Subcommittee on the Church in Central and Eastern Europe Awards Nearly $2.5 Million in Grants

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe has approved 99 grants totaling nearly $2.5...

National Migration Week 2016 to be Celebrated January 3-9

WASHINGTON—National Migration Week 2016 will take place January 3-9 with the theme, "A Stranger and You Welcomed Me." The celebration provides an opportunity to raise...

Washington Misses Opportunity to Protect the Freedom to Serve

Thebishops of the United States are gravely disappointed that the 2016 omnibusfunding bill did not include the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act (ANDA). While the omnibus...

Pope Names New Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Msgr. Gregory Kelly, a priest of the Diocese of Dallas, Texas, as an auxiliary bishop of the diocese. Msgr. Kelly, 59, currently serves...

Pope Names Wisconsin Priest as Bishop of Superior

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Fr. James Powers, 62, as bishop of Superior, Wisconsin; Fr. Powers is a priest of the diocese and serves as diocesan administrator. The...

A Statement from Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

WASHINGTON—In this blessed Advent season, we sing hopeful carols anticipating the miracle of Christmas. We have reason to announce the need for peace and goodwill...

Archbishop Lucas Welcomes Signing of Every Student Succeeds Act

WASHINGTON—The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Education, Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, applauded...

Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecast Information for Opening of Year of Mercy, Christmas

WASHINGTON—The Vatican has released information for broadcasters for the worldwide telecasts of the opening of the Holy Year of Mercy, December 8, and Christmas events...

Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield Elected General Secretary of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

BALTIMORE—Reverend Monsignor J. Brian Bransfield, a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was elected general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops...

Pope Francis Sends Letter Commending USCCB’s Collection for the Church in Latin America in Honor of Collection’s 50th Anniversary

BALTIMORE—Pope Francis expressed gratitude for the work of the Collection for the Church in Latin America (CLA) in a letter read at the Fall General Assembly of the U.S...

Bishops Vote on Pastoral Statement on Pornography, Faithful Citizenship, Revise Strategic Priorities at General Assembly

BALTIMORE—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved several items, including a proposed statement on pornography and a new introductory note and limited...

Bishops Approve Formal Statement, ‘Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography’

BALTIMORE—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) approved a formal statement, "Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography," at their annual...

U.S. Bishops Vote for New Conference Treasurer, USCCB Committee Chairmen, CRS Board Members

BALTIMORE—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) chose a new treasurer-elect of the Conference and the chairmen-elect of six committees and new members of the...

Bishops’ Migration Chair: U.S. Should Welcome Syrian Refugees, Work For Peace

BALTIMORE -- Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration, issued a statement on Syrian refugees...

USCCB Catholic Education Chairman Welcomes Agreement Toward Reauthorization of No Child Left Behind

BALTIMORE—The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Education, Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, welcomed the...

Bishops’ Administrative Committee Voices Solidarity in Wake of Paris Attacks, Pledges Prayers for the Suffering, Support for Peace

BALTIMORE—TheAdministrative Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)pledged prayers for those suffering from the November 13 terror attacks inParis...

U.S. Bishops’ Fall General Assembly to be Live Streamed, Live Tweeted, Carried via Satellite, use #USCCB15 Hashtag

WASHINGTON—The 2015 Fall General Assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in Baltimore will be live streamed on the Internet, November 16-17, and will...

USCCB’s Justice for Immigrants Conference to be Held in Chicago, November 11-13

WASHINGTON—Over 300 participants from 64 dioceses and archdioceses will gather in Chicago, November 11-13, to participate in the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops'...

USCCB General Counsel, Partners Urge HHS to Protect Conscience Rights and Religious Freedom in Health Care Nondiscrimination Rules

WASHINGTON—Proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should be revised to make clear that the regulations do not, in violation...

Archbishop Lori Commends U.S. Supreme Court for Choosing to Hear HHS Mandate Cases, Urges Renewed Prayer

WASHINGTON–As the Supreme Court takes up the plea of religious ministries to uphold their fundamental right to offer comprehensive health coverage consistent with their...

Collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development to Take Place November 21-22

WASHINGTON—The national collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) will take place in most parishes the weekend before Thanksgiving, November 21-22...

Bishops to Vote on New Introductory Note, Limited Revisions to ‘Faithful Citizenship’ Document at General Assembly

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will vote on a new introductory note and limited revisions to the 2007 version of "Forming Consciences for...

USCCB Migration and Refugee Services Celebrates 50 Years of Service

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Migration and Refugee Services (MRS), the world's largest non-governmental resettlement organization...

Catholics and Lutherans Release ‘Declaration on the Way’ to Full Unity

WASHINGTON—Drawing on 50 years of national and international dialogue, Lutherans and Catholics together have issued the "Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry and...

Bishops to Vote on Formal Statement on Pornography at November General Assembly

WASHINGTON—The U.S. bishops will vote on a proposed formal statement, "Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography," at the annual Fall General...

Echoing Pope Francis, Migration Committee Member tells Congress to Apply the Golden Rule to Children and Families Fleeing Violence in Central America

WASHINGTON— The United States has a moral obligation to protect unaccompanied children and families from persecution in Central America, said Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El...

U.S. Bishops To Meet November 16-19 in Baltimore, Address Conference Priorities, Statement on Political Responsibility

ROME—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will meet, November 16-19, in Baltimore for their annual Fall General Assembly. The bishops will hear addresses by...

U.S. Bishops To Vote for Conference Treasurer-Elect, Chairmen-Elect of Six Committees at Fall General Assembly in Baltimore

ROME—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will vote for the treasurer-elect of the Conference and the chairmen-elect of six standing committees during the...

Catholic Home Missions Awards Over $10 Million to U.S. Dioceses and Eparchies in Need

WASHINGTON—A total of 85 dioceses and eparchies in the United States facing financial and pastoral challenges will receive over $10.0 million in grants from the U.S...

National Vocation Awareness Week Calls Catholics to Foster Culture of Vocations

WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 1-7, 2015. This observance, sponsored by the U.S. bishops'...

USCCB Committee Chair and CCUSA President Welcome Bi-Partisan Leadership on Criminal Justice Bill

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Thomas Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham welcomed the recent introduction of the bi-partisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015 in the United...

Cardinal O’Malley: California Legalization of Assisted Suicide “a Great Tragedy for Human Life”

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Seán O'Malley of Boston, chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), responded on October 6...

USCCB Committee Chairs Welcomes Bipartisan Scholarship Opportunity Act

Archbishop George Lucas, Chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education, welcomes the introduction of the bipartisan Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act of 2015...

USCCB Committee Chairs Welcome Congressional Initiatives Responding to Pope Francis’ Call to Care for Creation

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Thomas Wenski and Bishop Oscar Cantú welcomed new initiatives in Congress that respond to Pope Francis’ call during his visit to the United States...

Bishop Cantú Urges Congress To Reauthorize International Religious Freedom Commission

WASHINGTON—With international religious freedom increasingly imperiled, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) must be reauthorized quickly so it...

Bishops Welcome Constructive Dialogue to Protect Creation and Address Climate Change

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Thomas Wenski and Bishop Oscar Cantú welcomed a new resolution introduced in Congress, September 17, by a group of Republican legislators. "The...

La Conferencia de Obispos Católicos reunirá a Agentes de Pastoral Familiar de Estados Unidos y América Latina

WASHINGTON---Más de 130 líderes católicos hispanos que trabajan en la pastoral familiar en los Estados Unidos y en América Latina se reunirán en Filadelfia el 21 de...

USCCB to Host Family Life Ministers from the U.S. and Latin America

WASHINGTON—More than 130 Catholic Hispanic/Latino leaders who work in family ministries in the United States and Latin America will convene in Philadelphia on September...

USCCB Releases ‘USA Catholic Church’ Mobile App

WASHINGTON—Leadership of the Catholic Church in the United States has introduced its first mobile app: USA Catholic Church. Designed to draw Catholics closer to their...

Pope Names Springfield-Cape Girardeau Bishop Johnston as Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has appointed Bishop James V. Johnston, 55, bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Missouri. Bishop Johnston has served as bishop of the...

Visit of Pope Francis to United States Will be Available via Livestream, Social Media Channels and Hashtags

Cardinal O’Malley in 2015 Respect Life Month Message: ‘Every Life is Worth Living’

WASHINGTON— People discover their worth when they discover their true identity as created in God’s image and called to an eternal destiny with him, said Cardinal Seán P...

Archbishop Kurtz Calls for Welcoming of Refugees Fleeing Syria

WASHINGTON—Catholics in the United States, as well as all people of good will, should express openness and welcome to refugees fleeing Syria and elsewhere in order to...

Pope Francis to Bless ‘Cross of the Encuentros’ Symbolizing Hispanic Catholics’ Journey of Faith

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis will bless a five-foot tall wooden cross, known as “the Cross of the Encuentros” in Philadelphia later this month. The cross symbolizes the...

USCCB Comments on Medicare’s Proposed Rule on Advance Care Planning

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) submitted comments on September 4 to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and...

Cardinal O’Malley Welcomes Pope’s Year of Mercy Plan for Post-Abortion Healing

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap., archbishop of Boston and chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops...

Video Series on Catholic Social Teaching Launches with ‘Care for God’s Creation’

WASHINGTON— A video on “Care for God’s Creation” is the first of a seven-part series on Catholic Social Teaching, designed to be an introduction to this body of thought...

National Bible Week to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Dei Verbum, Role of Bible in the Family

WASHINGTON—Families, parishes, schools and other Catholic groups can participate in National Bible Week, November 15-21, with resources provided in English and Spanish...

Labor Day Statement Focuses on Importance of Work in Building and Supporting Families

WASHINGTON—Creating sufficient, decent work that honors the dignity of families is a necessary component of the challenge facing all Catholics, and it is the Catholic way...

Archbishop Wenski Welcomes New Carbon Pollution Standards, Citing Need To 'Care for God's Creation'

WASHINGTON—“A new national standard to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants is an important step forward to protect the health of all people, especially...

Cardinal O'Malley Urges Support For Senate Bill To Defund Planned Parenthood

WASHINGTON—Federal funds should be reallocated so women can obtain their health care from providers that do not promote abortion, Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, archbishop of...

USCCB Domestic Justice Chairman, President of Catholic Charities USA Urge Fair and Just Minimum Wage in Letter to Congress

WASHINGTON—Congress can promote the common good and contribute to a more just society by ensuring the federal minimum wage promotes family formation and stability, said...

Cardinal O’Malley: Planned Parenthood’s Work Reflects ‘Throwaway Culture’ Decried by Pope Francis

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap., archbishop of Boston and chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)...

Cardinal O’Malley Presents 2015 People of Life Awards

WASHINGTON—A nurse, a chastity educator, and the retired director of the bishops’ national grassroots organization received the 2015 People of Life Award for lifetime...

USCCB Migration Chairman Applauds Court Order Requiring Administration to Release Central American Families from Detention

WASHINGTON—The July 24 ruling by Judge Dolly Gee of the Federal District Court of California ordering the Obama administration to release from detention families fleeing...

Pope Names Three Auxiliary Bishops to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Accepts Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop Wilkerson

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has appointed three auxiliary bishops to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald E. Wilkerson, 75, another...

Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe Awards $5 Million in Grants

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe approved 177 grants totaling more than $5.2...

Archbishop Lucas Applauds Congressional Action To Reauthorize Elementary Secondary and Education Act

WASHINGTON—Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Catholic Education, applauded recent...

Bishops’ Chairmen Renew Push To End Death Penalty, Cite Progress of Last Decade

WASHINGTON—The bishops chairing two committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) renewed the bishops’ opposition to the death penalty in a message, July...

Bishop Cantú Welcomes Iran Nuclear Deal, Urges Congress To Endorse Result of Negotiations

WASHINGTON—The “momentous agreement” reached between the United States and its partners with Iran over Iran’s nuclear program is a “significant achievement” that Congress...

MEDIA ADVISORY: Deadline July 31 for Media Credentials for Pope Francis’ Visit to the United States and the World Meeting of Families

Media should complete the credentialing process for Pope Francis’ visit to the United States and the World Meeting of Families no later than July 31. If as part of this...

Archbishop Wenski, Catholic Charities USA’s Sister Donna Markham Urge Support for Second Chance Act

WASHINGTON—Congress should address challenges faced by the more than 650,000 men, women and juveniles who reenter society each year from prisons, jails and detention...

USCCB Subcommittee Approves over $3 Million in Grants to the Church in Latin America

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Latin America approved funding for 228 projects, totaling more than $3.3 million...

Subcommittee on the Church in Africa Awards Over $1.2 Million in Grants

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on the Church in Africa approved 47 grants for a total of $1,205,236 to support pastoral projects...

Vatican Releases Schedule of Pope Francis’ Visit to the United States; Archbishop Kurtz Voices ‘Joy and Gratitude’ of U.S. Catholics

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis’ apostolic journey to the United States is “a source of joy and gratitude,” said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in...

Supreme Court Decision on Marriage “A Tragic Error” Says President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Supreme Court decision, June 26, interpreting the U.S. Constitution to require all states to license and recognize same-sex “marriage” “is a tragic...

Archbishop Wenski Urges Congress to Answer Pope Francis’ Call to Protect Creation and Support Implementation of a National Carbon Standard

WASHINGTON— The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, urged Congress to answer Pope Francis’...

Religious Communities Receive $25 Million from National Appeal

WASHINGTON—The National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO) distributed $25 million in financial assistance to 394 religious communities across the country. The funding is...

Bishop Cantú Urges Congress to Support Legislation Opening United States to Cuba, Urges Opposition to Obstruction

WASHINGTON—Congress should oppose appropriations riders that would reverse the opening of diplomatic relations and new trade and travel regulations regarding Cuba, said...

On World Refugee Day, USCCB Migration Chairman calls upon United States to Protect Syrian and Iraqi Refugees and Displaced

WASHINGTON—In comments made in conjunction with World Refugee Day, observed June 20, Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, auxiliary bishop of Seattle and chairman of the U.S...

USCCB Chairmen Give Strong Support for the ‘First Amendment Defense Act’

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of...

Archbishop Kurtz Expresses ‘Grief and Deep Sadness’ Over Charleston Church Shooting

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), responded to the shooting at Emanuel African...

Archbishop Kurtz Welcomes Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’

WASHINGTON—Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), welcomed the release of Pope Francis’...

U.S. Bishops Vote on Conference Priorities, Liturgy of the Hours, Priestly Formation at General Assembly

ST. LOUIS—The U.S. bishops, gathered for their annual Spring General Assembly, voted on and approved a draft of their priorities for the 2017-2020 strategic plan and the...

Catholic Bishops Meet with Black Evangelical Leaders on Preserving African American Families

The Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the Catholic University of America hosted as part of its annual meeting an in-depth conversation with leadership of Black...

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media Credentials for Pope Francis’ Visit to the United States and the World Meeting Of Families

Pope Francis will be visiting the United States Sept. 22-27. The final schedule is not available, but media can begin the process of accreditation now. For planning...

USCCB President, Committee on National Collections, Highlight Solidarity with Church in Haiti

ST. LOUIS—The solidarity of the Catholic Church in the United States with the Church in Haiti goes beyond the over $100 million contributed by U.S. parishioners after the...

USCCB President Delivers Statement on Race Relations at General Assembly

ST.LOUIS—ArchbishopJoseph E. Kurtz, of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U.S. Conference ofCatholic Bishops (USCCB), delivered a statement on race relations at their...

Catechetical Sunday 2015 Focuses on ‘Safeguarding the Dignity of Every Human Person’

WASHINGTON—Catholics are called to uphold the dignity of all people, including migrants, the poor, victims of trafficking and people with illnesses and disabilities, says...

2015 Peter’s Pence Collection: Be A Witness of Charity

WASHINGTON—The 2015 Annual Peter’s Pence Collection will be taken up in many dioceses the weekend of June 27-28. Through this collection, Catholics have an opportunity to...

Bishops’ Spring General Assembly in St. Louis Will Be Available by Web Stream, Social Media, Satellite Feed

WASHINGTON—The 2015 Spring General Assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will be broadcast via satellite from St. Louis, June 10-11, to Catholic...

New Website to Help Catholics Be Salt and Light

WASHINGTON—A new website will help Catholics respond to Jesus’ call to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” found in the Matthew’s Gospel. WeAreSaltAndLight...

USCCB Committee Chairman Welcomes Repeal of Death Penalty in Nebraska

WASHINGTON—The repeal of the death penalty in Nebraska represents a further step in the building of a culture of life, said the chairman of the U.S. Conference of...

Three New Members Named to National Review Board on Child and Youth Protection

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2015 – The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recently named three people to the National Review Board that advises on child and...

Pope Names Two Auxiliary Bishops for Diocese of Brooklyn

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named two Brooklyn priests, Father James Massa, 54, moderator of the curia and vicar for evangelization; and Father Witold Mroziewski, 49...

U.S. Nuclear Disarmament Leadership Needed, Says USCCB’s Committee Chair

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Bishops’ International Justice and Peace Committee has urged Secretary of State, John Kerry, to step up efforts to advance nuclear disarmament and...

William Canny Named Head of USCCB’s Migration and Refugee Services

WASHINGTON—William Canny has been named executive director of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Canny succeeds...

USCCB Catholic Education Office Urges Congress to Reauthorize Funds for Scholarship Program Benefiting Low Income Students

WASHINGTON— In light of the hearing by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, a three sector program which...

Bishops’ International Justice and Peace Committee Offers Policy Framework for Targeted Killing by Drones

WASHINGTON—The practice of targeted killings by unmanned drones should be limited by international standards, be transparent and guided by an awareness of how the...

U.S. Bishops To Meet June 10-12 in St. Louis, Hear Presentations on Synod, Family, Strategic Plan, Encyclical Themes

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for their annual Spring General Assembly, June 10-12, in St. Louis. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of...

USCCB Committee on Migration Issues Report on Immigrant Detention, Calls For a ‘Transformation’ of the System

WASHINGTON—The U.S. immigrant detention system, which treats vulnerable immigrant detainees as criminals, needs extensive reforms, said representatives of the U.S...

National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea, May 22

WASHINGTON— The National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Mariners and People of the Sea will be celebrated May 22. The day is observed in conjunction with National...

USCCB President Comments on Supreme Court’s Oral Arguments on Marriage

WASHINGTON—The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 28, on the constitutionality of states defining and recognizing marriage as the union of one man and one...

Pope Names Bishop of Salt Lake City as Archbishop of Santa Fe; Accepts Resignation of Archbishop Michael Sheehan

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, 64, as Archbishop of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and has accepted the resignation of Archbishop...

Faith Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Marriage and Religious Liberty

WASHINGTON—A few days before the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the rights of states to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, more than 30...

Pope Names Harrisburg Judicial Vicar as Bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Accepts Resignation of Bishop Brandt

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has appointed Father Edward C. Malesic, 54, bishop of Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt, 76...

USCCB Official Urges Congress to Improve In-Country Refugee Program for Central American Minors

WASHINGTON—The Central American Minors (CAM) program, a new initiative of the U.S. government which allows children in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador to apply for...

Pope Names Galveston-Houston Priest as Bishop of Victoria, Texas, Accepts Resignation of Bishop Fellhauer

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Father Brendan Cahill, 51, a priest of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, bishop of Victoria, Texas, and accepted the resignation of...

Catholic Communication Campaign Connects People with the Church

WASHINGTON—The 2015 Catholic Communications Campaign (CCC) will be taken up in many dioceses the weekend of May 16-17. This collection helps support evangelization...

Archbishop Kurtz Pays Tribute to Former USCCB President Cardinal George

WASHINGTON—Cardinal Francis E. George, OMI, retired archbishop of Chicago and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) from 2007-2010, was an...

2014 Annual Report: Church Paid Over $150 Million Related to Child Protection, Abuse Allegations, New Allegations Almost Entirely From Decades Past

WASHINGTON—The Catholic Church in the United States spent a total of $150,747,387 in costs related to child protection efforts and to allegations of clergy sexual abuse...

Catholic Leaders Express Support for Smarter Sentencing, CORRECTIONS Acts

WASHINGTON—Two pieces of legislation amount to a step in the right direction toward meaningful criminal justice reform, said the bishop who chairs the Domestic Justice...

Bishop Cantú Urges House Support for International Religious Freedom Act

WASHINGTON—Violent conflicts in Syria, Iraq, the Holy Land, Libya, Nigeria and Kenya exemplify why Congress should support a bill that would advance international...

Two Storybooks To Help Elementary Students Put Faith in Action

WASHINGTON—Two illustrated storybooks offer elementary school-aged children, their parents and teachers examples of how to put their faith in action and participate in...

Bishop Cantú Backs Iran Framework in Letters to Kerry, Congress

WASHINGTON—The adoption of a framework for Iran’s nuclear program is a step “important in advancing a peaceful resolution of the serious questions that have been raised...

Ordination Class of 2015 Shows Increase in Number Ordained, Reflects Positive Impact of Support From Families, Catholic Schools, Parish Priests

WASHINGTON—The 2015 class of men ordained to the priesthood report that they were, on average, about 17 when they first considered a vocation to the priesthood and...

Father Ralph O’Donnell Named Executive Director of USCCB Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations

WASHINGTON—Father Ralph B. O’Donnell has been appointed executive director of the Secretariat for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations of the U.S. Conference of...

Pope Names Melkite Priest Serving in Pittsburgh Archeparchy as Bishop of Byzantine Eparchy of Piano degli Albanesi in Palermo

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Father George D. Gallaro, 67, a priest of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, Massachusetts, as bishop of the Byzantine Eparchy of Piano...

Easter Vigil to Bring Thousands into the Catholic Church Across the United States

WASHINGTON—Thousands of people across the United States will be welcomed into the Catholic Church at this year’s Easter vigil, April 4, including a retired Marine captain...

Catholic Home Missions Appeal Strengthens Church in the United States

WASHINGTON—The 2015 annual Catholic Home Missions Appeal will be taken up in many dioceses the weekend of April 25-26. This appeal helps to sustain nearly 45 percent of...

Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Bishops Visit Texas Detention Facility, Call for an End to Detention of Families

WASHINGTON—Catholic and Evangelical Lutheran bishops visited with young mothers and children who have fled violence in their home countries and are now incarcerated at...

Advisory for Broadcasters: Vatican Announces Worldwide Telecast Information for Holy Week, Easter

WASHINGTON—The Vatican Television Center has released information for broadcasters regarding worldwide telecasts of events presided over by Pope Francis in Holy Week and...

Congress Urged to Act for Protection of Religious Freedom and Conscience Rights in the District of Columbia

WASHINGTON—By its recent approval of the Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act (RHNDA) and the Human Rights Amendment Act (HRAA), the Council of the...

Pope Names Father Mario Dorsonville-Rodríguez Auxiliary Bishop of Washington

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis named Father Mario E. Dorsonville-Rodríguez, 54, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of...

Catholic Leaders Urge Congress To Protect Housing and Agriculture Funding That Serves Poor and Vulnerable People

WASHINGTON—As it makes budget appropriations decisions, Congress should protect funding to housing and agriculture programs that serve poor and vulnerable people, said...

Latin American Bishops Petition Inter-American Commission on Human Rights To Hold Mining Companies Accountable for Economic and Environmental Harm

WASHINGTON—The U.S. and Canadian governments must hold mining companies from their countries that operate in Latin America to laws and standards that protect indigenous...

Pope Names San Jose Auxiliary Bishop Daly as Bishop of Spokane, Conventual Franciscan Father Stowe as Bishop of Lexington

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has named Bishop Thomas A. Daly, 54, as bishop of Spokane, Washington, and Conventual Franciscan Father John Stowe, 48, as bishop of Lexington...

Bishops Call for Prayer Amidst 'Stark Reality' of Religious Persecution, Violence

WASHINGTON—People of all faiths are called to pray forvictims of religious persecution and violence and work to protect themarginalized and persecuted around the world...

Inclusion Act Receives Strong Support from Three USCCB Chairmen

WASHINGTON—Three chairmen of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gave strong support for the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2015. The Act would...

USCCB Officials Say Syrian Refugee Crisis at Tipping Point

WASHINGTON—The Syrian refugee crisis ¬–now totaling nearly 4 million refugees– has reached a “tipping point,” in which countries in the region are no longer able to...