Iowa Catholic Conference Newsletter, June 22, 2023

Pope: humanity cries out for peace

“Alarming news continues to arrive from the Middle East, especially from Iran,” said Pope Leo at the Angelus address yesterday. Vatican News reports that the Holy Father’s words came just hours after U.S. bombers struck nuclear sites in Iran, as Israel and Iran carry out strikes on each other’s territory.

“In this dramatic scenario, which includes Israel and Palestine,” continued the Pope, “the daily suffering of the population - especially in Gaza and other territories - risks being forgotten, even as the need for adequate humanitarian aid becomes ever more urgent. Today more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace.”

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), said “With all men and women of good will, we beg Almighty God to end the proliferation of acts of war and to inspire dialogue before more innocent people are harmed.  My heart goes out to all victims and also to those whose lives are in danger.  Let us beg the Prince of Peace for an end to hostilities.”

USCCB addresses immigration enforcement

Earlier this month, Archbishop Broglio addressed the surge in immigration enforcement, saying “As your shepherds, your fear echoes in our hearts and we make your pain our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to stand with you in this challenging hour.”

He offered a reflection on behalf of the bishops of the United States and acknowledged that while law enforcement actions to preserve order and ensure community security are necessary for the common good, we cannot turn a deaf ear to the anxiety and fear in communities.

Senate continues work on reconciliation bill

A few days ago, Pope Leo spoke to a group of legislators gathered for the Jubilee of Governments in Rome and called politics the “highest form of charity.” He continued, “If we consider the service that political life renders to society and to the common good, it can truly be seen as an act of Christian love, which is never simply a theory, but always a concrete sign and witness of God’s constant concern for the good of our human family."

One way you can live out the pope’s reflection is to contact Senators Ernst and Grassley on several issues of interest as the U.S. Senate continues work on the reconciliation bill. You can personalize messages to Senators Ernst and Grassley here.

Iowa March for Life held at State Capitol

Nearly 200 people participated in the Iowa March for Life on Saturday with a rally in the State Capitol and a walk to the Iowa Supreme Court building. Thanks to Father Nick Stark of Carlisle for providing the opening prayer, and to Sarah Hurm for her moving story on her experience with reversing a chemical abortion. It was also great to meet Jennie Lichter, the new president of the National March for Life.

U.S. Bishops’ Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection releases annual report

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2024 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

This is the twenty-second such report since 2002 when the U.S. bishops established and adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive framework of procedures to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy and establish protocols to protect children and young people.