In the waning days of his single term in the White House, President Joe Biden announced he would bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Pope Francis.
USCCB
Bishop DiMarzio Calls Laken Riley Act a Step Backward for Immigration Policies
When the federal government increased its deportation efforts in the mid-1970s, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, then a priest in the Archdiocese of Newark, recalls the harm it caused by forcing many undocumented immigrants into situations that led to injury, even death.
Leader of U.S. Bishops Says Involving More Laity Critical to Implementing Synod
Given the low level of participation by American Catholics in the process leading up to the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the leader of the U.S. bishops says that efforts to involve a greater share of the laity in the next stage — dubbed the “implementation phase” — will be crucial to success or failure.
New USCCB African American Affairs Leader Says He’s a ‘Bridge Builder’
With more than two decades of youth and young adult ministry experience under his belt, Dr. Ansel Augustine considers his new role with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Subcommittee on African American Affairs one of bridge building between not just clergy and laity, but between older and younger generations of Catholics.
USCCB Pro-Life Chair Reflects on Advocacy Amid Gains and Setbacks
Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-life Activities took some time before the march got underway to speak with OSV about the continued importance of the March for Life a year and a half out from the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health which overturned Roe v. Wade and sent abortion policy back to the states.
Those Fighting Abortion ‘Must Bring Light to the Darkest Corners,’ Bishop Says at Prayer Vigil for Life
Before thousands of faithful gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the opening Mass for the National Prayer Vigil for Life, Bishop Michael Burbidge of Arlington, Virginia, offered a reminder that much work remains to be done in advocating against abortion and to serve families in need.
Bishops: Catholics Should Pray ‘9 Days For Life’ Novena for Unborn
Catholics across the country are encouraged to pray “9 Days for Life,” an annual Respect Life novena starting Jan. 16.
US Bishops Affirm Abortion as Preeminent Political Concern
When it came time for a much-anticipated debate among the American bishops over a voting guide ahead of the 2024 election, the surprise may be that there wasn’t actually any contention. They simply voted to approve the agreed-upon materials in a 225 to 11 vote, with seven abstentions.
Bishops Work to Make National Eucharistic Congress ‘Affordable and Accessible’
In response to concerns about the cost and length of next summer’s National Eucharistic Congress, the event will now offer new single-day and weekend pass options and scholarship funds for participants.
Brooklyn Bishops Elected Committee Leaders by US Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Come next fall, two Brooklyn bishops will lead prominent committees within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. On Nov. 14, Bishop Robert Brennan and Auxiliary Bishop James Massa were elected to lead the USCCB Committees on Cultural Diversity in the Church and Doctrine, respectively.