U.S.
U.S. bishops express ‘grave concern’ over ICE treatment of pregnant women
WASHINGTON — Two bishops who lead committees dedicated to the U.S. Catholic bishops’ efforts on pro-life and migration concerns have advised the new head of the Department of Homeland Security of their “grave concern” over the treatment of pregnant women in immigration detention. “There are increasing numbers of alarming reports of pregnant mothers not getting the medical care they need while in immigration detention, tragically resulting in miscarriage in some cases, as well as reports of nursing mothers being separated from their babies when detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” wrote Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, and Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, in an April 13 letter addressed to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. The two prelates respectively chair the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities and Committee on Migration. They urged ICE “to abide consistently” by an existing directive to avoid arresting and detaining pregnant women aside from “exceptional circumstances,” such as national security or imminent threat of harm. “No matter one’s immigration status, there is no overarching justification for separating nursing infants from their mothers or endangering the health and safety of pregnant women or their preborn babies,” they said. (OSV News)
Abortions and taxpayer funding up at Planned Parenthood, cancer screenings down
WASHINGTON — Planned Parenthood’s new 2024-2025 annual report showed an increase in abortions from the previous year’s report, while also showing an increase in government funding. At the same time, it showed a decrease in cancer screenings and prevention services. The organization’s latest annual report reflects its fiscal year as of June 30, 2025, just a few days before President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on July 4. That legislation, which enacted key items from his legislative agenda on issues including taxes and immigration, also included a provision eliminating funds to health providers who also perform abortions — but just for one year. The report showed Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, performed 434,450 abortions, an increase of over 32,200, or 8%, from the previous year’s report. Planned Parenthood reported $832 million in “Government Health Services Reimbursements &Grants,” an increase of about $39.8 million from the previous year’s report. Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood reported 389,449 total cancer screening and prevention services — such as pap tests and HPV vaccinations — a decrease from 426,268 the previous year. Tessa Cox, senior research associate at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, said in a statement that women deserve better alternatives to Planned Parenthood. (OSV News)
WORLD
Pope Leo: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ is message the world needs to hear
ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT TO ALGIERS — Pope Leo XIV said April 13 he has responded to criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump by emphasizing peace, telling journalists his message is “the message of the Gospel: Blessed are the peacemakers.” Speaking aboard the papal plane from Rome to Algiers, the pope said he saw Trump’s social media posts criticizing him as “weak on crime” and “terrible for foreign policy.” “I have no fear neither of the Trump administration nor speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,” the pope said during the flight. The pope reiterated his opposition to war, saying, “Too many people are suffering in the world today.” Archbishop Paul S. Coakley said he was “disheartened” by Trump’s remarks, adding, “Pope Leo is not his rival.” Trump’s social media tirade against Pope Leo was also compounded by a post a short time later showing a Christ-like rendering of Trump in white and red robes, laying one glowing hand on a man on a sickbed. (OSV News)
Pope Leo XIV sets stage for June consistory with letter to cardinals
ROME — In a letter to the College of Cardinals released April 14, Pope Leo XIV thanked the prelates for their participation in the January consistory, and he prepared the conversation for their next gathering June 26-27 — right before the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul. The pope thanked the cardinals for what he called “free, concrete and spiritually fruitful” discussions. The January meeting focused on synodality and Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”). He emphasized a shift from maintenance to mission, urging Church communities to be welcoming, relational and centered on proclaiming Christ. Pope Leo also highlighted the need for discernment, warning against bureaucratic excess and calling for bold pastoral leadership. (OSV News)
