The report issued today is unprecedented and a watershed moment as it pulls back the curtain on a culture of clericalism that has separated the clergy from the people they have been ordained to serve. While the report makes for painful reading, it is fearless in admitting the failures of church leaders. The report is another example of Pope Francis’ commitment to responsibility, accountability and transparency to victim-survivors and all others who have been harmed by the sexual abuse of minors and other misconduct by the clergy and bishops of the Catholic Church.

As we now have the results of the election, it is good to remember that our strength in America lies in our unity. We commend all who had the courage to compete in the electoral process and participate in our democracy.

We join Pope Francis and all people of good will in praying for the victims of this latest attack in a place of worship. Whether such violence occurs in a mosque, synagogue, temple or church, in the United States or elsewhere in the world, it is an attack on everyone who seeks peace and closeness with our Creator.

Dear Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish and School Family, It is with great difficulty that I write to share news about your pastor emeritus, Father Daniel McCarthy. I have asked Father McCarthy to step aside from ministry following receipt this week by the Archdiocese of Chicago's Archdiocesan Office for Child Abuse Investigations and Review of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor approximately 50 years ago while he was assigned to Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago. I have asked that Father McCarthy live away from the parish while the matter is investigated.

“Fratelli tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship” is destined to be a defining document and body of teaching for the pontificate of Pope Francis. With this powerful encyclical letter, addressed to all people of goodwill, the Holy Father again reminds us why he is considered a preeminent moral teacher — and in an extraordinarily critical and fraught moment in human history.

On this Day of Mourning, we join as brothers in Christ to decry the conversion of the Hagia Sophia by the government of Turkey.

The past nights I have watched in great personal pain as the pent-up anger of our people caught fire across our country. I saw the city where I was born, the cities where I have lived, the city I pastor now, catch embers from the city where I was educated and burn. Was I horrified at the violence? Yes. But was I surprised? No.

The attached decree was issued by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, to dispense Catholics from Easter obligations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Catholics are obligated to receive Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Confession during the Easter season which runs from Easter Sunday to the feast of the Ascension of the Lord.

Together with the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago and all people of good will, I mourn and pray for the victims of the horrific stabbings at the home of a Jewish family during a Hanukkah celebration Saturday night in Monsey, NY.

Dear Parishioners of Nativity of Our Lord and St. Gabriel Parish, In July, I informed you of an accusation of sexual abuse against your former pastor, Father William McFarlane. In keeping with our procedures, he was asked to step aside from active ministry until a thorough investigation and process could be completed. He has fully cooperated with civil authorities and the Archdiocese of Chicago during those investigations.