WASHINGTON – Catholics across the country are encouraged to observe a nationwide prayer vigil from Thursday, January 21 to Friday, January 22, 2027, to pray for an end to abortion and a greater respect for all human life.The National Prayer Vigil for Life is hosted each January by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Pro-Life Secretariat, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., and the Catholic University of America’s Office of Campus Ministry. The vigil has always taken place on the eve of the March for Life, which marks the date of the historic 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.The Opening Mass will take place in the Great Upper Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. at 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 21. The principal celebrant and homilist for the Opening Mass will be Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities.Follow

WASHINGTON - As world leaders gather for the 31st annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), the bishops who chair committees of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that address climate policy were joined by the president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to call on world leaders to decisively act to protect life on our common home.Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, and Mr. Sean Callahan’s statement follows:“As leaders gather at COP31, we recognize the need for decisive action that will protect and promote human flourishing and our common home. The global Church continues to witness the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor. We accompany those most impacted by a changing climate and the resulting extreme weather, rising seas, and biodiversity loss. Young people in particular are leading this response, demanding climate justice for their generation and generations to come. Their witness is our hope: proof that our faith