I am deeply saddened to learn of the death in the Lord of Pope John Paul II, who has been a “Holy Father” to me and to so many in so many ways. Pope John Paul II has preached the Gospel of Jesus to our world. His efforts to carry the message of the Gospel...Read More

Con profunda tristeza he recibido la noticia de la muerte en el Señor del Papa Juan Pablo Segundo, quien ha sido un “Santo Padre” para mí y para muchos, de muchas maneras. El Papa Juan Pablo Segundo ha predicado al mundo el Evangelio de Jesús. Sus esfuerzos para llevar el mensaje del Evangelio adaptado a...Read More

The presence of so many African bishops this morning evokes the memory of the days eleven years ago when the first Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Africa was held in Rome. We began on a sad note, even as the Gospel today begins on a sad note, the word that Lazarus, the...Read More

It is a joy to be again with Rabbi Jack Bemporad. In 1987, when the controversy over Chancellor Waldheim of Austria threatened the meeting planned between Pope John Paul II and Jewish leaders in the United States, Rabbi Bemporad emerged as one of those who represented the Synagogue Council of America in meetings with representatives...Read More

It is both an honor and a personal pleasure to be here with my colleagues in the Interreligious Initiative for Peace in the Middle East. We believe in the same one God and know that God calls us to find the common path to a just peace in the land we all call “Holy.” In...Read More

Dear Friends in Christ, Warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas! The scripture readings for this wondrous week remind us that it is God who took the first step, coming down to earth in fulfillment of ancient promises to save us from our sinfulness. And now God seeks to be close to us, to strengthen us,...Read More

I bring to this topic a sense of humility – it is so complex and important. I also bring a sense of gratitude. I live in the state of Maryland—the first place in the English-speaking world enacting religious freedom. It was a beacon of hope to many in the faith and helped prepare the way...Read More

In the United States, the freedom to choose one’s religion has long been taken for granted. In my home state of Maryland, the earliest American colonists sought refuge from the religious persecution they suffered in neighboring colonies. We have enjoyed the fundamental right to believe as they wish, with no interference from the government and...Read More