Category: Diocese of Scranton News

VATICAN CITY (CNS) – Pope Leo XIV prayed that the leaders of nations would use money and resources to promote the common good rather than using “wealth against humanity” by “turning it into weapons that destroy peoples or monopolies that humiliate workers.”

“Whoever serves God becomes free from wealth; but whoever serves wealth remains its slave,” the pope said Sept. 21 in his homily in the Vatican’s parish Church of St. Anne.

“Whoever seeks justice transforms wealth into the common good,” the pope said, and “whoever seeks domination turns the common good into prey for their own greed.”

The day’s Gospel reading was Jesus’ parable of the dishonest steward from Luke 16:1-13. It ends with Jesus saying, “No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.”

At both the morning Mass in the small church located just inside Vatican City State and in his midday Angelus address with thousands of pilgrims and visitors in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo urged Catholics to consider their relationship to money and material goods.

He also used his Angelus address to thank Catholic organizations holding prayer vigils for peace and raising money for humanitarian aid to Gaza.

“I appreciate your initiative and many others throughout the Church that express closeness to our brothers and sisters who are suffering in that tormented land,” Pope Leo said. “Together with you and with the pastors of the churches in the Holy Land, I repeat: There is no future based on violence, forced exile or revenge. The people need peace; those who truly love them work for peace.”

A group of people in the square were holding a colorful banner that said, in Italian, “Peace for Gaza.” The pope’s call for an end to the violence was met with applause.

At the Mass earlier in the Church of St. Anne, staffed by his Augustinian confreres, the pope prayed that parishioners would “persevere with hope in a time seriously threatened by war.”

“Entire peoples today are being crushed by violence — and even more so by a shameless indifference that abandons them to a fate of misery,” the pope told parishioners. “Faced with these tragedies, we do not want to be resigned, but to proclaim in word and deed that Jesus is the savior of the world, the one who delivers us from all evil.”

Pope Leo prayed that the Holy Spirit would convert hearts “so that, nourished by the Eucharist — the church’s supreme treasure — we may become witnesses of charity and peace.”

Later, in his Angelus address, the pope said Jesus’ parable “invites us to ask ourselves: How are we managing the material goods, the resources of the earth and our very lives that God has entrusted to us?”

Each person must make a choice, he said. “We can follow the way of selfishness, placing wealth above all else and thinking only of ourselves. But this isolates us from others and spreads the poison of competition, which often fuels conflict.”

On the other hand, he said, “we can recognize everything we have as a gift from God, to be managed and used as an instrument for sharing — to create networks of friendship and solidarity, to work for the common good and to build a world that is more just, equitable and fraternal.”

ROME (CNS) – In a frescoed hall of a building housing the Catholic Church’s highest courts, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. spoke about faith, mercy, tradition and hope.

The justice, a Catholic, was in Rome for the Sept. 20 celebration of the Jubilee of Justice, which brought together thousands of judges, lawyers, prosecuting attorneys, law professors and canon lawyers from some 100 nations.

The celebration featured an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who holds a doctorate in canon law and spoke about justice as involving respect for the law and for the dignity of the person as well as promoting reconciliation and forgiveness.

In the evening, in the Vatican’s Palazzo della Cancelleria, Alito sat down for a public conversation with Msgr. Laurence Spiteri, a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and a judge on the Roman Rota, a Vatican court.

The two were introduced by Brian F. Burch, the newly arrived U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, who praised Alito as a justice who has consistently defended religious freedom.

The justice quoted Pope Francis who would often talk about how there are more martyrs today than in the first centuries of Christianity.

“Unfortunately, religious liberty is embattled today,” he said. And while there are threats to people’s religious freedom in the United States, “the situation in America and Western Europe pales in comparison with what is going on in the rest of the world” with terrorist attacks on Christians, like in parts of Nigeria, or in nations “where Christianity is hardly permitted.”

Asked about Pope Leo’s statement earlier in the day that mercy is an integral part of justice, Alito said he agreed, and that mercy should be built into laws as they are drafted and adopted, as they are enforced and, particularly, when sentences are handed down.

Alito was asked about the current composition of the Supreme Court and the frequently floated idea of changing the number of justices from its current nine members.

While the framers of Constitution did not specify the number of members, he said, it is clear they meant it to be a multimember body.

With nine justices, he said, “you are guaranteeing diverse backgrounds” in terms of experience, education and faiths, which leads to the necessary rigorous debate.

“If people of good faith talk to each other civilly and rationally,” he said, the results are better than if just one person is making the decision.

Alito, who was appointed to the court in 2005 by President George W. Bush, said the current court members sometimes “disagree quite sharply, but I can say that it has never been personal,” and no member has questioned the good faith of another. “Our role is to learn from each other.”

A member of the audience asked Alito about the role of precedence or previous court rulings in the court’s decision making. The questioner noted that for the church, laws are interpreted according to Scripture and tradition.

“The authority of the church comes from God through the Apostles,” he said, “while the authority of the Supreme Court has a secular source, it comes through our Constitution.”

The “important similarity,” he said, is “the value of the body of decisions that have been developed over time with input from different sources.”

Generally, Alito said, relying on precedence provides stability for a society and equality under the law.

“Past decisions represent the wisdom of the people who made them and are deserving of respect,” he said, “but precedence is not absolutely binding” because it is important for a society to have the ability to go back and correct mistakes.

(OSV News) – The upcoming annual observance of Respect Life Month by the nation’s Catholics takes on new meaning amid the Jubilee Year of Hope, said the chair of the U.S. bishops’ pro-life committee.

“The gift of human life exists as a sign of hope to our world today, defying the powers of darkness and the culture of death,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, in a statement included in a Sept. 18 USCCB press release.

Since 1973 — the year in which the Supreme Court rulings in Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton legalized abortion nationwide — the Catholic Church in the U.S. has designated October as Respect Life Month, with the first Sunday of October as Respect Life Sunday.

The USCCB’s Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities provides a range of resources to help further an understanding of Catholic teaching, which holds that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death, and therefore must be respected and protected absolutely.

Since the first century, the Catholic Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. Catholic teaching also states that “intentional euthanasia, whatever its forms or motives, is murder,” with the Second Vatican Council condemning “euthanasia or willful self-destruction” among the moral “infamies” that “poison human society” and are a “supreme dishonor to the Creator.”

In his full statement — which was dated October 2025 and posted to the USCCB’s website — Bishop Thomas stressed that “the life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope.”

“Through Christ, our sins are forgiven, death is overcome, and life is victorious,” he said.

However, he noted, “the daily headlines remind us of how desperately our world is thirsting for the hope that only God can provide.”

Bishop Thomas lamented that “every day we witness the overwhelming disregard for human life,” noting among other indicators “rising rates of abortion and assisted suicide.”

According to data from the Guttmacher Institute, which supports legalized abortion, the nation saw a surge in abortions during the 1970s and 1980s, with the latter decade seeing annual averages around 1.6 million.

Abortion rates steadily declined since 1990, but have increased slightly in recent years, even after the Supreme Court reversed its Roe and Doe rulings in 2022. In 2024, there were 15.4 abortions per 1,000 women ages 15-44, down 1% from 2023, but still a 7% increase from 2020. Guttmacher said the count “includes medication abortions”provided via telemedicine” by U.S. clinicians, with mifepristone and misoprostol pills mailed to patients in states without total bans or bans on telemedicine.

Currently, assisted suicide is legal in 11 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, with a number of other states considering legalization.

Bishop Thomas also pointed to other recent examples of disregard for the sanctity of life, such as “the killing of innocent school children, even at prayer” — an apparent reference to the Aug. 27 mass shooting at a Minnesota Catholic school liturgy — “the mistreatment of our immigrant sisters and brothers as they endure an environment of aggression; and political and ideological violence inflicted against unsuspecting victims.”

“These attacks threaten life precisely when it is most vulnerable and in need of protection,” he said.

For that reason, he said, “it is of the utmost importance that we work to ensure that every life, in every stage and circumstance, is protected in law.”

Those efforts have already achieved some success, said Bishop Thomas.

“Earlier this year, history was made when Planned Parenthood and other big abortion businesses were banned from receiving federal Medicaid dollars for one year,” he said. “I thank Catholics across the country who have embraced a nationwide call to prayer for the end of all taxpayer funding of abortion centers, and I ask that we continue those prayers throughout the month of October.”

Respect Life Month dovetails perfectly with the call of the Jubilee Year, in which “we are challenged to be agents of hope to those whose hearts are burdened by trial, difficulty, or suffering, offering them the hope that comes from Christ Jesus alone.”

He highlighted two examples of such outreach: Walking with Moms in Need, a USCCB-led initiative that helps parishes and communities to befriend and support pregnant and newly parenting women; and the Project Rachel Ministry, which provides post-abortion healing.

Both ministries “are just two examples of how the Church continuously reaches out with love, compassion, and mercy to those most in need of a message of hope,” said Bishop Thomas.

Quoting impromptu remarks Pope Leo XIV made to Jubilee pilgrims May 26, Bishop Thomas added, “How important it is that each and every baptized person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today.”

WASHINGTON (OSV News) – Ahead of the U.S. Catholic Church’s observance of its annual National Migration Week, taking place this year Sept. 22-28, the U.S. bishops reiterated their longstanding efforts to show solidarity with immigrants amid “fear and anxiety” prompted by current immigration enforcement efforts.

Catholic social teaching on immigration seeks to balance three interrelated principles – the right of persons to migrate in order to sustain their lives and those of their families; the right of a country to regulate its borders and control immigration; but also a nation’s duty to regulate its borders with justice and mercy.

“The U.S. bishops have consistently expressed solidarity with immigrants amid the fear and anxiety prompted by current immigration enforcement efforts,” said a statement issued Sept. 18 by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“The bishops have called for, and continue to press for, ‘a more humane system of immigration, one that protects our communities while safeguarding the dignity of all.’ This includes encouraging bipartisan collaboration among policymakers,” it said.

For 45 years, “the U.S. Catholic Church has celebrated National Migration Week by reflecting on its history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which the country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. It is also an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, both in the United States and beyond, and to express solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy.”

Typically, National Migration Week culminates in the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on the last Sunday in September, but this year the universal church will mark the World Day of Migrants and Refugees Oct. 4–5, to coincide with the Jubilee of Migrants.

In March, the late Pope Francis chose “Migrants, missionaries of hope” as the theme for the world day observance, linking it to the Jubilee message of hope, “underscoring a key hallmark of his pontificate and in recognition of the courage and resilience of migrants and refugees who bear daily witness to hope despite hardship,” the USCCB statement said.

In his comments for World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Leo XIV has continued to emphasize the dignity of migrants: “In a world darkened by war and injustice, even when all seems lost, migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.”

“National Migration Week invites Catholics across the country to reflect on how hope can shape and inform our collective response to migration,” the USCCB statement said. “Catholic dioceses, parishes, schools, and organizations nationwide are encouraged to mark this observance with prayer services, educational programs, community outreach, and support for migration-related ministries.

The Justice for Immigrants website offers a 2025 National Migration Week toolkit, including resources to help communities “prepare spiritually and pastorally.”

(OSV News) – Pope Leo XIV turned 70 on Sept. 14, and more than 2 million prayers and works from 72 countries around the world were offered for him for the occasion through an OSV News-organized initiative, making up one very special “spiritual birthday bouquet” of prayer, love and support.

The effort resulted in 1,005,687 rosaries, 6,520 remembrances at Mass, 2,485 Chaplets of Divine Mercy, 1,777 Eucharistic Holy Hours, 693 novenas, 644 recitations of the Divine Office, and 1,000,866 acts of mercy or other prayers for the pope, for a total of 2,018,672 offerings.

In addition, the “Pizza and Prayer” spiritual bouquet encouraged participants, when possible, to pray together and then raise a slice of pizza in his honor, one of the Chicago native’s favorite treats.

OSV News was joined in partnership by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; the Pontifical Mission Societies, USA; Relevant Radio; Hallow; the National Eucharistic Revival; the Daughters of St. Paul; Sing the Hours; Pray More Novenas; the Daily Nothings; and more to help spread the word.

The name of every person, group or family that participated in this spiritual bouquet was included on the card OSV News sent to the Vatican — making it a truly universal gift. The majority of the prayers were submitted from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Australia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

“In a world where so much is tearing us apart, it was gratifying to work on a project where people could come together, united in prayer for Pope Leo on this milestone birthday — his first as pope,” said Gretchen R. Crowe, editor-in-chief of OSV News. “We are honored to be able to present this to him.”

Organizations and influencers throughout the Catholic world participated, with New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan giving a video endorsement that went viral, encouraging participation.

Playing another key role was the USCCB, whose communications department informed and encouraged dioceses throughout the country to join in. Those dioceses, in return, encouraged the local faithful to participate. As a result, numerous dioceses, churches, schools and families pledged prayers, along with many religious sisters and brothers, priests and deacons. The Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, added 1,000,000 works of mercy, a Jubilee Year initiative, into the bouquet.

Many groups posted videos or photos to social media of their efforts. Students from the Catholic campus ministry program at Indiana University in Bloomington shared a video greeting of more than 220 eating pizza in honor of the pope. Bishop William Byrne of Springfield, Massachusetts, prayed for Pope Leo and sent greetings from a local correctional facility, where two inmates had recently been confirmed — both with the patron “Leo.”

“I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to collect such a beautiful and large bouquet for the Holy Father’s birthday,” said Megan Marley, OSV News digital editor, whose idea first prompted the spiritual bouquet. “Thank you to everyone who helped surround him in prayer.”

HARRISBURG, Pa. (OSV News) – Bishop Timothy C. Senior of Harrisburg said he was “deeply saddened” by a shooting in rural Pennsylvania that claimed the lives of three police officers and injured two others.

York County law enforcement officials were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to a man at a farm in North Codorus Township Sept. 17 when the man opened fire before being shot by an officer, officials said.

“At this difficult time, I entrust all those impacted to the loving care of our Lord,” Bishop Senior said in a Sept. 18 statement. “We recognize and honor the bravery and selflessness of law enforcement officers, who daily put their lives on the line to protect others. Their courage reflects the highest ideals of service and sacrifice.”

“As a community, I call on all people of good will to join me in praying for healing for the two injured officers, and comfort for the families of the three officers killed,” he added. “May Christ, the Prince of Peace, bring comfort to those who suffer and guide our community to healing and unity.”

In a statement, the Northern York County Regional Police Department said, “We ask our community to keep these officers, their families, and their colleagues in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief.”

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro told reporters Sept. 17, “Our Commonwealth owes a debt of gratitude to our law enforcement officers and the three who sacrificed their lives today to keep us safe.”

Shapiro ordered U.S. and Pennsylvania flags “on all public buildings across the Commonwealth to be lowered to half staff in their memory,” he added.

The Diocese of Harrisburg said Bishop Senior was scheduled to celebrate a vigil for the fallen officers and the community Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Holy Infant Church in Manchester.

Dear Friends,

“Life: Our Sign of Hope!”

For over five decades, the Catholic Church in the United States has dedicated the month of October as a special season to promote a culture of life throughout our land. This year’s theme is linked to the great Jubilee Year of Hope and emphasizes the belief that every human life is a precious gift from God, especially the most vulnerable. It encourages us to promote and defend life, recognizing it as a sign of God’s promise and love.

Despite the hope that was generated with the overturning of Roe v. Wade three years ago, the challenge to protect human life has not diminished. It has merely shifted from being a national issue to a state issue. Sadly, because our world is so often hostile to the truth of the Gospel of Life that we embrace, proclaiming the sanctity of human life can be challenging at best. In many arenas, defense of unborn lives, the lives of those who are disabled or dying, or the lives of any vulnerable human population is met with resistance. Proclaiming the Church’s teaching on topics like abortion, assisted suicide, and the death penalty can provoke challenging and emotional responses from those who disagree. And often, we may find ourselves afraid to speak up about these issues in our families, among our coworkers, or with students in our school community. We may fear disagreement, judgement, confrontation, or misunderstanding.

But as our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, encourages us, “How important it is that each and every baptized person feel himself or herself called by God to be a sign of hope in the world today.”

Brothers and sisters, we bring hope to our world whenever we lift our voices in opposition to threats to our belief in the dignity and value of the human person – from abortion to euthanasia to the death penalty, human trafficking, and unjust immigration laws. We bring hope to our world not merely through self-righteous criticisms of those whose beliefs may be different than our own – but through the respect and dignity that we afford to every person we encounter, regardless of their lifestyle, their country of origin or economic status.

In anticipation of our commemoration of this cherished month devoted to respect for human life, I invite you to join me in traveling to our state capital of Harrisburg on Monday, September 22, 2025, where we will join with thousands of faithful souls from around our Commonwealth for the annual Pennsylvania March for Life. On that day, the message of countless numbers of faithful disciples of Jesus and brothers and sisters from different faith traditions will once again proclaim the value of human life as the treasured gift of God that it is.

Shortly after his election, Pope Leo shared these words to diplomats from countries around the world: “It is the responsibility of world leaders to work to build harmonious and peaceful civil societies.” He continued, “No one is exempted from striving to ensure respect for the dignity of every person, especially the most frail and vulnerable, from the unborn to the elderly, from the sick to the unemployed, citizens and immigrants alike.”

Therein, we discover our responsibility as disciples of Jesus as well as our true and lasting hope!

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L.
Bishop of Scranton