U.S.
Labor Day a call to build communion, equity, says Abp. Fabre
WASHINGTON — This year’s Sept. 7 observance of Labor Day underscores Pope Leo XIV’s call to be “builders of communion” while safeguarding human dignity, as artificial intelligence “reshapes our economy and our work,” said Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre of Louisville, Kentucky. The archbishop reflected on labor and work in a Sept. 1 statement, speaking as chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. Labor Day “is an opportunity to celebrate workers and honor the dignity of work,” Archbishop Fabre said. He stressed that “work is more than a way to make a living,” but rather — as Catholic teaching affirms — “a form of participation in God’s creation.” Drawing on several data sources, the archbishop pointed to inequities and fears impacting low-wage workers, the majority of whom are persons of color, and young people in particular. AI has compounded those fears, even impacting outlooks on the affordability of raising children, he said. Citing the teachings of Pope Leo XIV and Pope Leo XIII, Archbishop Fabre affirmed the Church’s commitment to ensuring that “innovation and development is for the benefit of all, not just a few, and that each person can contribute to the Kingdom of God through their work.” (OSV News)
Judge temporarily blocks Illinois assisted suicide law
CHICAGO — U.S. District Court Judge Franklin Valderrama on Aug. 21 placed a temporary restraining order on Illinois’ End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act for specific individuals. The law is set to take effect Sept. 12. The order applies to “Catholic healthcare entities” under the authority of Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, four Catholic doctors and Lutheran Care Center, a nursing home in south-central Illinois. (Two Catholic hospital systems, the Hospital Sisters Health System and OSF Healthcare’s Springfield campus, are both in the diocese). The Thomas More Society, which is representing the plaintiffs, is a Catholic-run public interest law firm based in Chicago. In an Aug. 24 news release, Peter Breen, executive vice president and head of litigation at Thomas More Society, said, “This is a critical first victory for these faithful doctors, for Bishop Paprocki’s Catholic hospitals, and for the Lutheran Care Center.” Valderrama said his order is in place pending the result of two cases under appeal in the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. (OSV News)
Catholics across Honolulu Diocese rally after devastating hurricane
NAALEHU, Hawaii — In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Lala, a Hawaii parish pastor emphasized there’s a long journey ahead “for repair and healing” but he has faith in the community’s resilience. “We, as a people of God, will show the witness to the people in this community,” said Father William “Pila” Tulua, pastor of the two parishes southernmost on Hawaii Island, Sacred Heart Church in Naalehu and Holy Rosary Church in Pahala. “We have been blessed. We’re still hurting, but it’s going to be OK.” Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island, experienced the strongest impact from Lala. Roads and bridges were washed away, homes were flooded and families displaced, and residents faced shortages of potable water and electricity. But other islands also were significantly affected by the Aug. 15-17 storm. More than 25% of utility customers lost power statewide, with 65% losing power on Hawaii Island alone. (OSV News)
WORLD
‘This war must end,’ Abp. Gallagher tells Russian authorities in Moscow
MOSCOW — Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, Vatican secretary for relations with states, used a visit to Moscow to press for an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine, urging negotiations backed by the international community. Speaking alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Aug. 25, Archbishop Gallagher said the Holy See’s position “remains clear: The conflict cannot be resolved by military means,” he said. “It is essential to create the conditions for a serious political and diplomatic process.” The meeting marked Archbishop Gallagher’s first talks with Lavrov in five years during his four-day visit to Russia. After more than an hour of private discussions, Archbishop Gallagher described the exchange as “constructive” and emphasized the importance of keeping communication open despite deep international tensions. “Let us be clear: This war must end,” Archbishop Gallagher said. He said both sides agreed on the need to protect civilians, maintain channels of communication and cooperate on humanitarian concerns. Archbishop Gallagher also reiterated Pope Leo XIV’s call for an end to hostilities and the start of “authentic negotiations.” Lavrov called the talks “comprehensive” and “substantive,” while saying Vatican-Russian relations remain “trusting, friendly and pragmatic.” (OSV News)
Prayer, social justice are inseparable, pope tells the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV met with a U.S. delegation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul on Friday, urging members to live out their faith through direct service to the poor. Speaking to the American delegation at the Vatican, the pope emphasized that prayer and social justice are inseparable. He thanked the more than 90,000 Vincentian volunteers across the United States for their dedicated work with marginalized communities, noting that charitable action rooted in love opens the giver’s heart to God’s grace. Pope Leo encouraged the group to look to their 17th-century patron, St. Vincent de Paul, for continuous inspiration. He reminded the volunteers that selfless service not only aids those in need, but also helps believers recognize Christ in their neighbors and coworkers every day. “Dear friends, I urge you, then, always to give of yourselves,” Pope Leo said. “In this way, the Lord’s grace will steadily purify your hearts and minds, and you will more readily recognize Christ in your neighbor, both in those you serve and in those with whom you work.” (OSV News)
