U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

The Catholic Church is one of the most culturally diverse institutions in the United States and Catholic institutions and ministries need to adapt and prepare for growing diversity, said a report presented to the country’s bishops Nov. 15.

A new strategic plan adopted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Nov. 15 during its fall general assembly reflects the efforts of Pope Francis to establish a more merciful and accompanying church, said the archbishop who led the planning process.

The U.S. bishops chose to break from tradition during this year’s fall assembly by celebrating Mass at the church known as the “Mother Church” of black Catholics in Western Baltimore instead of the usual venue: Baltimore’s historic basilica.

Earlier this year, as communities faced tensions, protests and violence, following a spate of shootings and killings of black men by police, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, of Louisville, Kentucky, as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked dioceses across the country to observe a day of prayer for peace.

Aleppo, once Syria’s largest city and once known as its jewel, sits in rubble, but more tragically so do its people.

Too much of the political discourse during this election year “has demeaned women and marginalized people of faith,” the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said Oct. 14.

For over 10 years, Bishop Manz has made annual visits to dioceses across the United States to talk to migrant workers and to assess their pastoral and other needs. He makes recommendations to the local dioceses and the bishops’ conference on how the church can better minister to these often-invisible groups.

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ leaders called on Catholics to join people around the world in praying for the care of God’s creation Sept. 1, a day specially designated by Pope Francis and Orthodox leaders for prayer and action for Earth.