International News

Archbishop Broglio Prays U.S. Government Commits to ‘Help Those in Desperate Need’

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, gestures during a Nov. 15, 2022, news conference after being elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops during the fall general assembly of the bishops in Baltimore. (Photo: Bob Roller/CNS)

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — In a letter to Pope Francis on behalf of the U.S. bishops, Archbishop Timothy Broglio said they join the Holy Father in praying that the government will continue to help those in need.

“We all turn to the Lord in prayer that families suffering from the sudden withdrawal of aid may find the strength to endure,” Archbishop Broglio, archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, wrote in the letter. “With you, we pray that the U.S. government keep its prior commitments to help those in desperate need.”

Archbishop Broglio’s letter, published on Feb. 11, was written in response to a letter Pope Francis sent to the U.S. bishops earlier that day on immigration. In the letter, he spoke about the “major crisis that is taking place … with the initiation of a program of mass deportations.” In the letter, Pope Francis also commends the U.S. bishops for their efforts to work closely with migrants and refugees.

The archbishop thanked the pontiff for his prayerful support.

Archbishop Broglio also addressed the faithful, asking them to support the national collection this Lent for Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. bishops’ international humanitarian arm, and local Catholic Charities organizations. Both entities are already greatly impacted by the domestic and international federal aid cuts initiated by the Trump administration.

To close, Archbishop Broglio asked Pope Francis for his continued prayers for the nation.

“As we struggle to continue to care for the needy in our midst and the desire to improve the situation in those places from which immigrants come to our shores, we are ever mindful that in them we see the Face of Christ,” Archbishop Broglio wrote in the letter.

“In this Jubilee Year, may we build bridges of reconciliation, inclusion, fraternity,” he said. “Boldly, I ask for your continued prayers so that we may find the courage as a nation to build a more humane system of immigration, one that protects our communities while safeguarding the dignity of all.”