From the Social Concerns Ministry Regarding "Special Message" on Immigration

From the Social Concerns Ministry.

U.S. Bishops Issue a “Special Message” on Immigration from Plenary Assembly in Baltimore

On November 12, 2025, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. In a vote of 216 votes in favor, 5 votes against, and 3 abstentions, the bishops overwhelmingly approved the Special Message, with sustained applause of the body following the vote.

This message begins: “As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones. 

Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.”

For the full text of this message, please go to the USCCB website (www.usccb.org). Please read this message and pray with the bishops for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement.