May 21, 2026

As the Church continues through the Easter season toward Pentecost, we are reminded that resurrection hope is not passive optimism but a call to renewed missoinary discipleship. The risen Christ sends his disciples forth to proclaim peace, accompany the vulnerable, and help heal a creation groaning under the weight of war, displacement, poverty, and ecological crisis. As many communities also celebrate graduations, transitions, ordinations, and the approaching summer season, may this time renew our commitment to become witnesses of hope through advocacy, solidarity, and faithful care for our common home.

Webinar Explores Franciscan Eco-Spirituality and Integral Ecology

An upcoming webinar on Franciscan eco-spirituality invites participants to reflect on the connections between contemplation, simplicity, and care for creation. Inspired by the witness of St. Francis of Assisi, the program will explore how ecological conversion is both a spiritual and communal practice grounded in relationship with God, neighbor, and Earth. The webinar offers an opportunity for JPIC ministers, educators, and faith communities to deepen their understanding of integral ecology through a Franciscan lens.

Sign up for the webinar here.

CLINIC Releases Parish Toolkit to Support Immigrant Communities

The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) released a new parish toolkit designed to help Catholic communities accompany migrants and refugees with practical support. The resource offers guidance for parish leaders seeking to respond pastorally to the needs of migrant families as well as general guidance on the rights of parishes and migrants. This resource reflects CLINIC's continuing efforts to provide practical resources for Catholic communities in the area of migration.

The toolkit can be found here.

Communities Continue Laudato Si' Initiatives During Laudato Si' Week and Beyond

Catholic environmental ministries continue organizing educational events, parish actions, and ecological commitments flowing from Laudato Si’ Week observances in May. Across dioceses and religious communities, organizers are connecting climate justice with advocacy for vulnerable communities disproportionately impacted by environmental degradation. Many initiatives emphasize sustainable lifestyles, public policy advocacy, and prayer rooted in integral ecology. These efforts continue to strengthen global Catholic collaboration for care of creation. 

More resources here.

Catholic Climate Covenant Celebrates 20 Years of Faithful Climate Advocacy

Catholic Climate Covenant marked its 20th anniversary by celebrating two decades of mobilizing Catholics to care for creation through education, advocacy, and parish engagement. The livestream event reflected on the Covenant’s role in helping Catholic communities connect ecological justice with Catholic social teaching and the moral urgency of the climate crisis. Speakers highlighted the growing movement of dioceses, schools, and religious communities embracing sustainability and environmental action as expressions of discipleship.  

View the celebration video here.

Pope Leo XIV Praises Illinois for Ending the Death Penalty

Catholic Mobilizing Network highlighted remarks from Pope Leo XIV affirming Illinois’ abolition of the death penalty as a powerful witness to the dignity of human life. The pope connected opposition to capital punishment with the Church’s broader call to restorative justice, mercy, and reconciliation. His comments continue the trajectory established by Pope Francis, emphasizing that every person retains God-given dignity regardless of wrongdoing. The reflection encourages Catholics to deepen advocacy efforts aimed at ending capital punishment worldwide and promoting systems rooted in healing rather than retribution.

View the video of Pope Leo's remarks here.

Pope Leo XIV Denounces Dehumanizing Treatment of Migrants

Speaking after his pastoral visit to Africa, Pope Leo XIV strongly criticized the treatment of migrants and refugees around the world, warning that many are treated “worse than house pets or animals.” The pope called on wealthier nations to address the root causes of migration, including poverty, violence, and economic exploitation, while insisting that migrants must always be treated with dignity and compassion. His remarks reinforce the Church’s longstanding defense of migrants and refugees as a core expression of Catholic social teaching and human solidarity. At a moment of increasing anti-immigrant rhetoric globally, Pope Leo’s words offer a clear moral challenge to the international community and to the Church itself.

Read more here.

Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns Highlights Gospel Nonviolence in Response to Iran War

The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns released a reflection challenging public narratives surrounding the conflict with Iran. The article argues that Catholic teaching on peace should include discussion of nonviolence and active peacemaking in addition to discussions of "just war." The editorial draws on magisterial teaching, especially from the popes, to argue that, practically speaking, Catholics most of the time ought to be advocating for peace.

Read more here.

Contact CMSM JPIC

Dr. David Rohrer Budiash, Director of Programs & Managing Editor, Review for Religious

Visit us online: cmsm.org/justiceandpeace