The U.S. military has a long tradition of chaplains, including those of the Roman Catholic faith, addressing the spiritual needs of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel.

But it wasn’t until World War I that the Vatican approved a diocese specifically for American warfighters and their families.

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Nearly 70 years later, it has evolved into the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.

The following timeline provides an overview of how priests, including those from the Diocese of Brooklyn, have served in conflicts over the years.

Click the image below to view the centerfold from the November 8, 2025 edition of The Tablet