U.S. Catholic Bishops Propose Immigration Prayer Service Amid Trump Administration Tensions

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops released a template for a national prayer service, “A National Prayer Service Honoring the Many Journeys that Shaped America,” as part of the United States’ 250th-anniversary observances. Created by the bishops’ Committee on Migration and the Subcommittee for Racial Justice and Reconciliation, the service offers Scripture readings, prayers, music and reflections on migrants, refugees and human-trafficking victims, and is available in English and Spanish for local adaptation.

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The service is announced while the Trump administration tightens immigration enforcement, prompting Catholic leaders to warn about family separations, detention conditions and the “vilification of immigrants.” Bishop Brendan J. Cahill urges “just immigration policies” that safeguard human dignity, family unity and religious liberty. Pope Leo, identified as the pontiff, condemned U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran as “absurd and inhuman.” President Donald Trump rebuked the Pope as “weak on crime,” “terrible for foreign policy” and said he endangers Catholics.

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The bishops’ guidance frames the service as a public acknowledgment of migrants seeking hope and of those forced onto American soil, urging respect for human dignity. Bishop Cahill stresses the need for policies that protect families and religious liberty. Pope Leo condemns the escalation of Middle-East violence and warns against a “delusion of omnipotence.” President Trump dismissed the Pope’s stance as weakness on crime and a threat to Catholics.

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Trump’s social-media posts directly attack the Pope, calling his anti-war position “truly unacceptable” and accusing him of endangering Catholics. He also rejected “so-called ‘artists’” from his 250th-anniversary rally, insisting on “happy, smart, successful” participants.

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By framing immigration as a moral and human-rights issue, the bishops aim to shape public debate and counter the administration’s enforcement focus. The clash between Catholic teaching and presidential rhetoric highlights the intersection of faith, policy and national identity during a historic anniversary.

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• “The purpose of this prayer service is to acknowledge and honor the many diverse communities that have journeyed to the United States in search of hope, safety, and opportunity, while also recognizing the voices, sufferings, and enduring contributions of those who were forcibly brought to this land,” — U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, guidance document

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• “Cahill said the bishops would continue to press for what he called "just immigration policies" that respect human dignity, family unity and religious liberty.” — Bishop Brendan J. Cahill, March statement

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• “absurd and inhuman” — Pope Leo, April remarks

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• “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.” — Donald Trump, April 7 post

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• “terrible for foreign policy.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social criticism of the Pope

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Parishes will schedule the service this summer, adapting it locally, while the bishops monitor its impact on immigration advocacy and await the administration’s response.

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