What are signs of hope during these challenging times in our Church and society? As I write today I am aware of several signs of hope for our Church and our nation. In the Church, the election of Pope Leo XIV gives me hope, not primarily because he is a US citizen but because he initially seems to be following in the path that Pope Francis journeyed.  The very name he chose, Leo IV, following the name of Leo XIII, the Pope regarded as the Pope of catholic social teaching. Not only has he chosen the name but his early pronouncements have focused on following Francis’s example and promoting care for the needy and care for all of creation. In a presentation to members of “Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation” on May 17, 2025, Pope Leo spoke of the need to promote not indoctrination, which is immoral, but doctrine that is the result of study and dialogue, including listening to the poor, all in the pursuit of the truth.

A second reason for hope has been the messages coming from our US Catholic bishops. Archbishop Broglio, president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops lamented the great harm the so called “One Big Beautiful Bill” will cause to many of the most vulnerable in society, due to steep cuts in Medicaid and clean energy tax cuts.

Another powerful example is that of Cardinal McElroy who on March 24, 2025 spoke at a Catholic Social Teaching conference specifically on the topics of refugees and immigrants. His presentation is well worth reading in its entirety as he draws from the teaching of Pope Francis and uses the parable of the Good Samaritan as Pope Francis did. He affirms that we need to be good Samaritans and even realize that many of the immigrants to our nation are also good Samaritans, as well as being victims themselves. We must offer a pathway that establishes laws that produce secure borders, dignified treatment to everyone at those borders, and generous asylum and refugee policies. Another pathway of crusade and mass deportation cannot be followed in conscience by any who call themselves disciples of Jesus Christ. Our choice ought to be obvious.

One final sign of hope is very personal to me. It is the “ Association of US Catholic Priests.” This group was founded in 2011 as a response to the US Bishops approval of the present English translation of the Roman Missal. With thousands of priests and laity questioning the quality of the translation, we hoped for a delay in its implementation so further study could be made and improvements could result. That did not happen but the organization was born and  has continued to be active to this day, pursuing not only liturgical changes but  many issues of Catholic Social teaching. The organization has ongoing working groups on such topics as Anti-racism, Gospel nonviolence, Vatican II, immigration, care of creation, women in the Church and mutual support of each other. We meet yearly and welcome laywomen and men to be “friends” of the organization. We represent a sign of hope for renewal in the Church and society along with our bishops and other organizations.