Saint Joseph Catholic Church

“Suddenly the number of claims ballooned up to 18 claims, 12 separate lawsuits, and doing the math it just became obvious that there was no other option for us to pay the claimants,” Bishop Mark Seitz said on March 6. “Chapter 11 reorganization was the most prudent course of action because there are now financial claims pending against the diocese that exceed our means.”

“Disarm our hearts of hatred, resentment, and indifference, so we may become instruments of reconciliation,” Pope Leo prayed in the video. “Help us understand that true security does not come from control fueled by fear, but from trust, justice, and solidarity among peoples.”

“Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations, so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death, halt the arms race, and place the lives of the most vulnerable at the center,” the Pope continued. “May the nuclear threat never again dictate the future of humanity.”

“The continuation of this spiral of violence threatens the dignity of the human person, which is a gift from God, and undermines the foundations of justice and stability,” the bishops added.

The bishop’ March 5 appeal followed Israeli strikes on Lebanon in retaliation for strikes on Israel by Hezbollah forces there.

Cardinal Joseph Zen has issued an appeal to the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) to avoid a schism—while also voicing sympathy for the traditionalist group and criticizing the Vatican’s response to their pleas.