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U.S. Catholic bishops unite on migrant crisis after Pope Francis XIV’s urgent call

A historic gathering tests the Church’s moral compass. Can new leadership bridge faith, politics, and the plight of migrants at the border?

In this picture there is a church in the center of the image.
In this picture there is a church in the center of the image.

U.S. Catholic bishops unite on migrant crisis after Pope Francis XIV’s urgent call

More than 200 Catholic bishops from the United States have gathered in Baltimore for their annual conference. This is their first large meeting since the election of Pope Francis XIV. The Pope has called for deep reflection on the detention of migrants in the U.S., with immigration being a top priority for many bishops who describe the situation as a crisis.

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City was elected as the new president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. He will serve a three-year term in this position, with Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas, elected as vice president. The bishops face a challenging political environment, with some faithful listening more to political soundbites than their pastors' guidance.

Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, highlighted the fear experienced by immigrant brothers and sisters. The bishops support border security but express concern about innocent people suffering. They aim to balance these issues during their meeting in Vatican City, which concludes on Thursday.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, led by Archbishop Paul Coakley, will continue to address the migrant detention issue. They will reflect on Pope Francis XIV's call and work towards a balanced approach that respects both security and human dignity. Their conclusions will be crucial in guiding the faithful through these complex times.

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