May 22, 2025

In his short time as Pope, Leo XIV has already made strong statements on peace, justice, and care of creation. This comes as no surprise, as he chose his name based on the legacy of Leo XIII, the pope who inaugurated modern Catholic Social Teaching and helped shepherd the church through an era of significant change and social tumult. May Leo XIV lead the church with the same grace and intelligence as his predecessor, helping the Church to evangelize the world through its work of peace, justice, and care of creation.

CMSM has a compilation of JPIC resources available for JPIC coordinators or leaders of communities in the Member Content area of our website. If you are interested in gaining access to these resources, please email David Rohrer Budiash (drohrerbudiash@cmsm.org) for instructions on how to sign up.

Letter to Congress on the Religious Workforce Protection Act

On April 10, 2025, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sent a letter to Congress expressing strong support for the bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act (RWPA). The RWPA proposes allowing R-1 visa holders who have applied for permanent residency to remain in the U.S. in their current nonimmigrant status for renewable three-year periods until they receive their green cards. This measure would prevent disruptions in their ministries and services, which are vital to many communities, including rural and immigrant populations. A coalition of religious organizations, including CMSM, has endorsed the RWPA.

Read the full letter here. 

Bishops Thomas and Barron Applaud Move to Defund Abortion and “Gender Transition” Industries, Call for Authentic Health Care

Bishops Daniel E. Thomas and Robert E. Barron commended congressional efforts to defund abortion and gender transition services, particularly those provided by Planned Parenthood. They argued that taxpayer dollars should not support procedures that harm human dignity, such as abortion and gender-affirming treatments for minors. The bishops called for reallocating funds toward life-affirming healthcare that supports vulnerable women and children. They also urged Congress to protect programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and the Child Tax Credit to assist families in need.

Read more here. 

Protecting Pregnant Mothers and their Children Can Never be Considered “Obsolete”

Bishops Mark J. Seitz and Daniel E. Thomas criticized the current Administration's decision to rescind U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidance that ensured basic care for pregnant and postpartum women and their newborns in custody. The rescinded policy had mandated provisions like food, water, formula, safe sleeping conditions, and regular monitoring. The bishops emphasized that safeguarding pregnant mothers and their children is never "obsolete" and urged the Administration to reinstate protections for this vulnerable group.

Read more here. 

U.S. Bishops and Augustinians welcome Pope Leo XIV

On May 8, 2025, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released a statement regarding the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, as the 267th pope. Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, USCCB president, praised Pope Leo's international experience and early emphasis on peace, unity, and missionary outreach. The bishops expressed hope that his leadership would inspire faith and bring hope to Catholics worldwide. At the same time, the current Provincial of the Augustinian province Pope Leo previously belonged to was interviewed by Vatican News, commenting on the new Pope’s Augustinian roots and welcoming his election.

Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate officially begins with a resounding call for unity and peace

Speaking to over 200,000 pilgrims and 200 dignitaries at his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV conveyed humility and gratitude, aware of the great responsibility entrusted to him. He expressed a strong desire for a “united Church” that acts as a catalyst for a reconciled world.

His homily focused on themes of unity, love, and service. Emphasizing the need for “harmony,” he highlighted the Gospel message where Jesus called Peter and the Apostles to be “fishers of men,” bringing the “hope of the Gospel” to the world’s “waters” so everyone can feel God’s embrace.

Read more here. 

CRS rallies advocates, lawmakers against proposed long-term cuts to foreign aid

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is mobilizing advocates and lawmakers against proposed long-term cuts to U.S. foreign aid under the Trump administration's "America First" policy. During a national online meeting on May 17, CRS highlighted that 69 programs across over 30 countries have already been terminated due to previous cuts. The administration's proposed cuts could cancel previously appropriated funds and reduce future budgets for humanitarian and development assistance. CRS officials are urging Congress to reject the rescissions and maintain funding for international aid programs.

Read more here. 

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform unveils new website

The Laudato Si’ Action Platform was created as an invitation to communities around the world to begin or deepen their journey of ecological conversion. Since its inception, individuals and institutions alike have joined this mission. Recently,the LSAP website has been updated to be more intuitive.

Read more here.

Laudato Si’ at 10: A Time to Celebrate, A Time to Commit

• Thursday, May 29 at 7:00 pm ET
• Register here.

Franciscan Action Network Annual Benefit Program - I Was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me: A Century of Franciscan Solidarity with Migrants

• Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 pm ET
• Register here.



2025 Franciscan Justice Leadership Conference: Love in Action

• October 18-20, 2025, in Washington, DC
• More information is available here.

Contact CMSM JPIC

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

Visit us online: cmsm.org/justiceandpeace