Habemus Papam!

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes the first American-born Pope, and he takes the name Leo XIV. Here is Archbishop Broglio's statement:

"In communion with Catholics around the world, the bishops of the United States offer prayers of thanksgiving for the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV...I rejoice in the international experience of the new Bishop of Rome who has been a student and superior in Rome, a bishop in Peru, and charged with the Dicastery for Bishops. Certainly, we rejoice that a son of this Nation has been chosen by the cardinals, but we recognize that he now belongs to all Catholics and to all people of good will. His words advocating peace, unity, and missionary activity already indicate a path forward."

New Resource Summarizes First 100 Days of the Second Trump Administration

MRS Policy and Advocacy has published an informational resource detailing the migration-related actions taken by the Administration during the first 100 days of President Trump's second term.

In Memoriam: Pope Francis

The USCCB honors Pope Francis with resources about him here and JFI provides an overview of his support of migrants here.

ICYMI – US Bishops' Statements on Migration

If you have not had a chance to read the many statements in recent months made by bishops across the United States on the issue of migration, please take an opportunity to do so on the JFI website.

Missionaries of Hope

In honor of this year's theme for the World Day of Migrants & Refugees, we will share hopeful articles and videos in each newsletter:

• A one-time migrant – now a bishop – asks Catholics: Do we have a heart? Washington Post: Once an undocumented migrant himself, Bishop Menjivar-Ayala now uses his platform to urge Catholics to reflect on their conscience and compassion towards immigrants, drawing from his personal experiences.
• Archbishop Broglio welcomes Pope Leo XIV: 'A shepherd for a troubled world', Vatican News: Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, expresses joy and gratitude following the election of Pope Leo XIV.
• The gift of a new Holy Father: Cardinal Seán O’Malley reflects on Pope Leo, "In this Jubilee Year, the Church is inviting us to be pilgrims of hope, walking together with a special compassion and love for those who are suffering and alone."
• New pope calls for Christian witness in world that finds faith 'absurd', Catholic News Service: Pope Leo XIV, in his first Mass as pope, said Christians must offer witness in a world that prefers power, pleasure and success to faith.
• Pope Leo XIV: 'Peace be with all of you', Vatican News: In Pope Leo XIV's first address, he calls for peace, unity, dialogue, and love.
• Prevost, first US pope, supported Francis and shunned spotlight, Reuters: Pope Leo XIV, a missionary in Peru, supports Pope Francis' legacy with humility and faith, values listening, bridge-building, justice, inclusion, and evangelization.
• Demonstrators pledge support for immigrant neighbors in New Bedford workers’ march, Boston Globe: More than 200 marchers protest ICE raids, support immigrant workers, denounce Trump policies, and call for unity, justice, and labor rights.

Pope Leo XIV's first speech:

Welcomer of the week:

Bishop Menjivar-Ayala of the Archdiocese of Washington DC shares he is "blessed to serve immigrants...it is like celebrating Pentecost every Sunday."

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