Statements

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.

The Archdiocese of Chicago rejoices in the appointment of Chicago native, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, to the College of Cardinals in the Catholic Church. His brother priests, many of whom he helped form, and the people of the archdiocese he served join in offering our heartful congratulations.

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.

In response to media and other requests, the Archdiocese of Chicago offers the following clarification regarding an event called “The National Catholic Prayer Breakfast.”

Jacob Blake and his family need and deserve our prayers. State investigators have reported that Jacob was shot seven times in the back by a police officer and his family reports that he may never walk again

The Archdiocese of Chicago created a reopening plan for its schools that places the health and safety of our students, teachers and employees above all else.

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