Justice and Peace

Mission & Identity

"The Church cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice."

- Pope BenedictXVI

The Secretariat of Justice and Peace promotes awareness of Catholic social teaching and opportunities to live the Baptismal call to love God and neighbor.

The work of the Secretariat of Justice and Peace is guided by the Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development, International Justice and Peace, and Religious Liberty, and the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. 

The Secretariat shares the Good News of the Gospel to inspire prayer, learning and advocacy in support of poor and vulnerable persons and communities, in the U.S. and abroad.

Working On The Margins In The United States

Letter to Congress on Budget Reconciliation Package
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop David M. O'Connell, Bishop Mark J. Seitz, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, and Bishop Robert E. Barron, January 13, 2025

Statement: As COP 29 Convenes, “Consider the Impact of Climate Change Policies on Poor and Vulnerable”
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, and Mr. Sean Callahan, November 8, 2024

Letter to Congress Regarding the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act
Archbishop Boris Gudziak and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, October 16, 2024

Statement on the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Archbishop Boris Gudziak and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, September 1, 2024

2024 Labor Day Statement I 2024 Declaración del Día del Trabajo
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Mark J. Seitz. September 2, 2024

Letter to Congress on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, July 29, 2024

Letter to Congress Regarding Yes in God's Backyard Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Rev. Christopher Kellerman, SJ, Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, Mr. John Berry, July 12, 2024

Recognize the Inherent Dignity of Every Person, Especially Those Experiencing Homelessness
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, June 28, 2024

Discouraging Political Violence, Archbishop Gudziak Encourages Pursuit of Peace Through Dialogue and Justice
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, June 18, 2024

 More United States Issues

Working On The Margins Internationally

Gaza Ceasefire an “Encouraging Sign of Peace” for the Middle East
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, January 16, 2025

Positive Change Will Come for Cuba with Bilateral Collaboration and Cooperation
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, January 16, 2025

Letter to Congress on Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, December 11, 2024

Statement: Political Transition and Beginning of a New Chapter in Syria
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, December 10, 2024

Statement: Anniversary of Ukraine’s Voluntary Relinquishing of Its Nuclear Arsenal
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, December 5, 2024

Statement: Ceasefire Between Israel and Hezbollah a Source of “Profound Hope” for Middle East
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, November 27, 2024

Statement: As COP 29 Convenes, “Consider the Impact of Climate Change Policies on Poor and Vulnerable”
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, and Mr. Sean Callahan, November 8, 2024

Statement: Religious Freedom is a Basic Human Right
Bishop A. Elias Zaidan and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, October 25, 2024

Letter to Congress Regarding the Providing Reliable, Objective, Verifiable Emissions Intensity and Transparency (PROVE IT) Act
Archbishop Boris Gudziak and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, October 16, 2024

Statement: World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Archbishop Boris Gudziak and Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, September 1, 2024

More International Issues

Resources

Resources and Tools to Learn, Reflect, and Act
We are called as missionary disciples to bear witness in the world. The Secretariat of Justice and Peace has numerous resources in English and Spanish to help Catholics engage in the Church’s social mission. Visit the Resources and Tools page and the Fe en Acción page today and take advantage of the numerous resources available to put your faith in action.

The Mystery of the Eucharist and the Call to Love and Transform 
What do the Eucharistic Revival, the U.S. bishops’ 2021 statement on the Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church, and our Catholic social mission have in common? All form and send missionary disciples to transform our communities in God’s vision of love and justice. Read a new short reflection, The Mystery of the Eucharist and the Call to Love and Transform, which can help communities pray, reflect, and discern how to respond to Christ’s call to love one another. The reflection is also available in Spanish.

Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics
Civilize It: A Better Kind Of Politics is a response to Pope Francis’ invitation to model “a better kind of politics, one truly at the service of the common good” (Fratelli Tutti, no. 154). Commit to seeking the truth, building bridges, and finding solutions together that promote the common good. Individuals, families, and communities can participate. Take the pledge today!

CST101 Videos and Educational Materials | en Español
CST 101 collaborative 7-part video and discussion guide series presented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic Social Teaching. The videos bring the themes of Catholic social teaching to life and inspire us to put our faith into action. Some suggested uses of the videos and discussion guides include adult faith formation settings, high school theology classes, in lay ministry formation, and to prepare groups for service trips. The series also includes downloadable posters and handouts for adults and kids, in English and Spanish. The artwork featured in the videos and accompanying videos are courtesy of Br. Mickey McGrath, OSFS.

Environment
Learn more about God's gift of creation and the Church's teaching on the environment with our new resources.

Pope Francis' Social Teaching
These quotes from Pope Francis are an example of his teaching on poverty, economic justice, care for creation, human rights, and other issues. | en Español