Overview
- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved the statement 216–5–3 at its Baltimore plenary, invoking its first Special Message since 2013.
- The message cites a climate of fear, reports of blocked pastoral care for detainees, poor detention conditions, and threats to the sanctity of churches, hospitals and schools.
- The conference launched a nationwide initiative, You Are Not Alone, to coordinate emergency aid, pastoral support, public solidarity and advocacy for immigration reform.
- Although it does not name President Trump, the statement rebukes current enforcement and mass deportations, while a White House spokesperson defended the administration’s approach.
- Pope Leo XIV’s public prodding for a united response and months of diocesan outreach shaped the bishops’ near-unanimous stance.