Posted on 11/13/2025 06:30 AM (USCCB News Releases)
BALTIMORE - The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, November 11-13. Throughout the meeting, the bishops had opportunities to spend time in prayer and fraternal dialogue together.
As the public session of the plenary began, the bishops sent a message to the Holy Father. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the USCCB, delivered his final address to the bishops as USCCB president. He was followed by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, who offered remarks.
As one of the first items of business on the plenary agenda, the bishops elected Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City as president, and Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville as vice president to lead the Conference. Their terms began immediately at the adjournment of the plenary today and run through November 2028. Additionally, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend was elected as USCCB secretary to complete the vacancy created when Archbishop Coakley was elected Conference president.
During their gathering, the body of bishops also elected new chairmen of six standing committees. Executive sessions (limited to bishops) were not livestreamed but included fraternal dialogues and informational sessions on a variety of topics: the ongoing implementation of the synod; best practices to continue the instruction of Laudato si’; the importance of post-abortion healing ministry; Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (the bishops’ teaching document on the political responsibility of Catholics); and the apostolate of the laity.
In their message to the Holy Father, the bishops assured the pope of their prayers and communion with him. They acknowledged facing a growing worldview that is often at odds with the Gospel mandate to love thy neighbor, but stated: “Holy Father, please know that the bishops of the United States, united in our concern, will continue to stand with migrants and defend everyone’s right to worship free from intimidation.” The topic of immigration and the U.S. government’s recent surge in enforcement actions that have been prompting anxiety and fear in the communities across the country was a key point of discussion among the bishops throughout the meeting. Out of their pastoral concern for immigrants and in unison with Pope Leo XIV, the bishops issued a Special Message. In their vote, the body of bishops overwhelmingly approved the Special Message, with sustained applause of the body following the vote. (Read the bishops' full message: English | Spanish)
The United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence next year. To mark the American Semiquincentennial, the U.S. bishops voted to consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June 2026, with 215 votes in favor, 8 votes against, and 7 abstentions to pass this measure.
The bishops discussed and voted on a revision of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services. The revisions address the statement issued by the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine in 2023 (“doctrinal note”) that underscored the role that those involved in the ministry of Catholic health care services have in providing the best medical care, as well as Christ’s compassionate accompaniment to all patients, no matter who they may be, or from what condition they may be suffering. The bishops voted 206 in favor, 8 votes against, and 7 abstentions to pass the action item. Read more here.
Other business items on their agenda included: an update from the Subcommittee on the Catechism on the Catechetical Accompaniment Process; a report from The Catholic University of America, and from The Pontifical Mission Societies USA. The USCCB’s 2026 budget was approved 220 in favor, 7 votes against, and 2 abstentions. The bishops also held a consultation on advancing the cause for beatification and canonization for Reverend Richard M. Thomas, a priest of the Society of Jesus. With 206 votes in favor, 4 votes against, and 1 abstention, the bishops affirmed the advancement of the case at the diocesan level.
The bishops also received an update on the recently concluded National Eucharistic Revival and were given a report on the impact of the three-year initiative. The report was followed by a vote to approve the Summer of 2029 for the next National Eucharistic Congress with 192 votes in favor, 19 votes against, and 7 abstentions.
In a presentation during the public session of the plenary that underscored the importance that the Catholic Church places on understanding artificial intelligence and the ethical implications of AI, especially in the context of the life of the Church. The bishops were briefed on the topic by Dr. Paul Scherz of the University of Notre Dame.
The bishops discussed and voted on two action items pertaining to liturgical texts from the Committee on Divine Worship:
News updates, texts of addresses and presentations, and other materials from the 2025 fall plenary assembly are posted to: www.usccb.org/meetings.
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Posted on 11/13/2025 05:18 AM ()
A new book by Pope Leo XIV, “La forza del Vangelo: la fede cristiana in 10 parole,” includes a previously unpublished text by the Holy Father. Published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana and set to be released November 20, “La forza del Vangelo,” is an anthology of interventions and speeches by Pope Leo organized around key Christian themes.
Posted on 11/13/2025 04:58 AM ()
In continued response to the late Pope Francis’s call for a Church that “journeys together,” the Uganda Martyrs’ National Major Seminary, Alokolum, in partnership with the African Synodality Initiative (ASI), recently hosted a two-day formation workshop on Synodality and Synodal Pastoral Leadership.
Posted on 11/13/2025 04:30 AM ()
Here’s a first look at the Vatican’s newly released documentary Leo from Chicago, which explores the roots of Pope Leo XIV and offers never-before-seen footage of Robert Francis Prevost in his native United States. The film features in-depth interviews with his brothers, Louis and John Prevost, and reveals new personal details — including what he looks forward to most on Thanksgiving, and how even as a boy he was able to turn 'an unruly little mob into friends.'
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Pope Leo XIV urges Argentina’s industrial leaders to place human dignity and the common good at the heart of economic life, recalling the enduring relevance of Rerum Novarum.
Posted on 11/13/2025 02:41 AM ()
In a “Special Message” on immigration, the Bishops of the United States assure immigrants of their solidarity and call for “meaningful reform” of the nation’s immigration laws.
Posted on 11/13/2025 02:21 AM ()
Pope Leo meets with the participants in the conference “Mysticism, Mystical Phenomena, and Holiness,” organized by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and emphasizes the importance of evaluating carefully candidates for sainthood, especially those who have experienced mystical phenomena.
Posted on 11/13/2025 02:00 AM ()
Pope Leo XIV meets with cloistered Augustinian religious and encourages them to live in joy and communion with Christ, while embracing humble charity toward one another.
Posted on 11/13/2025 01:00 AM ()
Madeleine Wörner from Germany emphasises the importance of transitioning to green, ecological systems but highlights that this must be done in a just way, putting the people first and ensuring that nobody is left behind.
Posted on 11/13/2025 01:00 AM ()
On the sidelines of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, hospital boats are docked on the riverside, offering medical assistance to those most in need. The boats, inspired by Pope Francis, travel all along the Amazon River to tend to the needs to Indigenous communities and those who live along the river, far from cities. This is the testimony of Felipe, a volunteer doctor.
