Catholic education leaders laud cardinal's immigrant support

Catholic educational leaders from across the United States have issued an open letter expressing their gratitude and support for Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago, in light of his recent leadership and pastoral witness regarding immigration challenges in the Chicagoland area. (Cardinal Cupich's statement - click here.)

The statement reaffirms the church’s enduring commitment to the dignity of every person, solidarity with immigrants and refugees, and the pursuit of justice and mercy in public life. Patty Lansink, superintendent of the Catholic schools for the Diocese of Sioux City was one of the signers. 

An Open Letter from Catholic Educational Leaders Across the United States
In Support of His Eminence Blase Cardinal Cupich and the Dignity of Immigrants
 
 
His Eminence Blase Cardinal Cupich Archbishop of Chicago
835 North Rush Street Chicago, Illinois 60611
Your Eminence,
 
As Catholic educational leaders from across the United States, we write with profound respect and sincere gratitude for your recent words and witness regarding the immigration challenges confronting the Chicagoland area. As Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago, you have consistently affirmed the moral imperative to safeguard both the security of communities and the inherent dignity of every human person. Your message reflects the heart of the church’s social teaching, and we stand in solidarity with you in advancing these enduring principles.

Catholic schools remain a vital part of the American social fabric. 

Rooted in Gospel values, they contribute immeasurably to the common good by forming young people who are intellectually accomplished, morally grounded, and dedicated to lives of service. Our graduates emerge as young adults who bring faith, compassion, and justice to their communities. Likewise, Catholic parishes continue to serve as neighborhood anchors—centers of worship, charity, and hope— faithfully responding to the spiritual and material needs of all, in obedience to Christ’s command to love one another.

As Pope Leo XIV, himself a son of Chicago, has written:
 
“This is not a matter of mere human kindness but a revelation: contact with those who are lowly and powerless is a fundamental way of encountering the Lord of history. In the poor, He continues to speak to us.” (Dilexi te).

This profound insight captures the essence of your pastoral concern and the church’s timeless call to solidarity.

In that same spirit, we stand with you, the people of Chicago, and with all people of good will— of every faith or none—in affirming that every person must be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. We stand with immigrants and refugees who seek safety and opportunity and we share the pain of those who live in fear or uncertainty. We also affirm that true and lasting peace is built only upon justice and mercy.

As the psalmist proclaims, “The Lord hears the cry of the poor” (Psalm 34). With this conviction, we pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to heal divisions, deepen compassion, and renew the face of the earth.
With gratitude, faith, and steadfast hope, we remain, Respectfully yours in Christ,

The Undersigned Catholic Educational Leaders
 
 
Dr. Melodie Wyttenbach                                                     Rev. Ronald Nuzzi, Ph.D.
Executive Director                                                               Emeritus Faculty
Roche Center for Catholic Education                               University of Notre Dame 
Boston College
 
 
  
Maria P. Wagner                                                                   Daniel S. Roy
Superintendent of Catholic Schools                                 Superintendent 
Diocese of Springfield                                                         Diocese of Fall River
Springfield, MA                                                                     Fall River, MA
 
  
David L. Maugel                                                                    Leticia Oseguera
Superintendent of Catholic Schools                                 Superintendent 
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend                                 Diocese of San Diego (CA) 

  
Edward J. Foy                                                                       Nicholas P. Ford
Superintendent of Catholic Schools                                 Superintendent 
Archdiocese of Milwaukee                                                 Archdiocese of Seattle
  
  
Kristen Donohue                                                                   Dr. Brian R. Disney
Secretary of Catholic Education / Superintendent          Superintendent  
Diocese of Scranton                                                            Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Scranton, PA                                                                          Indianapolis, IN
 
 
  
Paul Escala                                                                           Theresa Hall
Senior Director and Superintendent of Schools              Superintendent 
Archdiocese of Los Angeles                                               Diocese of Little Rock
Los Angeles, CA                                                                    Little Rock, AR
 
  
Dan Anderson                                                                       Patty Lansink
Superintendent                                                                     Superintendent 
Diocese of Monterey                                                            Diocese of Sioux City
Monterey, CA                                                                         Sioux City, IA

 
Matthew J. Daniels                                                                Dr. RaeNell Houston
Superintendent                                                                     Executive Director/Superintendent
Archdiocese of Cincinnati                                                   Catholic Education/
Cincinnati, Ohio                                                                         Faith Formation
                                                                                                Archdiocese of New Orleans