Pope thanks media, urges them to be peacemakers

May 14, 2025 U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops
Pope Leo XIV met with thousands of reporters, radio and television correspondents, photographers and camera operators who covered the death and funeral of Pope Francis, the conclave and the election of the new pope. Cindy Wooden May 12, 2025 Pope Leo XIV waves photographers as he welcomes members of the media who covered his election, during a meeting in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican May 12, 2025. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Leo XIV asked journalists to be peacemakers by shunning prejudice and anger in their reporting, and he called for the release...

How the conclave works: It’s guided by a rule book and a prayer book

May 2, 2025 U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops
VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The conclave to elect a new pope, scheduled to begin May 7, is governed by two texts: a rule book and a prayer book. The rule book is the apostolic constitution, “Universi Dominici Gregis” (“Shepherd of the Lord’s Whole Flock”), which was issued by St. John Paul II in 1996 and amended by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and again in 2013. The prayer book is the “Ordo Rituum Conclavis” (“Rites of the Conclave”), which was approved by St. John Paul II in 1998, but not released until after his death in 2005. If Pope...

Goal of Catholic Education is the Flourishing of Each Individual and Their Ultimate Salvation, says Bishop O’Connell

January 31, 2025 U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops
https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/goal-catholic-education-flourishing-each-individual-and-their-ultimate-salvation-says   WASHINGTON – Catholic schools are an education model rooted in the recognition of the inherent dignity of every person, said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education. He expressed gratitude to Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri and Congressman Darin LaHood of Illinois for introducing bipartisan resolutions celebrating National Catholic Schools Week; read the resolution here. “I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation to Catholic educators for their steadfast dedication to forming students in the Catholic faith. It is through their dedicated service to the educational ministry of the...

Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration and Presidents of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA Issued Statement Urging Humane Action Towards Those Seeking Protection

October 29, 2018 U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops
WASHINGTON— Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, Sean Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, and Sister Donna Markham OP PhD, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA issued the following statement urging all people of goodwill to speak and act with compassion towards those migrating north and seeking refuge from violence and poverty. The full statement follows: “As Catholic agencies assisting poor and vulnerable migrants in the United States and around the world, we are deeply saddened by the violence, injustice, and deteriorating economic conditions forcing...

U.S. Bishops To Meet Nov. 12-14 in Baltimore; Will Address Abuse Crisis and Action Items; Assembly to be Live Streamed, Live Tweeted, Carried Via Satellite

October 29, 2018 U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops
WASHINGTON—The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2018 Fall General Assembly in Baltimore, November 12-14. The assembly will begin with an address by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the USCCB and also an address by the Papal Nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. The body of bishops will then adjourn to an on-site chapel for a full day of spiritual discernment and prayer. This will be followed by a Mass celebrated Monday evening at the site of the assembly. During the assembly the bishops will discuss and...

Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs Statement on Pittsburgh Violence

October 28, 2018 U.S. Conf. of Catholic Bishops
WASHINGTON—Bishop Joseph Bambera, Bishop chair of the Committee for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, released the following statement regarding the violence in Pittsburgh. Full statement follows: “Yesterday morning, death and violence entered a house of worship. The attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, is a cowardly act and to be condemned by all Americans. Those killed and injured represent the best of who we are: people of faith gathered to pray and celebrate the birth of a child and officers responding to the ensuring violence with no...