“In the family of the Church and in society there are people from every nation and race, all are important, wonderfully made,” said Auxiliary Bishop Paul McAleenan of Westminster. “In our parishes, schools and communities true love recognizes the value of everyone and it is essential to build the Kingdom of God.”

“Let us remember that the Church flourished and still flourishes today when all people irrespective of their color or race are embraced,” he added.

In an interview with the Vatican newspaper, a Minnesota bishop offered strong criticism of the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Cardinal Zuppi, the conference’s president, made his remarks in the introduction of his January 26 address. He entitled the four sections of the address “Take care of the wounds of others,” “We open the doors of our hearts and our communities,” “Let us rekindle the passion for community,” and “Responding to the expectations of the Synodal Path”—a reference to the Italian synodal process.

Father Aaron Qureshi said that 15 or 20 students typically enter the Church there each year. Fifty-two students there entered the Church during the fall semester, with more expected to enter during the spring.

“I was in Kyiv during the winter several times,” said Cardinal Konrad Krajewski. “It is a nightmare when the city is left without power at this time of the year. It is a deadly risk for people.”

“The goal is to destroy Ukraine’s infrastructure, particularly its energy sector, and freeze Ukrainians,” added Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. “These are very obvious signs of crimes against humanity, against international law, against the rules and moral norms of warfare.”

“We have gathered here to declare that the police have no right to inflict physical or mental violence on any citizen of our country,” said Father Jude Krishantha, spokesman for the archdiocese. “We call on the president and all those who handle the law to ensure that the police do not allow such physical and mental violence against any citizen, not just a religious leader.”