Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) held its Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, where the bishops issued a Special Message on November 12 regarding immigration. Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois was among those who spoke in support of the message during the session. This marked the first time since 2013 that the USCCB used this type of urgent statement.

According to conference rules, a “Special Message” can only be issued at plenary assemblies and must receive approval from two-thirds of members present and voting. The message was overwhelmingly approved, followed by applause from those attending.

The bishops’ Special Pastoral Message stated:

“As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones.

Despite obstacles and prejudices, generations of immigrants have made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation. We as Catholic bishops love our country and pray for its peace and prosperity. For this very reason, we feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.

exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together.

We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good. Without such processes, immigrants face the risk of trafficking and other forms of exploitation. Safe and legal pathways serve as an antidote to such risks.

The Church’s teaching rests on the foundational concern for the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As pastors, we look to Sacred Scripture and the example of the Lord Himself, where we find the wisdom of God’s compassion. The priority of the Lord, as the Prophets remind us, is for those who are most vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10). In the Lord Jesus, we see the One who became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9), we see the Good Samaritan who lifts us from the dust (Luke 10:30–37), and we see the One who is found in the least of these (Matthew 25). The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34).

To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since, when one member suffers, all suffer (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). You are not alone!

We note with gratitude that so many of our clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful already in meeting their basic human needs. We urge all people of good will to continue and expand such efforts.

We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide the leaders of our nation, and we are grateful for past and present opportunities to dialogue with public and elected officials. In this dialogue, we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform.

As disciples of the Lord, we remain , and hope does not disappoint (cf. Romans 5:5). May the mantle of Our Lady of Guadalupe enfold us all in her maternal and loving care and draw us ever closer to the heart of Christ.”

During this assembly, plans were also approved for another major event —the National Eucharistic Congress— which will take place during summer 2029 as part continuation from previous congresses like that held in Indianapolis in 2024 attended by about 65,000 participants including many from Springfield’s diocese; three cities remain under consideration as host location with a decision expected next spring.

Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens said: “The Eucharistic Revival was a great gift to our country from The Holy Spirit.” Jason Shanks added that approval “is a recognition of all the work the Lord has done over this revival.” He continued,“We’re excited about it.We’re already planning for growth—not only in numbers,but programming space and things.” Bishop Cozzens noted work continues on selecting a theme:“I know it will be a beautiful experience of the power of the Holy Spirit.I hope everybody comes.”

Additionally,the bishops voted on consecrating United States to Sacred Heart of Jesus coinciding with nation’s 250th anniversary.Bishop Kevin Rhoades described it as an opportunity “to serve our nation by perfecting temporal order with spirit of Gospel.”This act,long promoted by popes,is likely scheduled June 26th2026,during Orlando meeting.Resources including prayers,catechetical materials,and multilingual content will be released ahead,to help Catholics prepare.