Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, head of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, recently discussed a range of topics in a question-and-answer session with Dennis Kellogg of the Southern Nebraska Register. The topics included the unique challenges and opportunities he faces as the archbishop for military services in the United States, his thoughts on international conflicts, and his relationship with the current U.S. and Vatican leadership.

Archbishop Broglio, who serves a global constituency of military personnel, highlighted the distinctiveness of his flock: "The opportunities are many in the sense that people are enthusiastic. They’re already geared, in a certain sense, to a higher goal, so that certainly makes talking about faith very, very direct."

He emphasized the Church's role as a platform for dialogue in international conflicts, such as the ongoing situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. "I think the Church can always be a place where adversaries can meet and at least talk," Broglio said.

The archbishop described the relations between the U.S. Church and the Vatican as "good," despite some differences of opinion. On the Trump administration, Broglio noted an easier working relationship than with the previous leadership, particularly regarding issues like the right to life and freedom of conscience. On immigration, Broglio expressed the need for reform, emphasizing, "We all want legal immigration, and we all want a reform of the immigration system, which, at present doesn’t work."

Discussing President Biden's stance on abortion, Broglio referred to the challenge posed by differences in views, stating, "It was very, very difficult for me to understand how he could take some of the positions that he did."

Programs like "Walking with Moms in Need," now in its fifth year, and the ongoing Eucharistic Revival were described as crucial ongoing efforts. "We’re still in the third year of the revival, and so I think it’s an ongoing process," Broglio said.

Broglio shared insights into his longstanding friendship with Bishop James Conley and the healthy state of the Diocese of Lincoln. He praised the camaraderie and spiritual vitality he observed there.

Exploring the broader future of the Church, he expressed concern about the need for formation among Catholics but found hope in the younger generation, describing them as "a fantastic generation."

When asked about his view on Lent, Broglio emphasized the "three pillars of Lent: prayer, sacrifice, and charity." He concluded with a hopeful message echoing Saint John XXIII: "In the end, the Church belongs to Jesus Christ."

In an additional note, Broglio endorsed the LIFE Runners organization: "The Church is always spread by the witness of her members."