Prayers for Ukraine
February 24, 2022

LOCAL CONNECTION: Our local Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church hosted an ecumenical prayer vigil for the people of Ukraine on March 2nd. This coincided with Pope Francis’ call for prayer and fasting for Ukraine on Ash Wednesday. Click here to read the article. (This webpage was updated on March 3, 2022.) FROM CNS: …

Statement of USCCB President and Bishops’ Chairman for International Justice and Peace on the Assassination of the President of Haiti
July 9, 2021

WASHINGTON – Upon the news of the brazen assassination of Haiti’s president at his home, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the following statement: “We express our …

Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen on Verdict in Trial of Derek Chauvin
April 20, 2021

Following the verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota today, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued …

U.S. Bishops’ Migration Committee Chairman Expresses Disappointment that Low Refugee Admissions Goal Remains
April 19, 2021

The Biden Administration announced Friday afternoon that it will not increase the historically low number of refugees who can be resettled in the United States for the current fiscal year. However, it will restore the long-time practice of allocating refugees from every region of the world, thus opening resettlement to some who were not included …

U.S. Bishop Chairman Mourns Loss of Life in Mass Shooting in Boulder, CO
March 24, 2021

Following a mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, CO, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued the following statement: “As we are still reeling from the loss of life in the mass shootings in Atlanta, it is heartbreaking …

U.S. Bishop Chairman Welcomes Repeal of Death Penalty in Virginia
March 24, 2021

Following passage of legislation to repeal the death penalty in the Commonwealth of Virginia, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development issued the following statement: “I welcome Virginia’s repeal of the death penalty as a bold step towards a culture …

Statement of U.S. Bishops’ Chairman for Asian and Pacific Island Affairs on Discrimination Against the Asian Community
March 22, 2021

Following deadly shootings at three businesses in the greater Atlanta area this past week and the dialogue that has been ignited about other reported incidents of aggression against people of Asian descent, Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City, and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific …

U.S. Bishop Chairmen Say Equality Act Would Discriminate Against People of Faith and Threaten Unborn Life
March 8, 2021

Five committee chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) wrote a letter to members of Congress opposing the recent reintroduction of the Equality Act (H.R. 5), which is scheduled to be voted on by the U.S. House of Representatives this week. The bishops warned of the threats posed by the proposed legislation to …

Los Presidentes de los Comités de Doctrina y Actividades Pro-Vida de la USCCB se Pronuncian Sobre el Uso de la Vacuna de Johnson & Johnson contra el Covid-19
March 3, 2021

WASHINGTON— El 2 de marzo, el obispo Kevin C. Rhoades de Fort Wayne-South Bend, presidente del Comité de Doctrina y el arzobispo Joseph F. Naumann de Kansas City en Kansas, presidente del Comité de Actividades Pro-Vida de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB), emitieron una declaración sobre la vacuna Johnson & Johnson …

U.S. Bishop Chairmen for Doctrine and for Pro-Life Address the Use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine
March 3, 2021

WASHINGTON– On March 2, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Doctrine, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Pro-Life Activities, issued a statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine recently approved for use in …

Recalling the Meaning of Advent, U.S. Bishop Chairmen Call for End to Executions
December 7, 2020

With more federal executions scheduled in December and January, two bishop chairmen call on the Administration to recall God’s mercy during Advent. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City in Kansas, …

Presidente de la USCCB emite un comunicado sobre las elecciones presidenciales de 2020
November 9, 2020

WASHINGTON- El arzobispo José H. Gomez, de Los Ángeles, y presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos emitió la siguiente declaración sobre las elecciones presidenciales de 2020:  Damos gracias a Dios por la bendición de la libertad. El pueblo estadounidense ha hablado en esta elección. Ahora es el momento de que nuestros …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on 2020 Presidential Election
November 9, 2020

WASHINGTON – Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued the following statement on the 2020 presidential election:  We thank God for the blessings of liberty. The American people have spoken in this election. Now is the time for our leaders to come together in …

Bishop Chairmen Urge Congressional Black Caucus Leaders to Support Federal Emergency Relief for Urban Catholic School Students
August 27, 2020

Catholic schools, especially those serving urban areas have been disproportionately impacted in the ongoing fallout of the novel coronavirus. Three bishop chairmen of committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have sent a letter to Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, requesting support for black families in Catholic …

U.S. Bishops’ President Joins in Solidarity with the Suffering of Lebanon After Explosion in the Port of Beirut
August 6, 2020

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued the following statement in solidarity with Lebanon after the explosion in the Port of Beirut: “The world watched with shock and horror the catastrophic explosion in the Port of Beirut Tuesday. Over 100 have died, thousands are injured, …

U.S. Bishops’ International Justice and Peace Chairman Shares Solidarity with Pope Francis in Condemning the Attack Against the Cathedral of Managua, Nicaragua
August 5, 2020

Bishop David J. Malloy of Rockford and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on International Justice and Peace, issued the following statement: “Alongside Pope Francis and my brother bishops throughout Latin America, I condemn the sacrilegious attack against the Cathedral of Managua that occurred on Friday, July 31. Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes, archbishop …

U.S. Bishops’ President Joins Migration Chairman Urging Trump Administration to Reinstate Full DACA Program; Calls for Congressional Action
July 30, 2020

On July 28, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf issued a memorandum adding limitations to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The memorandum was issued in response to the recent 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court of the United States striking down the Trump Administration’s September 2017 attempt to end the DACA program. The …

Migration Chairman Calls for Prayers for Trafficking Survivors
July 29, 2020

The United Nations designated July 30 as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons in 2013 to raise awareness of the devastating impact human trafficking has on women, men, and children and to promote survivors’ rights and human dignity. The international day is observed annually in the United States and throughout the world. There are nearly 25 …

U.S. Bishops Condemn Acts of Vandalism, Destruction at Catholic Sites
July 28, 2020

Acting on behalf of all bishops, Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Religious Liberty, and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement in response to reports of increasing incidents of …

U.S. Bishops Secretariat For Child and Youth Protection Releases Annual Report
June 26, 2020

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2019 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

Catholic Bishops Issue Statement on Supreme Court Decision regarding Legal Definition of “Sex” in Civil Rights Law
June 16, 2020

WASHINGTON — The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, provided a statement on the decision issued today by the Supreme Court of the United States – combining Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga., Altitude Express v. Zarda, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v. Equal …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Appoints Four New Members of National Review Board for the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People
June 15, 2020

Four new members have been appointed to serve on the National Review Board (NRB) by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The NRB advises the bishops’ Committee on the Protection of Children and Young People and was established as part of the Charter for Protection …

Statement of U.S. Bishops’ President on George Floyd and the Protests in American Cities
June 1, 2020

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement on George Floyd and the protests in American cities that have taken place over the last several days. This follows the Friday statement from seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the USCCB. Archbishop Gomez’s full …

Comunicado del Presidente de la Conferencia Episcopal sobre George Floyd y las Protestas en Ciudades de Estados Unidos
May 31, 2020

El arzobispo José H. Gomez, de Los Ángeles, presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB) emitió un comunicado sobre George Floyd y las protestas que han sucedido en ciudades de Estados Unidos en los últimos días. Este pronunciamiento sigue a la declaración del viernes 29 de siete presidentes de comités de obispos de …

Statement of U.S. Bishop Chairmen in Wake of Death of George Floyd and National Protests
May 29, 2020

Seven U.S. bishop chairmen of committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have issued a statement in the wake of the death of Mr. George Floyd and the protests which have broken out in Minneapolis and in other cities in the United States. Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of Houma-Thibodaux, chairman of the Ad Hoc …

USCCB President’s Reflection and Prayer During Coronavirus
March 13, 2020

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19): “With the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus, we are confronted once more with the fragility of our lives, and again we are reminded of our common humanity; that the peoples of this world …

The President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Calls for Peace in Wake of Escalated Tensions with Iran
January 8, 2020

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, released a statement on the situation in Iran last night which was shared on social media. Full text of the statement follows: “In the face of the escalating tensions with Iran, we must pray urgently that our world’s leaders will …

President of U.S. Bishops Conference Sends Message of Support to President of Australian Catholic Bishops Conference amidst Devasting Wildfires
January 8, 2020

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, sent the following message of support to Archbishop Mark Coleridge, BA, DSS, the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference on Wednesday, January 8, 2020: “Your Excellency: Along with my brother bishops here in the United States, I …

President of U.S. Bishops Conference Expresses Sorrow for Earthquake Aftermath in Puerto Rico
January 7, 2020

The president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, has issued a statement following the earthquakes in Puerto Rico and the reported aftermath of infrastructure and property damage. Full text of the statement follows: “I wish to express my prayerful solidarity on behalf of the bishops of …

At Annual Fall Assembly in Baltimore, U.S. Bishops Approve Action Items on Their Agenda
November 14, 2019

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) meeting this week for their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore have voted on nine action items.  The bishops voted to approve the 6th edition of the Program of Priestly Formation for use in the dioceses of the United States with 226 votes in favor, 4 against, and 3 abstentions. The vote …

Pro Life Committee Chairman Invites Bishops to Join Initiative Serving Pregnant and Parenting Mothers in Need
November 11, 2019

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, of Kansas City in Kansas, and Chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, addressed the body of bishops at the annual November plenary meeting of bishops about the need for improved pastoral responses to women facing unexpected or challenging pregnancies.    “The challenges can …

U.S. Bishops Convene for Annual General Assembly in Baltimore
November 11, 2019

The Catholic bishops of the United States convened their Fall General Assembly in Baltimore this morning. The meeting began with remarks by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops delivered his last address as president of the Conference. The …

USCCB Launches National Civility Effort through 2020 Election
November 1, 2019

One year ahead of the 2020 national elections, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is launching a year-long initiative that invites Catholics to model civility, love for neighbor, and respectful dialogue. Civilize It: Dignity Beyond the Debate will ask Catholics to pledge civility, clarity, and compassion in their families, communities, and parishes, and call on …

USCCB Pro-Life Chairman Urges Congress to Support Dignity for Aborted Children Act
November 1, 2019

Legislation calls for dignified treatment of human remains On October 31, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann of Kansas City, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities sent a letter to Members of Congress supporting S. 2590 and HR 4934, the Dignity for Aborted Children Act. In the letter, Archbishop Naumann cited the recent discovery …

U.S. Bishops Call for Change in Language and Rhetoric of All Americans after Hate Filled Violence
August 12, 2019

Today, Bishops from three committees at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) expressed their deep concern about racism and xenophobia that apparently motivated this weekend’s massacre in El Paso and that have motivated numerous other recent mass shootings in the United States. The Chairmen called on our elected officials to exert leadership in …

U.S. Bishops Issue Statement After a Tragic Shooting in Dayton, Ohio
August 6, 2019

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, of Galveston-Houston, and President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development have issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting last night in Dayton, Ohio. Full statement follows: “We extend our …

President of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Domestic Justice Chairman issued a Statement Following Shooting in El Paso
August 6, 2019

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Bishop Frank J. Dewane of Venice, Florida, Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issued the following statement in response to the tragic shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall in El Paso, Texas. The full statement follows: “This Saturday, …

U.S. Bishops Release Statement on the Federal Government’s Decision to Resume the Use of the Death Penalty
July 30, 2019

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice and Chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development has issued a statement on the federal government’s decision to resume the use of the death penalty. The full statement follows: “In his address to Congress during his 2015 Apostolic visit to the …

USCCB President Condemns Threat of Widespread Enforcement Actions and New Rule Drastically Limiting Asylum
July 16, 2019

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the following statement in response to the climate of fear created by the Department of Homeland Security’s announced immigration enforcement actions and the Administration’s new Interim Final Rule to drastically limit asylum, which was published today: (Click here to download a PDF of …

Creating on the Margins Art Contest Is Accepting Submissions
July 9, 2019

Each year, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops offers a Creating on the Margins contest to help schools and parishes engage youth in learning about the root causes of poverty and the Church’s response. The theme of this year’s contest, “A Time to Heal Racism,” invites Catholic youth in grades 7-12 to respond to racism …

USCCB Migration Chairman Endorses Proposed Senate Legislation That Gives Permanent Legal Protection to Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders
July 9, 2019

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration endorsed the “Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors” (DREAM) Act of 2019, S. 874 and the “Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression & Emergency” (SECURE) Act of 2019, S. 879. The DREAM Act of 2019 would provide permanent legal protection and a pathway …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Statement on Synagogue Shooting in Poway, California
July 9, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement on the deadly shooting that has taken place at Chabad of Poway Synagogue near San Diego.   Cardinal DiNardo’s full statement follows: “I, along with my brother bishops, am greatly saddened and deeply concerned over …

Pope Francis Establishes New Rules for the Whole Church To Strengthen Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons
July 9, 2019

Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build …

U.S. Bishops to Meet June 11-14 in Baltimore
June 11, 2019

Public sessions of the general assembly discussions and votes will be available via live stream at http://www.usccb.org/live During the Spring General Assembly, the bishops will discuss and vote on bishop accountability measures to respond to the abuse crisis and will also hear reports from the National Advisory Council and an annual progress report by the National …

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Release 2018 Annual Report On The Protection Of Children And Young People
June 3, 2019

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Release 2018 Annual Report On The Protection Of Children And Young People
June 3, 2019

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released their 2018 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The report is based on the audit findings of StoneBridge Business Partners, a specialty consulting firm headquartered in Rochester, …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Ordering Worldwide Response to the Evil of Sexual Abuse
May 9, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in …

Pope Francis Establishes New Rules for the Whole Church To Strengthen Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons
May 9, 2019

Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux  Mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build upon the …

Pope Francis Establishes New Rules for the Whole Church To Strengthen Protections for Children and Vulnerable Persons
May 9, 2019

Pope Francis has issued a document known as a Motu Proprio called Vos estis lux mundi (You are the Light of the World) that establishes new procedures for reporting abuse and violence and ensures that Bishops and Religious Superiors are held accountable for their actions. (Related article from the Vatican) This is an opportunity to build …

President of U.S. Bishops’ Conference Issues Statement on Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Ordering Worldwide Response to the Evil of Sexual Abuse
May 9, 2019

Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has issued the following statement regarding the release of Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio earlier today. The Motu Proprio, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”), is a worldwide order to the Church from the Pope, in …