U.S.
ICE mass detention centers ‘challenge the conscience,’ says Bishop Cahill
WASHINGTON — Bishop Brendan J. Cahill of Victoria, Texas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, is sounding the alarm as the Trump administration seeks to double federal immigration detention capacity as part of its sweeping crackdown on immigration. “The thought of holding thousands of families in massive warehouses should challenge the conscience of every American,” Bishop Cahill said in a Feb. 20 statement released by the USCCB. “Whatever their immigration status, these are human beings created in the image and likeness of God, and this is a moral inflection point for our country.” The New York Times, citing internal Department of Homeland Security documents it had obtained, reported Feb. 18 that the administration is seeking to purchase some 20 warehouses for the detentions, with the goal of 92,600 total beds — a “necessary downstream requirement” after a “surge hiring effort” that added 12,000 officers, ICE said. The cost will total more than $38 billion. The statement released by the USCCB drew particular attention to eight “mega centers” that would be each “capable of detaining 7,000 to 10,000 people.” Bishop Cahill implored the administration and Congress “to lead with right reason, abandon this misuse of taxpayer funds, and to instead pursue a more just approach to immigration enforcement that truly respects human dignity, the sanctity of families, and religious liberty.” (OSV News)
Find comfort, strength in Eucharist, pope tells attendees at LA Religious Education Congress
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The 2026 LA Religious Education Congress kicked off Feb. 20 with an emphasis on the healing power of mercy and self-forgiveness — and a special message from Pope Leo XIV — as the annual gathering marked its 70th year. This year’s theme — “Wrapped in Mercy, Hope Renewed!” — inspired the liturgy, song, dance and reflection inside the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. The pope said he hoped that “these days of prayer, formation and fellowship” would “provide an opportunity for true spiritual renewal” and he encouraged the young people present “to open their hearts to the love of God.” The pope prayed that congressgoers might “discover Jesus’ eucharistic presence as an unfailing source of comfort and strength in all of life’s circumstances.” According to organizers, 48 states and several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Japan, Spain and the United Kingdom, were represented among this year’s attendees. The opening ceremony, marked by a cultural fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Korean elements inspired by the Feb. 17 kickoff of the Lunar New Year, launched the adult formation workshops taking place through Feb. 22. Some 8,000 middle- and high-schoolers participated in RECongress’ annual Youth Day Feb. 19, featuring Mass, prayer opportunities and a lineup of Catholic speakers. (OSV News)
Diocese of Camden, N.J., reaches $180 million abuse settlement
CAMDEN, N.J. — The Diocese of Camden has announced plans to resolve more than 300 abuse claims with a $180 million settlement. “For the survivors of South Jersey, this day is long overdue and represents a milestone in their journey toward restored justice and the healing and recognition they have long sought and deserve,” Bishop Joseph A. Williams said in a Feb. 17 statement to the faithful. The funds — set to come from the diocese, its parishes and various insurers — would be “made available to resolve all claims of abuse upon approval” by the bankruptcy court, he said. In his letter — which was posted to the diocesan website in both English and Spanish — Bishop Williams thanked “each one of those survivors,” saying that “without your bravery and persistence, this new day would not have dawned.” He added, “You are living witnesses of the truth that where sin abounds grace abounds even more! I believe that as more of the faithful of South Jersey hear your stories, you will become prophets of a stronger and more transparent Church.” (OSV News)
WORLD
Miami clergy, staff accompany aid to Cuba for ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa
MIAMI — Representatives and clergy of the Archdiocese of Miami recently accompanied a series of ongoing humanitarian relief shipments to Cuba following last year’s Hurricane Melissa. The new airlifts of foodstuffs and hygiene supplies were approved by the U.S. and Cuban governments this year and amount to some $3 million in aid to mostly eastern Cuban communities impacted by the Category 5 hurricane in 2025. It made landfall Oct. 28 in Jamaica before passing over the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. Cuba’s weakening economic situation prompted action from a small group of donors through Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami. These efforts were extended in 2026 through a $3 million governmental partnership with Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. Church’s overseas relief and development agency. The partnership marks a return of the Baltimore-based agency to Cuba for the first time in a decade. Santiago in the eastern part of Cuba is where the hurricane had the greatest impact. (OSV News)
St. Francis’ relics open to public for first extended veneration in 800 years
ASSISI, Italy — For the first time in 800 years, the mortal remains of St. Francis of Assisi are on extended public display. The monthlong veneration, drawing some 370,000 registered pilgrims to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, marks the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death in 1226 and runs through March 22. Pilgrims from around the world lined up on Feb. 22 for the first day of public veneration to pray before the bones of “the Little Poor Man of Assisi.” “St. Francis is by far the most important saint in my life. He’s shown up for me in so many ways and so many dark moments,” Heather Martin, an American living in Assisi, said. “This experience to be able to go and physically see his physical form has been utterly life-changing.” Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime called the exposition “an event of extraordinary grace.” (OSV News)
