Few responsibilities entrusted to the Church are more important than safeguarding the dignity, health and well-being of those entrusted to our pastoral care. This responsibility is especially profound when it concerns children, families and the educational communities that serve them.

As our nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, we rightly give thanks for a country whose history has been profoundly shaped by generations of immigrants seeking freedom, opportunity and the chance to begin anew.

The Catholic bishops of Florida have issued a new pastoral letter inviting Catholics and all people of good will to reflect more deeply on the death penalty in light of Catholic teaching and today’s criminal justice system.