December 23, 2024

The California Conference of Catholic Bishops released the following statement regarding President Biden’s pardoning of 37 federal death sentences:

“The Catholic bishops of California applaud President Biden’s unprecedented decision to commute sentences for 37 federal death row inmates this morning. 

“These commutations, just prior to both Christmas and the beginning of the Jubilee Year, speak to the inviolable dignity of every human person and illustrate the great need for mercy in our world. Today’s action is a courageous and vital step toward acknowledging capital punishment's harm to society and resolving faults in our criminal justice system. We continue to pray for the three remaining men on federal death row, asking that mercy be granted to them as well.

“The federal death penalty has failed to deter crime or improve public safety, risks the execution of innocent people, and runs counter to the belief in the dignity of all human life and the possibility of redemption.

“Commuting sentences, granting clemency, and ultimately repealing the death penalty are facets of hope in action that reflect our hope during this Jubilee Year. In the words of Pope Francis, ‘a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.’

“We call on Governor Newsom to follow President Biden’s leadership on this issue and grant clemency for California’s 605 death row inmates, instead sentencing them to life without the possibility of parole. California has the adequate means to defend human dignity and public safety without recourse to capital punishment.

“The Conference continues to advocate to end the use of the death penalty and the restoration of hope for every person.”

December 12, 2024

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The Lord hears the cry of the poor” (Psalm 34:7), and we, the Catholic bishops of California, as shepherds of the flock of Christ, have seen and heard the growing distress among you, our migrant brothers and sisters. We want to assure you that we, and our mother, the Church, stand with you in these days of anxiety. You are not alone. 

We realize that the calls for mass deportations and raids on undocumented individuals and migrant families have created genuine fear for so many we shepherd in our dioceses. 

Rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the sacred dignity of every person, we commit to accompanying and walking in solidarity with you, our migrant brothers, sisters, and families through this uncertain time. We will shepherd you spiritually, gather information and resources, and continue to advocate for your dignity and family unity. 

Our nation’s immigration system is broken. The disarray at our southern border cannot be allowed to continue. We pray with you that any enacted policies restore a sense of security and peace for citizens as well as those seeking to find a home in this blessed land. To achieve that end, policies must reflect empathy and solicitude, with due regard for the rights of children and those fleeing violent and impoverished countries, while ceasing to provide respite for serious offenders.

Empowering Youth to Raise Their Voices at NCYC 2024 

Samara Palko, Director of Education and Government Relations, and Molly Sheahan, Associate Director for Healthy Families, recently presented at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) held at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. The annual event welcomed thousands of youth, young adults, and chaperones from over 25 states.

The focus of their presentation, “Raising Your Voice to Make an Impact,” explored how advocacy works at the district, state, and federal levels. Palko and Sheahan highlighted California’s unique landscape as the 5th largest economy, home to 39 million people, 12 million Catholics, and more than 3,000 pieces of legislation introduced every two years.

Sheahan shared the powerful story of Malala Yousafzai, who courageously raised her voice for education and inspired global change. Through this example, the presenters underscored the importance of advocacy and engagement, connecting these efforts to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching—particularly human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity.

The session included an engaging hands-on activity led by Palko. Students worked in small groups to identify issues impacting their neighborhoods, schools, or churches. Together, they developed unified solutions and action plans and presented them to the larger group. This exercise served as a springboard for an exciting invitation: youth and young adults were encouraged to participate in Catholic Student Advocacy Day in Sacramento in April 2025, where they could meet with legislators and key staff to discuss the issues affecting their communities.

The session empowered participants to embrace their role as missionary disciples, confidently grounded in Church teachings and committed to deepening their relationship with God while positively impacting the world.

Join us for Walks for Life happening across the state, from San Diego to San Francisco. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty and dignity of every human life. 

Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and let’s walk hand in hand to celebrate the gift of life.

OneLife LA

January 18, 2024

Los Angeles, CA

onelifela.org

San Diego Walk for Life

January 18, 2025

San Diego, CA

sandiegowalkforlife.org

Walk for Life West Coast

January 25, 2025

San Francisco, CA

walkforlifewc.com

We at the California Catholic Conference thank you for your support and collaboration during 2024. We pray you have a Merry Christmas and many blessings to instill faith and hope in the coming year.  

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 

Isaiah 9:6