Category: 2024 News

BALTIMORE (OSV News) – The U.S. bishops wrapped up the second day of public sessions for their annual fall assembly in Baltimore with a focus on three major issues: migration, the dignity of the human person and care for creation in light of the church’s evangelizing mission.

One of the most significant discussions Nov. 13 took place just before the bishops concluded that afternoon, as Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, encouraged his brother bishops and their priests to speak loudly and as one on the issue of migration, especially in light of the recent rhetoric from public figures.

The lay faithful have a “real hunger … for leadership from their priests and bishops alike on this issue,” Bishop Seitz said, citing recent focus groups administered by the USCCB.

“The clergy continues to have a strong moral voice to which the laity listens, and consistent and intentional teaching from church leaders can significantly impact public opinion,” he said. “It is thus imperative that we bishops speak in one voice on this issue consistently and intentionally, and proceed in solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters, especially given the experience of so many Catholic immigrants in generations gone by.”

The bishops also heard a presentation offered by the committees on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, Pro-Life Activities and Catholic Education in relation to implementing the Vatican declaration on human dignity, “Dignitas Infinita,” released in April.

Bishop Robert E. Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minn., chair of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth, said the committees “agreed on the need to highlight the teachings of the declaration in our respective resources” with “the goal of applying the lessons of ‘Dignitas Infinita’ to our American society so that the church can more effectively proclaim” that “the person created in the image of God is a being at once corporeal and spiritual and is fulfilled in its vocation to divine beatitude in Jesus Christ.”

The bishops also discussed caring for creation ahead of the 10th anniversary of the release of “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on integral ecology. Archbishop Borys A. Gudziak, chair of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, suggested in his presentation that the encyclical could be “integrated into our core mission of evangelization.”

The archbishop, who heads the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, said that returning to the practice of abstaining from eating meat on Fridays “would be good for the soul and for the planet,” and he added that the practice of fasting “could be an opportunity for synodal engagement,” through “exploring ancient practices in the Latin rite, such as Ember Days or Advent fasts, and other rich Eastern Christian practices among Catholics and others.”

The day also saw the bishops address mission priorities, especially in light of the recent Synod on Synodality, and other liturgical priorities affecting the celebration of Mass, the Liturgy of the Hours and Marian devotion.

The bishops voted 225-7, with two abstentions, to approve the new “mission directive” for 2025-2028, which commits the committees and staff of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to “prioritize the work of the Conference to help equip bishops, clergy, religious and the laity in evangelizing those who are religiously unaffiliated or disaffiliated from the Church, with special focus on young adults and the youth.”

Bishop Barron also presented his committee’s proposal to draft a succession document to the bishops’ 2005 document on developing lay ecclesial ministry in the U.S., “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” citing “the experience of co-responsibility in the church, the evolving nature of parish and diocesan workplaces and above all the call to greater synodality.”

The floor discussion saw some bishops voice the importance that the document avoid the twin pitfalls of clericalizing the laity or restricting lay ministry to professionals, and also to take steps to make sure the document did not end up on the shelf, generally unread and unheard of, after so much effort.

Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis, updated his fellow bishops Nov. 13 on his committee’s plans to implement the ministry of the lay catechist, a ministry set forward by Pope Francis in his May 2021 apostolic letter “Antiquum Ministerium.” He said the guide they are developing will be informed by “the call for ongoing missionary conversion from the recent Synod on Synodality.”

The Latin Church bishops of the conference voted 220-2, with one abstention, to approve the final draft of “The Order of Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” The text now heads to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments for confirmation.

The Latin bishops also approved Spanish texts for the Liturgy of the Hours, in a 213-1 vote, with nine abstentions, for use in U.S. dioceses. The Liturgy of the Hours is the public prayer of the church that complements the Mass or Divine Liturgy and consists of an ongoing, daily sequence of psalms, Scripture, canticles and reflections intended to sanctify the day.

Latin Church bishops also approved the revised New American Bible for liturgical use in 216-4 vote, with three abstentions.

In a short update on the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, chair of the relevant USCCB subcommittee, announced that after a thorough application and approval process to ensure conformity with church teaching, the CCHD Nov. 9 had approved 93 grants totaling “nearly 2.3 million dollars” to be distributed to community and economic development organizations around the United States.

In addition, he said, the subcommittee approved three internal grants for the USCCB for a total of $277,000 in support of the conference’s work on educating Catholics on the root causes of poverty and its work combatting racism.

The announcement was made after grant-giving activity for the campaign was put on hold earlier this year when the CCHD ran into financial difficulties, which resulted in the layoffs of several employees after a reorganization of the conference.

Bishop James F. Checcio of Metuchen, New Jersey, the conference’s treasurer and chair of the Committee on Budget and Finance, presented the proposed 2025 budget for the conference. While he acknowledged the “high rate of inflation,” he said the conference remains in a good financial position, with the 2025 operating budget reduced by $2.4 million from the current operating budget — and no increase in diocesan assessment to support the conference for the fifth year running.

The bishops voted to approve the budget in a 226-3 vote, with four abstentions.

Outside the hotel where the conference took place on the Baltimore waterfront, Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was removed by the Vatican from governance of the Diocese of Tyler, Texas, held a press conference attended by a couple dozen people, some of whom held flags and placards. He accused Pope Francis of making “unambiguous denials of the Catholic faith,” called the Synod on Synodality “an abomination constructed not to guard the Deposit of Faith but to dismantle it,” and lambasted his fellow bishops as “silent shepherds.”

Bishop Strickland’s accusations of heresy against Pope Francis appeared to have a similar tenor to those made by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, former papal nuncio to the United States, who was excommunicated after being found guilty of schism July 5.

Bishop Strickland did not participate in the bishops’ assembly, a conference official confirmed.

Within the hotel, during a lunchtime discussion with reporters regarding the Synod on Synodality, OSV News asked Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore what next steps they had in mind for taking their experience of the synod in Rome to the diocesan and parish level.

Archbishop Lori noted that after meeting with synod participants from all over the world in Rome, he realized that the church in the United States already has long-standing participatory and consultative bodies in place. He said synodality is mainly “about culture change, not necessarily structure change or not necessarily canonical changes or any other kind of changes, but first and foremost the change in how we relate one to another in the body of Christ.”

Bishop Flores said that, while the church in the U.S. has developed many consultative bodies since the Second Vatican Council, “without humility, the structure won’t really help us.”

He said the U.S. is in a “post-village world” where the village is a “small community.” In light of this, “there are places in the world we can learn from” and “places in this country that are perhaps poorer, have less resources,” but “can teach us a lot about the basic way we talk to each other and listen to each other and I think in this country.”

“We need to hear the Holy Father when he says we really do have something to learn from the poor,” he concluded.

The bishops’ fall assembly began Nov. 11, concluding with an executive session closed to the public Nov. 14.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Before Pope Francis presides over Mass Nov. 17 for the World Day of the Poor, he will bless 13 keys to represent the 13 new houses he has pledged to pay for in Syria during the Holy Year 2025, the Vatican said.

The Famvin Homeless Alliance, a network of religious orders and charitable organizations inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, said the 13 keys also represent the 13 countries where they will build houses for the homeless. The countries are: Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chile, Costa Rica, Italy, Tonga, Senegal, Syria, Tanzania, United Kingdom and Ukraine.

The “13 Houses Campaign” is an homage to St. Vincent de Paul and his decision in 1643 to use an endowment from French King Louis XIII to build 13 small houses near the Vincentian headquarters in Paris to care for abandoned children.

Pope Francis began the annual celebration of the World Day of the Poor in 2017. Traditionally, it has included Mass, lunch with Pope Francis and more medical care for the poor at the clinic run by the Dicastery for the Service of Charity.

Usually, the Mother of Mercy Clinic under the colonnade in the square is open four mornings a week. But with the help of volunteer doctors, nurses and lab technicians, it opens 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 11-16.

Flu shots and other vaccines, blood tests and visits with general practitioners, internal medicine specialists and dentists are regularly offered at the clinic. The extra volunteers also include specialists in cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dermatology, gynecology, oncology, urology, psychiatry, gastroenterology and podiatry.

The Dicastery for the Service of Charity also said Pope Francis will have lunch with 1,300 people in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall after Mass. The Italian Red Cross is the 2024 sponsor of the meal, and the national Red Cross marching band will provide entertainment.

The Vincentian Fathers will provide each of the pope’s guests with a backpack containing food and hygiene items to take home.

MESHOPPEN – Parishioners of Saint Joachim Church gathered on Oct. 13, 2024, to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving to mark the 150th anniversary of their house of worship.

Father Patrick L. Albert, Pastor, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock, served as principal celebrant of the anniversary Mass. Saint Joachim Church is currently a worship site of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish.

Parishioner Fran Storey Stretch compiled a history of Saint Joachim Church for its 150th anniversary with the help of the following:

The Susquehanna County Historical Society;  The Wyoming County Historical Society;  Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wyoming County History (1880);  Meshoppen Bicentennial Book (1976);  Susquehanna County Sesquicentennial Book 1910-1960;  Rocket-Courier 100^th Anniversary Edition (1987) and Rocket-Courier (1992);  Wyoming County Democrat (1874, 1930), Tunkhannock Republican (1873), Tunkhannock New Age (1906) articles contributed by Marjorie Walters; Gail James Loomis House photo;   RootsWeb.com collection “Catholic Churches of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties” which included the Parish’s Centennial Celebration Commemoration Booklet (1973) and “Reminiscences” by first Pastor Rev. P. J. Murphy.

               

     The celebration of the 150^th year mark for St. Joachim’s Church, in Meshoppen, is really an affirmation of the Catholic faith from its earliest beginnings in northeastern Pennsylvania.   St. Joachim’s is comprised of members from southwestern Susquehanna County, northeastern Wyoming County and southeastern Bradford County, an area the Philadelphia Diocese considered missionary territory in the 1820’s.   It wasn’t until 1868 that the Diocese of Scranton was formed.

       When hearing the story of Rev. Jeremiah Francis O’Flynn, the first Catholic priest (missionary) who came to northeastern Pennsylvania, it just seems like it was all meant to be.   When Rev.  O’Flynn had returned from missionary work in the West Indies for health reasons, he met a man in Philadelphia, who had just purchased land in Susquehanna County.   This priest wanted to see this rugged land, where a few Irish Catholic families had moved, and a match was made.   In 1825, he bought 100 acres near Silver Lake, built a cabin, and added a room where daily masses were held and Sacraments were conferred, by the end of that year.    Being a true missionary, Father O’Flynn was soon saying mass in other areas of Susquehanna County.   In 1828, he requested, and was granted, (through the Philadelphia Diocese) the pastorate for northeastern Pennsylvania.  In 1830 he died in Danville, and, according to reports, 200 Irishmen came to escort his body to Susquehanna County.  

       The Catholic histories of Auburn and Meshoppen have been interwoven from the very beginning.   Ultimately, they were combined into a parish.   

     It is documented in the history of Wyoming County, printed in 1880, that Meshoppen had masses in homes beginning in 1835, at regular intervals with Rev. Henry Fitzsimmons visiting from Carbondale.   Father Fitzsimmons was covering the Friendsville-Silver Lake charge from his Carbondale parish residence.  He did four tours a year, covering the Meshoppen/Auburn area.   By 1869, masses were being said in Meshoppen monthly.  By 1880, thirty-five families were coming to Catholic masses in Meshoppen, according to the Wyoming County History.   

      The first mass that can officially be documented in Auburn, was said by Rev. John V. O’Reilly, in 1841, in the home of Cornelius Degnan (very close to the current church structure).   The home of Felix Reynolds was also utilized for home masses.   Father O’Reilly had been assigned to the Friendsville-Silver Lake charge in Susquehanna County in 1838 and stayed with the O’Neill family near Friendsville.    Later he moved closer to St Joseph. His appointment in Susquehanna County lasted 35 years, and his missionary work would have included our area, due to its proximity. 

      There are several indicators that the area around the current St. Bonaventure Church was being utilized during the 1840s and 1850s for Catholic functions, even though the deed for the land, where the current structure sits, wasn’t transferred until 1873.  The gravestone for the earliest grave in St. Bonaventure Cemetery is dated 1845.  More than one local history says a church was built in 1846 in Auburn Township, and two side wings were added in 1860.  The report from the first pastor, Rev. Patrick J. Murphy, who arrived at Auburn in 1873, talks about a church existing there upon his arrival.  Notes say, that “Historical data concerning Auburn parish attended first by priests from Friendsville.  All records previous to 1874 can be found at Friendsville PA”.   

      There is a lot of speculation about what happened to the first church in Auburn, and a fire has been suggested through popular recollections.   However, there is no doubt that the current St. Bonaventure building was dedicated in 1892. 

    Two events contributed to the large numbers of Irish immigrants who came to our area during the 1830s-1850s.  One was the potato famine in Ireland and the other was the building of the North Branch Canal along the Susquehanna River.   These strong Catholic groups within the Meshoppen Auburn area, became the roots of our parish.

      So, the stage was set for a new parish to be born.  In 1873, the rectory building was completed in Auburn Township.   And in 1874, the cornerstone was laid for the St. Joachim’s Church, in Meshoppen.  A lot had been purchased from D.T. Sterling, in the back of the Sterling House.  At one point, Meshoppen was called Sterlingville, in honor of the successful Meshoppen businessman.  The name reverted back to Meshoppen, however, and stayed that way.  It is derived from the Native American word “Mashapi” (meaning glass beads), named for special stones/ trinkets that accumulated somewhere on the stream or where the creek meets the Susquehanna River.  This location where the creek meets the river was an important location for both the Native Americans and the settlers.

     The new church was to be built by T. J.  Sherwood, in the orchard between the Depot and the Sterling House, according to a “Wyoming County Democrat” newspaper clipping from 1874.  Land was also secured from the Allen Jayne family on Myo Beach Road for a St. Joachim’s Cemetery.   The Church was finished in 1875, and the beautiful stained-glass windows were added in 1906, according to a note in the Tunkhannock New Age newspaper.

       The first pastor, Rev. P.  J.  Murphy was assigned to Auburn, which was the main church, and his residence was located next to St. Bonaventure’s Church.  Three mission Churches were assigned to Auburn including Meshoppen, Montrose and Tunkhannock.   As the years went on and populations grew in the other towns, parishes were formed in Montrose and Tunkhannock.   St. Bonaventure and St. Joachim Churches remained linked in a parish, but the rectory was moved to Meshoppen in 1930.

       The Loomis House, along with its surrounding grounds, was purchased in 1930, from a descendent of the family for $6,000 to become the Catholic residence.  Included was a large carriage house, which was destined to become the parish hall.  Under the direction of Rev. Norman J. Monahan and Rev. Francis H. Irwin, the hall was renovated and became known as the “Casino”, a longstanding social gathering place for both the Church and the community of Meshoppen.  Father Irwin’s project included enlarging the Casino.  The cellar was dug out by hand by the men of the parish and a large addition was added to the back. 

      At the time of the purchase, Rev. Joseph Reilly, also noted the grounds around the house would provide a lovely spot for parish picnics.  That was indeed the case for many years, with the lawn filled with tents for Bingo and other games for the Summer Picnic, and homemade dinners and pies served inside.  The St. Patrick’s Day Dinners were also great hits for many years.  Monday nights were for Bingo in the Casino in the 1980s for church fundraising.  For thirty-three year, roast beef was cooked at the Casino to be sold at the Wyoming County Fair as a major fundraiser.   The Casino still holds many parish events, including the annual parish Christmas party, and fundraisers such as the Elimination Party, and the “Taste of the Fair” each year. 

     The rectory (Loomis House) was sold in the early 1980s, and a smaller home was placed on the St. Joachim’s Church lot, to serve as a rectory for the priest. 

      St. Joachim’s Church almost seems to have a protective cloak around it, as it has survived three major floods and several major fires in Meshoppen.  The closest fires were the four mill fires across the street.   The heat from the 1923 fire threatened the church and the last fire in 1930 was so intense that it scorched the St. Joachim’s Church building.  A 1943 fire in the center of Meshoppen took out 14 businesses, including a few on Route 6, and the rest being on the north and south sides of Bridge St. (toward Route 6).  But again, the Church was safe and sound, a little away from that section of town. 

     The Casino being lower and closer to the Meshoppen Creek and Susquehanna River, sustained serious flooding in 1936, 1972, and 2011, taking on water onto the main floor.   However, St. Joachim’s Church just being slightly higher and away, has never flooded onto the main floor of the church.  The water has come close to the building, and some basement water was received, but the church remained unscathed. 

     The Casino needed extensive renovations after the 1972 flood, and parishioners also helped to fund those needed repairs.  The last major project completed at the Casino, was an addition to the main floor for a beautiful kitchen and new bathrooms. 

     In the 1980s, St. Joachim’s Church also underwent a major construction project with additions of a brighter bigger altar area, a balcony and additional seating.    

     With the influx of Eastern European immigrants from 1900-1925, the ranks of this parish expanded and diversified from its original Irish roots.  Polish, Italian, Lithuanian, and other Slavic nationalities joined the Irish with their same strong faith, as well as others. 

     With the 1960s, came the building of the one of the largest Procter & Gamble plants in the U.S., just over the hill in Mehoopany.  A general boost to the economy came along with P & G, but only a slight increase to church membership.   Still a growing parish, at the time of the St. Bonaventure Church Building Anniversary in 1992, there were 330 families in the parish. 

     Over the last decade, St. Joachim’s has welcomed many new members of the Hispanic nationality.  Their devout faith and presence are great blessings.    On the first and third Sundays of each month, Rev. Kevin Miller says mass in Spanish at 3 pm.  These masses are in addition to the 9 am services every Sunday morning.         

     In 2009, St. Bonaventure Church was closed, and St. Joachim’s parish was merged with St. Mary’s of the Assumption Parish in Wyalusing.  The two parishes were joined into a new parish named “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”.  At that time, St. Anthony’s Church in Stowell, the mission church of Wyalusing, was also closed, which brought some additional members to Meshoppen.    Since 2009, there has not been a priest in residence, or a church office, in Meshoppen.  But St. Joachim’s has retained weekly masses and all of the benefits of the Catholic faith, through the Sacraments and help of the priests who attend to its families.  The previous rectory is now used as an education building for CCD.  The “hallmark” coffee and donuts social time is still held after Sunday mass in the basement of that building, as it has been since the 1980s. 

     In 2022, a change was made and St. Joachim’s Church is now joined to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Tunkhannock, PA.   Again, new folks are welcomed to St. Joachim’s masses in Meshoppen.   In addition to Sunday services, St. Joachim’s Church still has a weekday mass on Thursday morning at 9 am, and Holy Day masses.  The congregation is faithfully served by Rev. Patrick L. Albert, Deacon Raymond Pieretti, Rev. Dennis Bajkowski, and Rev. Kevin Miller.

 

 

WILKES-BARRE – Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton has announced the launch of a new program, ‘Parents as Teachers,’ designed to empower families in Luzerne County by providing resources and support for early childhood development.

The agency began serving its first nine families in September and is planning a large kick-off event on Nov. 9 to help spread the word about the new program.

“Research has shown that the first three years of a child’s life are the most formative,” Montie Ford, lead caseworker for the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program, said. “A lot of times moms don’t understand that the time during their pregnancy is important too.”

The ‘Parents as Teachers’ program aims to equip parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster their children’s growth and learning from conception up to one year before entering kindergarten (typically around the age of five).

“At ten weeks in utero, a child has a nervous system and they’re taking in everything in their environment,” Ford added. “We can talk to pregnant mothers about the importance of a healthy diet, not doing drugs, not smoking pot or cigarettes, not using curse words all the time, and trying to destress themselves and be calm.”

The ‘Parents as Teachers’ program offers a range of services, including home visits from trained educators, parenting workshops, and access to educational materials and toys. Families receive personalized guidance tailored to their individual needs, focusing on developmental milestones, effective parenting strategies, and early literacy.

“One of the great things about ‘Parents as Teachers’ is that through these assessments, we’re able to identify developmental issues that a parent could go to their primary care provider and say, ‘they’re not doing milestones or this,’ and the medical provider can do a diagnosis,” Dagmar Montolio, program supervisor, said.

Unlike other programs, there is no income requirement for a family to participate in the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program. It is currently available to any parent in Luzerne County who is pregnant or who has a young baby. The program does have a minimum commitment of one year.

Catholic Social Services currently has six caseworkers taking part in the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program. Families can expect to get one or two visits a month depending on the number of stressors in the child’s environment.

“We want them to look forward to us coming to know that we’re part of their team,” Montolio said, explaining the initiative as extremely proactive.

The ‘Parents as Teachers’ program is designed to support parents in their crucial role as their child’s first teacher, helping to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Catholic Social Services believes strongly that investing in our families is essential for building a stronger community.

“It is really an amazing program,” Montolio added. “We want people to know that this program is starting.”

“Thanks For Giving” Event Planned for Nov. 9

To help spread the word about the launch of the new ‘Parents as Teachers program, Catholic Social Services is organizing a ‘Thanks for Giving’ community event on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

“Everything will be family friendly,” Ford said.

Between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., everyone is invited to the Salvation Army Gymnasium, 17 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The event will feature door prizes, information tables, craft vendors, free face painting and entertainment. Free haircuts will also be provided by the Repair Shop and the Plains Lions Club will offer free eye screenings for children.

“We want parents to see what ‘Parents as Teachers’ offers, but even if they don’t engage with P.A.T., we hope they leave with something to better themselves,” Montolio stated.

As part of its mission to serve those in need, Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton has been working with Luzerne County Children & Youth Services to develop initiatives that support family well-being and community cohesion. The launch of the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program is a testament to the organization’s commitment to enhancing the lives of families and ensuring that every child has a strong foundation for future success.

For more information about the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program, contact Dagmar Montolio at (570) 822-7118, ext. 3319, or email dmontolio@cssdioceseofscranton.org; or Montie Ford at (570) 763-9320, or email mford@cssdioceseofscranton.org.

ROME (CNS) – The Vatican secretary of state said his prayer for Donald J. Trump is that God would grant him wisdom “because that is the main virtue of those who govern according to the Bible.”

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state, spoke briefly to reporters Nov. 7 outside Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University.

Asked about Trump’s victory Nov. 5 and looking toward his second term as president, Cardinal Parolin said, “I think he has to work above all to be president of the whole country and therefore overcome the polarization that has occurred and is very evident.”

“We also hope he can be a factor for détente and pacification in the current conflicts that are bloodying the world,” the cardinal said. “He said he will end the wars. Let’s hope so. But, of course, he doesn’t have a magic wand either.”

As for Trump’s repeated vow to “launch the largest deportation program in American history” and to severely limit all immigration, Cardinal Parolin said the Vatican supports a comprehensive and “wise policy toward migrants so that it does not go to these extremes.”

Pope Francis has recognized the right of nations to regulate immigration but also has insisted those policies promote an attitude of welcoming people seeking safety and a better life, accompanying them as they settle in and helping them integrate. Cardinal Parolin told reporters, “I think this is the only way to deal with the problem and to solve it in a humane way.”

The cardinal said he is not worried that U.S.-Vatican relations will suffer under Trump’s leadership. “We maintained relations with the president during his previous term and will continue to do so.”

“As always,” he said, “there are elements that bring us closer and elements that differentiate and distance us, and this will be an opportunity to exercise dialogue and to try to find more points of consensus for the benefit of the common good and world peace.”

Opposition to abortion is one common position, and Cardinal Parolin said he hoped Trump would work on a broader understanding of the defense of human life and do so in a way that will bring people together “and not let it again become a policy of polarization and division.”

Cardinal Parolin was at the Gregorian University to address a conference marking the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, looking specifically at the impact of artificial intelligence on international humanitarian law, particularly in conflict situations.

The development of artificial intelligence shows just how creative human beings can be, but the technology must always be under human control, he said.

Machines cannot make moral decisions, and those decisions are critical in situations of war and violence, Cardinal Parolin told the conference, which is why the Holy See strongly supports an international treaty governing the use of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems.

“We cannot allow life and the future of anyone to be determined by an algorithm,” he said.

(OSV News) – The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is calling for prayer and unity, following the nation’s general election that saw Republican candidate and former president Donald Trump defeat Democratic nominee and current Vice President Kamala Harris to win another term as president.

In a Nov. 6 statement, USCCB president Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services said, “I congratulate President-elect Trump, as well as the national, state and local officials who campaigned to represent the people. Now, we move from campaigning to governing.”

The archbishop said that Americans are “fortunate to live in a democracy,” and that “we rejoice in our ability to transition peacefully from one government to the next.”

He stressed that “the Catholic Church is not aligned with any political party, and neither is the bishops’ conference.

“No matter who occupies the White House or holds the majority on Capitol Hill, the Church’s teachings remain unchanged, and we bishops look forward to working with the people’s elected representatives to advance the common good of all,” said Archbishop Broglio. “As Christians, and as Americans, we have the duty to treat each other with charity, respect, and civility, even if we may disagree on how to carry out matters of public policy.”

The archbishop added, “As a Nation blessed with many gifts we must also be concerned for those outside our borders and eager to offer assistance to all.”

Archbishop Broglio concluded his statement by inviting people to “pray for President-elect Trump, as well as all leaders in public life, that they may rise to meet the responsibilities entrusted to them as they serve our country and those whom they represent.”

He said, “Let us ask for the intercession of our Blessed Mother, the patroness of our nation, that she guide to uphold the common good of all and promote the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the elderly and infirm, and migrants.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Voters in Florida, Nebraska and South Dakota Nov. 5 rejected amendments to their state constitutions that would have codified abortion as a right, while other states, including Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Nevada and Missouri, did vote to codify such a right in their constitutions, on Election Day.

Nebraska’s 12-week abortion ban will remain in effect after Initiative 434, which proposed limiting abortion after the first trimester, received more “For” votes than its competing Initiative 439, which would have codified a constitutional right to abortion.

South Dakota likewise rejected a measure to codify abortion protections.

Ten states had 2024 ballot referenda considering abortion either directly or indirectly.

Unlike the other nine states, the Sunshine State requires such measures to reach a threshold of 60% to pass.

However, Amendment 4 failed to reach that threshold, as only 57% of Floridians voted to support it, with 97% of precincts reporting. It became the first ballot measure aimed at expanding abortion access to fail since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling in Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization in June 2022.

That ruling reversed the high court’s previous abortion precedent. Soon after, voters in Ohio, California, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Vermont and Kansas either rejected new limitations on abortion or expanded legal protections for it as the result of ballot measures.

In Maryland, voters approved a ballot measure to add “reproductive freedom” — which it defines as inclusive of abortion — to that state’s Declaration of Rights.

A measure in New York called the “Equal Rights Amendment,” Proposal 1, also passed handily and will codify what it calls fair treatment for all people in the state’s constitution. However, New York’s Catholic bishops and other opponents argued the measure was aimed at protecting abortion among other objections, such as unforeseen consequences for parental rights.

“We are disappointed in the decision of the voters to approve this deceptively worded state constitutional amendment and we thank all who voted no,” the New York State Catholic Conference said in a statement Nov. 6. “Despite this outcome, we will continue to fight the good fight for the protection of human rights, the dignity of the human person, the sacredness of all life, the rights of parents, and the preservation of religious liberty.”

It added, “The Catholic Bishops of New York State encourage legislators and state officials to focus on true support for women, children, and families rather than continuing to push abortion as the only option. If you are pregnant or a new parent and you need help, the Catholic Church is here for you. You are not alone.”

In Florida, the state conference of Catholic bishops said in a statement that it is “profoundly relieved at the defeat of Florida’s pro-abortion Amendment 4. This is a positive outcome for Florida and all efforts to promote the flourishing of our state.”

“Though Amendment 4 failed to reach the 60% threshold required to pass, a majority of Floridians voting in the general election supported it,” the statement said. “While significant gains to protect women and preborn children in recent years will remain in place, abortion in Florida will continue at a very high rate under our current laws.”

Current Florida law prohibits most abortions after six weeks, with some exceptions, including scenarios where a woman’s life is at risk.

Lauren Brenzel, campaign director of Yes on 4, which supported the measure, said in a statement, “Despite relentless government sabotage, the state’s promotion of disinformation, and, anti-democratic attacks, the majority of Floridians still voted for Amendment 4.”

“The people have spoken and have sent a clear mandate to the legislature: repeal Florida’s extreme ban,” Brenzel said. “Today’s results are evidence of the strong support for abortion access in Florida and only fuels our resolve to keep fighting government interference.”

The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and as such, opposes direct abortion. After the Dobbs decision, church officials in the U.S. have reiterated the church’s concern for both mother and child and called to strengthen available support for those living in poverty or other causes that can push women toward having an abortion.

The Florida bishops reiterated that call in their statement.

“Much work remains to open hearts and minds to the dignity and goodness of life in the womb and at every stage,” the bishops’ statement said. “We will continue to proclaim in our churches and in the public square the value of every human life and to highlight that there is a better way forward for women, families and society than abortion. Through our many ministries, we will continue to support, encourage and assist pregnant women and young families.

“For those who regret their abortion or abortions, or their cooperation in one, we reiterate that the Lord is eager to forgive, and the Church is ready to facilitate healing,” the bishops’ statement said.

Abortion rates, which began steadily rising in 2017 after a nearly three-decade decline, have further increased in the aftermath of the Dobbs decision. According to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks abortion data, abortions in 2023 were up 11% over 2020. The 2023 data represents the first full year after Dobbs created a “fractured abortion landscape” as states enact restrictions on, or protections of, abortion access.

ROME (CNS) – Pope Francis prayed at the graves of children and of miscarried babies on the feast of All Souls before concelebrating Mass with several hundred mourners.

The pope traveled Nov. 2 to Rome’s Laurentino cemetery, which has a special section for children who have died and, nearby, a section called the “Garden of the Angels” where parents who have experienced a miscarriage can opt to have their children buried rather than having a hospital dispose of the remains.

A father who had lost a son greeted the pope, kneeling to kiss the pope’s hand, and then pointing to his son’s grave.

Pope Francis left a bouquet of white roses at the entrance to the garden where stuffed animals, toys, pinwheels and pots of white chrysanthemums in the shape of a heart stand in contrast to the candles and flowers on other graves. The grave markers have only one date on them.

Rather than giving a homily during the Mass, the pope led the congregation in a long moment silent reflection.

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of November is for parents who have lost a child. In his video message asking people to join him in the prayer, he began by saying, “What can we say to parents who have lost a child? How can we console them? There are no words.”

At the end of the Mass, the pope prayed that by visiting the graves of their beloved deceased, people would renew their faith in Jesus, who died, was buried and rose again to save humanity.

The bodies of those who have died will rise again on the last day, he said, and those who have fallen asleep in the Lord will join him in the triumph over death.

He prayed that God would hear people’s prayers for their beloved dead and would “open your arms of mercy” and receive them into the heavenly host.

“Comfort those who are suffering the pain of separation with the certainty that the dead live in you,” he prayed, “and that even the bodies entrusted to the earth will one day participate in the paschal victory of your son.”

The main celebrant at the Mass was Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the master of papal liturgical ceremonies. However, unlike at most public Masses in the last few years where the pope presides, but does not concelebrate, Pope Francis stood for the Eucharistic prayer and concelebrated the Mass.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – With the Holy Year 2025 beginning on Christmas Eve, the Vatican’s 2024 Christmas stamps feature the Jubilee message of hope as well as a prayer for peace.

Both Christmas stamps, set to go on sale Nov. 4, feature the logo of the Holy Year.

The 1.25-euro stamp features “the Christmas angel bearing a scroll that reads ‘Glory to God’ and ‘Peace on Earth,'” excerpts from the hymn Luke 2:14 says was sung by the angels announcing the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, said a note from the Vatican philatelic office.

“It is the invocation that in recent years rises heartfelt from so many parts of the world crushed by violence and war,” said the note, released Oct. 30.

The second stamp, with a value of 1.30 euros, shows the Baby Jesus in the manger with his hand raised in blessing. A scroll above his head has the Latin title of Pope Francis’ bull of indiction, formally proclaiming the Holy Year: “Spes Non Confundit,” which means “Hope does not disappoint.”

The Vatican post office also sells two of each stamp in a booklet for collectors; the cover features a detail from Orazio Zecca da Montefortino’s early 17th-century painting, the Adoration of the Shepherds, which is kept in the Rome Basilica of St. Mary Major.

ROME (CNS) – Approximately 40,000 visitors enter St. Peter’s Basilica each day, and now they can gain deeper insights into what they are seeing inside the world’s largest church.

In the leadup to the Holy Year 2025, the Vatican inaugurated the “Official Area” for St. Peter’s Basilica. Located at the start of the long avenue leading to the basilica, the center aims to enhance pilgrims’ experiences and serve as a information point.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of the basilica, blessed the information point during its inauguration Oct. 31, stating that enhancing the visitor experience for the basilica “fosters spaces of freedom in each person’s heart to return to a deep awareness of oneself, but also of the other.”

Inside, visitors will find informative books, guides, memorabilia from the basilica, and they can buy tickets to visit the dome — the only part of the basilica that requires a paid ticket. Above all they can encounter a multilingual staff that can answer their questions.

Any profits from the sale of goods from the info point will be used for nonprofit projects in partnership with the Be Human Foundation.

The info point will also offer augmented reality experiences to show visitors aspects of the basilica in greater detail, such as the recent restoration of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 10-story bronze canopy that stands over the basilica’s main altar.

For those with mobility concerns, the center provides support to organize accessible visits to the basilica, including tactile resources for the visually impaired.

Franciscan Father Enzo Fortunato, communications director of St. Peter’s Basilica, told Catholic News Service that people visiting Rome “many times, not knowing the city, feel lost, and so having a signpost that can help them orient themselves I think is a service in the true sense of the word.”

As a major destination for pilgrims, the basilica should be accessible to everyone, he said, and the church should enable visitors to have a meaningful and profound experience as they walk through it.

Many visitors “come here only once their whole lives,” he said. “If we are not close to these people, then who should we be close to?”

Cardinal Gambetti said that the next step for the basilica lies in the digital realm: the basilica is in the process of launching a digital platform that includes an app with podcasts, videos and information about religious sites in Rome.

The platform will help people reserve tours for groups and advise pilgrims, in real time, which sites are busy and suggesting alternatives.