I was filled with great joy to learn that Pope Leo XIV appointed Most Reverend James F. Checchio as the Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. Bishop Checchio has distinguished himself as a priest of the Diocese of Camden and through his service as shepherd of the Diocese of Metuchen. He has devoted himself to great […]

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Most Reverend Herbert A. Bevard, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Saint Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was a priest of Philadelphia who served our local Church faithfully in pastoral ministry and administrative roles for 36 years until appointed by Pope Benedict XVI […]

Dear Friends in the Jewish Faith Community, I write to extend warm greetings and prayerful best wishes as you prepare to celebrate the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. At this time, I am mindful of the ongoing conflict in the Holy Land. As you mark the tragic anniversary of the attacks […]

Members of the Augustinian General Chapter in Rome elected Reverend Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as the next Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine. The election took place in Rome on September 9, 2025. Pope Leo XIV served in this leadership role from 2001 to 2013. Father Farrell is a native of Drexel Hill, […]

The Universal Church celebrates the 10th World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1. That date marks the beginning of the Season of Creation, set aside by the Church until October 4, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, to reflect on the goodness of God’s creation and the responsibility for […]

Today’s news of the horrific shooting of Catholic school students praying in their church in Minneapolis brings feelings of outrage and sadness to all people. The shock and deep sorrow over the murders of two innocent children, and the serious injuries sustained by many others, are intensified among Catholics as this senseless and evil act […]

Queridos hermanas y hermanos en Cristo: Informes recientes de noticias que detallan el arresto de inmigrantes en todo el país, incluida la región de Filadelfia, han producido un gran temor y desatado una amplia gama de otras emociones. Estos eventos han impactado a la comunidad migrante de maneras profundamente preocupantes. Estoy presenciando su dolor con […]

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,   Recent news reports detailing the arrest of immigrants throughout the country, including the Philadelphia region, have produced a great deal of fear and unleashed a broad range of other emotions. These events have impacted the migrant community in deeply troubling ways. I am witnessing your sorrow with great […]

“I was saddened to learn of the sudden death of Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt on the Feast of Pentecost.”

I was filled with great joy to learn that Pope Leo XIV appointed Most Reverend Mark A. Eckman as the 13th Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. I have had the privilege of serving with him on the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference since his appointment in 2022 as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Bishop […]