U.S.
US bishops’ president urges Catholics ‘to put their faith before politics’ in November elections
WASHINGTON — Ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement Oct. 14 reminding the faithful that “For citizens in a representative democracy such as our own, participation in public life — including voting — is both a right and a responsibility.” Archbishop Coakley of Oklahoma City said, “In a time of deep political division, the temptation is to be discouraged and to not participate in the election process. But discouragement is not a Christian virtue.” The midterm elections will determine the balance of power in Congress, as well as governors’ mansions and state legislatures across the country. Archbishop Coakley said that as Catholics exercise their civic duty, “it is important to ensure that citizens not face unnecessary delays or complications in registering or exercising their right to vote.” “Together, we can contribute to the common good of our nation as faithful citizens by supporting free and fair elections,” he said. He also asked Catholics “to put their faith before politics.” (OSV News)
Trump calls off plan to livestream execution
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Oct. 15 called off Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s plans to livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan by firing squad in December. The plan was met with widespread condemnation, including from U.S. bishops. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, denounced the plan as “a barbaric promotion of a culture of death” that “must be reconsidered.” In a post on his social media website, Truth Social, Trump said that livestreaming Hasan’s execution would have been a strong deterrent for the world. He said that the execution would continue, but that it would not be livestreamed. A new poll released the same day by The Washington Post, ABC News and Ipsos found eight in 10 Americans opposed Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution, while 53% supported and 46% opposed Hasan’s execution by firing squad. (OSV News)
Trump administration extends TPS for Ukraine, Sudan, but uncertainty remains
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Oct. 18 extended protections from deportation to people from Ukraine and Sudan, allowing them to continue living legally in the U.S. for now. Temporary Protected Status grants the U.S. government the power to shield eligible migrants from deportation if they are from countries experiencing dangerous conditions such as war, disaster or other unrest. The Trump administration has sought to end TPS for several countries, notably Haiti, which is racked by extreme levels of gang violence, but it also recently granted an extension to El Salvador. In a written statement, a spokesperson for DHS confirmed the extension without sharing a rationale, stating that an announcement on each country’s TPS “will be made at the appropriate time,” and until such announcements are made, nationals of those countries “present in the U.S. under TPS retain protection.” David Spicer, director of policy and engagement for migration at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said Oct. 19 the organization “is closely monitoring the situation facing people relying on TPS without clarity on the future of their designations.” He said, “The conference continues to urge the administration to abide by the requirements of the TPS statute, to carefully consider conditions in countries of origin and the threats to human life that could come with forcibly repatriating people, and to provide meaningful notice about the future of these designations so that families, employers, and communities can plan accordingly.” (OSV News)
Oregon bishops offer prayers following school shooting
BEND, Ore. — An elementary school shooting in Bend, Oregon, left five people dead and two wounded Oct. 15, prompting the state’s Catholic bishops to offer prayers and support to grieving families. Police said a 16-year-old gunman forced his way into Silver Rail Elementary School by shooting at locked doors, killing three students ages 5, 8 and 11 and a teacher before being shot and killed by a person at the scene. A 7-year-old child and another teacher remain hospitalized with critical injuries. “We expect that our schools are safe places for our children and all who pass through their doors. When a tragedy like this occurs, it shakes us to our core,” Bishop Thomas J. Hennen of the Diocese of Baker wrote. “No family should ever have to experience such fear and heartbreak. Please know that you are not alone,” Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of Portland said. “I hold you close in prayer, and the Church stands with you in this time of sorrow.” Police said the investigation is ongoing. Community leaders planned a vigil Oct. 15, while state resources and counselors were being mobilized to support students, staff and families in the days ahead. (OSV News)
WORLD
Priest in Ecuador, 53, killed by falling crucifix during Mass
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — A Redemptorist priest in Ecuador was killed after a large crucifix fell and struck him during Mass, in a tragedy that was captured on a livestream Oct. 17. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when the crucifix tipped forward and hit him on the head. He collapsed behind the altar as shocked parishioners rushed to help. The cause of the accident remains unclear. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sánchez’s death later that day. Just minutes before the accident, Father Sánchez reflected on the importance of putting God first. “One day, all of us here will also die,” he said. “The quality time we dedicate to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our spouse, to our children, and to our family, that is time spent in the best possible way.” (OSV News)
Another priest is kidnapped amid Nigeria’s security crisis
ABUJA, Nigeria — Catholic leaders in Nigeria’s Diocese of Otukpo are appealing for prayers following the kidnapping of Father John Inalegwu Otache, pastor of St. Margaret Parish in Ajegbe-Awume. Father Otache was abducted Oct. 13 while returning home from the town of Otukpo in Benue State after reportedly encountering armed kidnappers on a local road. “It is with great sadness that we write to notify you of the kidnap of one of our priests,” diocesan chancellor Father Aboyi Itodo said in an Oct. 15 statement. Archbishop Michael Ekwoy Apochi has appealed “to all Christ’s faithful within the Diocese and people of goodwill everywhere to fervently pray for the safe and speedy release” of the priest. The diocese also said “concerted efforts are being intensified to secure his freedom.” The abduction highlights Nigeria’s ongoing kidnapping crisis. Father Otache is the second priest kidnapped from St. Margaret Parish in recent years. Father Anthony Adikwu was abducted in 2023 and later rescued. (OSV News)
