I. Introduction: The Pallium Let me begin by warmly thanking the Religious Liberty Observatory of the Italian Ministry of External Affairs and the City of Rome for their invitation to address you this morning on the subject of religious liberty. I wish to express my deep appreciation for the creation of the Observatory to monitor...Read More

I. Introduction It is a particular joy for me to celebrate Mass here in this Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, during these days which bring me to Rome to receive the Pallium from the Holy Father, symbolizing my communion and that of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, the first of the dioceses of the United...Read More

Introduction: The Martyrs of Tyburn Hill A few years ago, due to inclement weather that grounded many international flights, I found myself stranded in London during the week just before Christmas. Worse things than that can happen to a traveler but the unexpected pleasure of a week in London enabled me to visit places I...Read More

By now you have likely heard about the Fortnight for Freedom. Maybe you have seen a sign or poster advertising it. Perhaps you have seen references to it online. It is an idea whose hour has come. Religious freedom as protected by the First Amendment is at risk. It is most palpably jeopardized by the...Read More

I. Introduction Long ago, on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the Risen Lord Jesus looked at Simon Peter and three times asked him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Today, in this sacred rite of ordination, the Lord Jesus looks upon you, my dear brothers, called now to be priests of...Read More

In a little less than two weeks, Catholics throughout the United States will participate in a Fortnight for Freedom. This prayerful observance provides us with an occasion to reflect on those fundamental, God-given rights we cherish so dearly as Catholic Americans. Among the most prominent of these is religious liberty, a liberty which is now...Read More

Introduction It has now been just over a week since I became the Archbishop of Baltimore, and I find myself surrounded by history there. I live near the Basilica of the Assumption, the oldest cathedral in the U.S. The cornerstone was laid in 1806. The nation’s first bishop, John Carroll, is buried beneath the basilica,...Read More

Introduction My thanks to the Cardinals who are with us today and, in a special way, to the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, thank you for representing our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, and please convey to him the sentiments of loving communion of all here today. My greetings and thanks to the many...Read More