How to Serve Needs of Refugees
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced its decision not to renew the cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support. Citing the government’s suspension of the cooperative agreements to resettle refugees, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB explained how the government’s decisions have forced the Conference to reconsider the best way to serve the needs of those seeking safe harbor from violence and persecution.

From its very founding, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has been concerned with helping families who are fleeing war, violence, and oppression find safe and secure homes. What would eventually become the USCCB was founded in 1917 as the National Catholic War Council to support the war effort and care for Catholics in the military. In 1920, it established a Bureau of Immigration to help displaced families find new opportunities in the United States. Many of us can trace our own parents, grandparents, or great grandparents to these very families.

Over the years, partnerships with the federal government helped expand lifesaving programs, benefiting our sisters and brothers from many parts of the world. All participants in these programs were welcomed by the U.S. government to come to the United States and underwent rigorous screening before their arrival. These are displaced souls who see in America a place of dreams and hope. Some assisted American efforts abroad at their own risk and more seek a place to worship and pray safely as they know God calls them. Our efforts were acts of pastoral care and charity, generously supported by the people of God when funds received from the government did not cover the full cost.

Today, the USCCB makes the heartbreaking announcement that we will not be renewing existing cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support. This difficult decision follows the suspension by the government of our cooperative agreements to resettle refugees. The decision to reduce these programs drastically forces us to reconsider the best way to serve the needs of our brothers and sisters seeking safe harbor from violence and persecution. 

As a national effort, we simply cannot sustain the work on our own at current levels or in current form. As USCCB cooperative agreements for refugee resettlement and children’s programs end, we will work to identify alternative means of support for the people the federal government has already admitted to these programs. We ask your prayers for the many staff and refugees impacted.

While this marks a painful end to a life-sustaining partnership with our government that has spanned decades across administrations of both political parties, it offers every Catholic an opportunity to search our hearts for new ways to assist. The USCCB will continue advocating for policy reforms that provide orderly, secure immigration processes, ensuring the safety of everyone in our communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating on behalf of men, women, and children suffering the scourge of human trafficking. 

For half a century, we have been willing partners in implementing the government’s refugee resettlement program. The Gospel’s call to do what we can for the least among us remains our guide. We ask you to join us in praying for God’s grace in finding new ways to bring hope where it is most needed.

March 31, 2025
Potential Impact of Mass Deportations on Christian Families
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Department of Migration and Refugee Services, in collaboration with the National Association of Evangelicals, World Relief, and the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, has released a report entitled “One Part of the Body: The Potential Impact of Deportations on American Christian Families.” This comprehensive analysis highlights the profound impact that mass deportations could have on Christian families and congregations across the United States if carried out in the way some policymakers have proposed.

The report underscores that roughly one in twelve Christians in the United States—and one in five Catholics specifically—either face the risk of deportation or live in a household with someone who does. The report further emphasizes the impact of mass deportations on every Christian believer, beyond those who could be directly affected by such enforcement efforts. On this point, Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, and representatives of partner organizations introduced the report by articulating, “The Apostle Paul describes the church of Jesus Christ as ‘one body’ that is ‘not made up of one part but of many,’ each of which is distinct from and yet interdependent upon the other parts (1 Cor. 12:13-14). Furthermore, we are called to both rejoice and to suffer together: ‘If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it’ (1 Cor. 12:26). Just as the hand cannot go about its business unaffected if the foot is in debilitating pain, whenever one part of the church is suffering, the whole is called to suffer alongside.”

The information presented in this collaborative report draws on extensive data analysis and first-hand testimonies to paint a vivid picture of how the proposed scope of deportations could affect Christian families, local congregations, and American communities in general.

Key findings include:

• Over ten million Christian immigrants in the United States are vulnerable to deportation, including those with temporary protections that could be withdrawn.

• Nearly seven million Christians who are U.S. citizens live in households with someone at risk of deportation.

• 80% of immigrants vulnerable to deportation identify as Christians, with 61% being Catholic and 13% identifying as evangelical Christians.

Ultimately, the report calls on all Christians to recognize and respond to the human consequences of unmitigated deportation efforts and for a thoughtful and compassionate approach to immigration policy that promotes justice, while also protecting the God-given dignity of every person and the sanctity of families. The full report is available on the USCCB website at: https://www.usccb.org/resources/one-part-of-the-body.pdf

March 25, 2025
Vatican’s “Life is Always a Good” Affirms U.S. Bishops’ Initiative
WASHINGTON – On the release of the pastoral framework, “Life is always a good” from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities welcomed the framework that proposes a methodology for pastoral planning and synodal discernment.

Bishop Thomas stated that the framework affirmed the U.S. bishops’ nationwide and parish-based initiative, Walking with Moms in Need, which is marking its fifth anniversary:

“We welcome today’s release of a pastoral framework entitled, ‘Life is always a good’ from the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life. On this thirtieth anniversary of St. John Paul II’s landmark pro-life encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (the Gospel of Life), the framework, addressed to Family and Life Offices of the Bishops’ Conferences and Dioceses throughout the world, proposes a methodology for pastoral planning and synodal discernment. The framework lays out themes including: ‘Beginning of Life;’ ‘Throughout the Course of Life;’ ‘End of Life;’ ‘Cross-cutting Themes;’ and ‘Research.’ These themes cover a wide range of life issues such as abortion, sexuality, violence against women, IVF, suicide, poverty, human trafficking, contraception, war, deportation, addictions, abortion healing, end-of-life care, persons with disabilities, as well as many others.

“The comments from Pope Francis, five years ago on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Gospel of Life, now invite readers to engage the pastoral framework: ‘Dear Brothers and Sisters, every human life, unique and unrepeatable, has value in and of itself; it is of inestimable value. This must always be proclaimed anew with the courage of the Word and the courage of actions. It calls us to solidarity and fraternal love for the great human family and for each of its members.’ (General Audience of 25 March 2020, 25th Anniversary of Evangelium Vitae)

“This framework affirms our own ‘Walking with Moms in Need’ nationwide and parish-based initiative which also celebrates its fifth anniversary today. Inspired by the Gospel of Life, the Walking with Moms in Need process follows the same approach as proposed in the framework: listening to needs at the local level; surveying available resources and gaps; discerning an appropriate response; launching a pastoral response; and evaluating and adapting that response to best accompany those in need. As noted in the framework, all of this involves the formation and engagement of the laity, with the encouragement of their pastors.

“This pastoral framework emphasizes that ‘we cannot separate faith from the defence of dignity and human life… Dignity exists and can never be lost because the individual exists; it extends to the entire person, regardless of his abilities, in any conditions and situations they may be, from conception to natural death. Today, this truth must be explained, narrated, and proclaimed.’ (Life is always a good)” 

March 25, 2025
Bishop Zaidan Encourages Solidarity and Prayer for Lasting Peace in Holy Land
WASHINGTON — “The further devastation of Gaza will have dire implications for any future civil society development in the region and will likely exacerbate existing tensions for another generation,” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, addressing the breakdown of the ceasefire agreement in the Holy Land.

Bishop Zaidan stated:  

“I am deeply saddened that the ceasefire in Gaza, which had been implemented in January and carried with it the hope that this deadly conflict would end, has broken down, and that violence has resumed with horrible consequences. I am also deeply saddened that there are still Israeli hostages in the hands of Hamas; I call on the United States and all parties involved in the negotiations, to work for the immediate release of all these victims of the deadly October 7, 2023 attacks, and to restore the ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. The further devastation of Gaza will have dire implications for any future civil society development in the region and will likely exacerbate existing tensions for another generation. 

As our Holy Father Pope Francis recently wrote from Gemelli Hospital, ‘While war only devastates communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts, diplomacy and international organizations are in need of new vitality…’ I urge the United States, the European Union, and regional partners, as well as aid organizations, to assist actively in forging the local bonds of human solidarity that will lay the foundation for a lasting peace in the region.  

I take this opportunity, even in the midst of this disappointing development, to reiterate our longstanding support for Israel and Palestine to live side by side as regional partners, working jointly for the development and prosperity of all peoples living in the lands of our Lord’s life, death, and glorious resurrection. During this Lenten season, as we strive for an ever-deeper conversion, I invite all people of faith to pray for peace in the Holy Land.” 

March 20, 2025
Statement on Executive Order Pertaining to U.S. Department of Education
WASHINGTON — In response to the Executive Order signed today by President Trump, “Improving Education Outcomes by Empowering Parents, States, and Communities,” the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) offered the following statement from its spokesperson, Chieko Noguchi, executive director of public affairs:

“While the USCCB does not take a position on the institutional structure of government agencies, the Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children and should have the freedom and resources to choose an educational setting best suited for their child. The Conference supports public policies that affirm this, and we support the positive working relationships that the dioceses, parishes, and independent schools have with their local public school system partners. As this Executive Order is implemented, it is important to ensure that students of all backgrounds in both public and non-public schools, especially those with disabilities or from low-income backgrounds, will continue to receive the resources they need.”

March 18, 2025
“Walking with Moms” Puts the Gospel of Life into Action
WASHINGTON — “Since the launch of Walking with Moms in Need, Catholics in dioceses and parishes across the country have put the Gospel of Life into action,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

Bishop Thomas offered the following update for the 5th anniversary of Walking with Moms in Need:

“This year, beginning on March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, we celebrate both the thirtieth anniversary of Evangelium vitae (The Gospel of Life), St. John Paul II’s pro-life encyclical, and the fifth anniversary of Walking with Moms in Need, which was inspired by that landmark encyclical.

“Since the launch of Walking with Moms in Need, Catholics in dioceses and parishes across the country have put the Gospel of Life into action, uniting in a shared mission to surround pregnant and parenting mothers in need with loving support and personal accompaniment. Heroic volunteers have stepped forward to make our parishes places where a mother can be connected with meaningful resources and assistance and, most importantly, know that she and her baby are not alone.

“The Annunciation reminds us that our Lord Jesus came to earth as a vulnerable child in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Catholic faith calls us to value every mother and child in the name of Christ. Our faith compels us to be active, making the needs of others our own. Every parish has something unique that God is calling them to contribute to the Church’s efforts to transform our society into a culture of life and civilization of love.

“Please join me in praying that Walking with Moms in Needwill continue to become embedded in the very fabric of every parish and diocese as a natural expression of Jesus’s call to serve the most vulnerable. May every mother know that she can turn to her local Catholic parish for help in her time of need.”

Please visit walkingwithmoms.com to find out how your parish can walk with moms in need in your community.

March 6, 2025
Response to Failure of U.S. Senate to Advance Protections for Female Athletes
WASHINGTON — “The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act is commonsense legislation that would ensure fairness for female athletes,” said Bishop Robert E. Barron and Bishop David M. O’Connell, CM, in response to a failed procedural vote in the Senate earlier this week on S.9, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025. The Act, which already passed the House in January, would prevent federally funded sports programs under Title IX from permitting male students to participate in athletic programs designated for women and girls.

“The teaching of the Catholic Church calls us to advocate for the equal dignity of men and women, recognizing that God created us male and female. This legislation would ensure a level playing field for women and girls to compete in fairness and safety with other females. An ideological promotion of personal identity, detached from biological reality, undermines human dignity and the role sports play in true educational formation. We reiterate our long-standing support for this Act and encourage female student athletes nationwide to continue to strive to uphold fairness and equality in athletic competitions.”

Bishop Barron is chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, and Bishop O’Connell is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Catholic Education.

The chairmen urged Senate consideration and passage of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in a letter of support, which may be found here.

March 5, 2025
Witness to Power of God’s Love by Supporting the Poor and Vulnerable
WASHINGTON — “As Catholics in a global Church, we witness to the power of God’s love through our presence and assistance to those who are vulnerable,” said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace. Bishop Zaidan encouraged the faithful to remember the vulnerable around the world who are struggling for survival: 

“This Lent, poor families around the world are struggling to access the basic necessities which they need in order to survive. Right now, children are at risk of acute malnutrition, pregnant mothers are not receiving essential care at critical moments during pregnancy, and efforts to prevent deadly diseases like measles, polio, and pneumonia are paused. Yet we know that each child who is hungry and each mother and father who struggle to care for their family is precious in the eyes of God and is a neighbor in need of our loving care.  

“As Catholics in a global Church, we witness to the power of God’s love through our presence and assistance to those who are vulnerable. The Church’s witness is lived out through the work of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which is the official overseas relief and development agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and a member of Caritas Internationalis. This Lent, Catholics can participate in CRS Rice Bowl and The Catholic Relief Services Collection, which benefits CRS and other efforts by the Church to help those in need. The work of CRS helps the Church live out Christ’s call to love our neighbors—without exception—whether next door or across the globe.  

“As we approach the season of Lent, let us respond to the invitation of Pope Francis, champion of the poor, for whose speedy recovery we continue to pray. Inspired by his call to be ‘neighbors without borders’ (Fratelli tutti, no. 80), may we pray, fast, abstain, and give alms, that all who are precious in God’s eyes may have what they need to not only survive, but also thrive.” 

“I join all Catholics throughout our nation in observing January 22 as a day of prayer and penance. As we prayerfully continue the essential work of restoring full legal protection of all preborn children and supporting parents facing difficult pregnancies, we also recognize our need for asking forgiveness and healing from the Lord for when we have given in to the culture of death.

 

“Abortion inflicts deep and lasting wounds on society, but more directly on individuals and families. Many mothers and fathers may feel they have no choice except abortion. Some are pressured or coerced. No matter the circumstances of the abortion, we must recognize the often-silent grief of parents for their child and their despair of being worthy of the love and forgiveness of God and others.

 

“To the parents of children who have died by abortion, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Know that our Lord loves you as His daughters and sons no matter your actions. No sin is beyond His unfathomable Mercy. Jesus greatly desires our repentant hearts and invites us into an encounter with Him. For Catholics, the Sacrament of Reconciliation is always available for those seeking God’s forgiveness, hope, and peace.

 

“As we celebrate this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope, Pope Francis invites us to experience God’s love ‘that awakens in hearts the sure hope of salvation in Christ’ (Spes Non Confundit, 6). Hope allows those who have been involved in abortion to turn to God and repent, confident that He will forgive and make them whole.

 

“This January 22 and beyond, we need to be reassured that Jesus Himself, who is the source of our hope, was first wounded for our offenses, and suffered for every sin of ours, including abortion. Please join me in praying that God will fill the hearts of mothers and fathers suffering the emotional and psychological wounds from abortion with the hope of forgiveness that only He can give. We invite them to seek support from the Church’s compassionate and confidential ministries.”