WASHINGTON (OSV News) — Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who heads the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services and serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, thanked Pope Francis Feb. 11 for his support for the U.S. bishops’ work with migrants and refugees. Archbishop Broglio penned the following letter, available on the USCCB site:
Most Holy Father,
On behalf of the bishops in the United States, I have the honor to acknowledge your February 11th letter and express deep gratitude for your prayerful support. As successor to Saint Peter, you call not only every Catholic, but every Christian to what unites us in faith – offering the hope of Jesus Christ to every person, citizen and immigrant alike. In these times of fear and confusion, we must be ready to answer our Savior’s question, “what have you done for the least of these?”
We all turn to the Lord in prayer that families suffering from the sudden withdrawal of aid may find the strength to endure. With you, we pray that the U.S. government keep its prior commitments to help those in desperate need. We also turn to the People of God to ask their mercy and generosity in supporting the Catholic Relief Services national collection this Lent as well as the “on the ground” work of local Catholic Charities organizations so that the void might be filled with the efforts of all.
As we struggle to continue our care for the needy in our midst and the desire to improve the situation in those places from which immigrants come to our shores, we are ever mindful that in them we see the Face of Christ. In this Jubilee Year, may we build bridges of reconciliation, inclusion, and fraternity. Boldly I ask for your continued prayers so that we may find the courage as a nation to build a more humane system of immigration, one that protects our communities while safeguarding the dignity of all.
Renewing the expression of the profound gratitude of the Episcopal College in the United States, I willingly avail myself of the opportunity to renew to Your Holiness sentiments of deep gratitude and remain,
The Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio
Archbishop for the Military Services, USA
President, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
View the letter in PDF format on the USCCB site.