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What was the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ statement on immigration?

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In November 2025 the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued an urgent and rare “special pastoral message” that called for reform of the U.S. government’s immigration laws and procedures. The statement decried the separation of families, including children from parents, in sweeps by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the arrests taking place in churches, schools, and hospitals, many of which have historically provided sanctuary to migrants. The USCCB also cited the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching “to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants.” After the statement was published, Pope Leo XIV expressed support for the bishops’ message and urged Americans to listen to them.