My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, 

There is much confusion surrounding remarks from the Holy Father regarding the sanctity of human life and the moral clarity of the Church’s teaching. While some may call these “complex ethical issues,” I must affirm without hesitation that on matters of life and death, the truth is not complex – it is clear, revealed, and unchanging. 

The Catholic Church has always taught that every human life, from the moment of conception until natural death, is sacred. Abortion is the deliberate taking of innocent life. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states plainly: “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception” (CCC 2270). There is no ambiguity here. 

To say that “no one has all the truth” in these matters undermines the very foundation of the Gospel of Life. Christ Himself is the Truth (John 14:6), and He has entrusted His Church to proclaim that truth clearly to every generation. While human debates may waver, the truth of God does not. 

As Catholics, and as men and women of good will, we are indeed called to treat one another with respect. But respect cannot mean silence in the face of grave evil. Respect cannot mean treating the deliberate destruction of the most vulnerable as one “ethical issue” among many. It is the preeminent moral issue of our time. 

I urge all of the faithful: stand firm in the truth. Do not be shaken when even the highest voices in the Church seem to speak with hesitation. The Word of God is clear: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you … ” (Jeremiah 1:5). 

We must continue to proclaim life boldly, to defend the unborn, and to call our shepherds – yes, even our Holy Father – to clarity, fidelity, and courage. The Church cannot afford ambiguity where life is concerned. Souls are at stake. 

Let us pray together for Pope Leo XIV, for our bishops, and for all leaders in the Church, that they may never waver in defending the truth Christ has entrusted to us. And let us, with unshakable faith, continue to bear witness that life is sacred and that the Gospel is the true way forward. 

In Christ, 

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland