Messages from Bishop Nickless

I want to speak to the faithful of the Diocese of Sioux City regarding comments reportedly made by the Holy Father that were released in the media yesterday about civil unions for same sex attracted persons. Unfortunately, as of now, no clarifications on these comments have come forth from the Vatican and the comments have caused many people to question whether Church teaching has changed. The remarks were made by Pope Francis in an Italian documentary film, Francesco, released in Rome about the pope and his ministry and approach to social issues.

Quiero hablar con los fieles de la Diócesis de Sioux City sobre los comentarios al parecer hechos por el Santo Padre que fueron publicados ayer en los medios de comunicación sobre las uniones civiles para personas atraídas por el mismo sexo.  Desafortunadamente, a partir de ahora, no han salido aclaraciones sobre estos comentarios del Vaticano y los comentarios han hecho que muchas personas se cuestionen si la enseñanza de la Iglesia ha cambiado. Los comentarios fueron hechos por el Papa Francisco en una película documental italiana de nombre, Francesco, estrenada en Roma sobre el Papa y su ministerio y enfoque de las cuestiones sociales.

The Holy Father, it is reported, commented that those with same-sex attraction should be part of a family, that they are Children of God. Other comments were made about his support of civil unions.

Se informa que el Santo Padre comentó que aquellos con atracción del mismo sexo deben ser parte de una familia, que son Hijos de Dios. Se hicieron otros comentarios sobre su apoyo a las uniones civiles.

Pope Francis has not changed Church teaching regarding same-sex attraction, nor would he be able to do so. The sacrament of marriage can only be received by one man and one woman. The Holy Father is certainly not changing Church teaching but is encouraging us as Catholics to treat all human beings with kindness as we are all made in the image and likeness of God.  Those with same sex attraction are no exception.

El Papa Francisco no ha cambiado la enseñanza de la Iglesia con respecto a la atracción hacia personas del mismo sexo, ni podría hacerlo. El sacramento del matrimonio sólo puede ser recibido por un hombre y una mujer. Ciertamente, el Santo Padre no está cambiando la enseñanza de la Iglesia, sino que nos anima como católicos a tratar a todos los seres humanos con bondad como todos estamos hechos a imagen y semejanza de Dios.  Aquellos con atracción del mismo sexo no son una excepción.

I, as your Bishop, ask you to pray for those who struggle with their faith because of these statements reportedly said by our Holy Father as well as those who struggle with same sex attraction. Pray also for the Holy Father, and for me, your humble servant.

Yo, como su obispo, les pido que recen por aquellos que luchan con su fe a causa de estas declaraciones que al parecer dijo nuestro Santo Padre, así como por aquellos que luchan con la atracción del mismo sexo. Oren también por el Santo Padre, y por mí, su humilde siervo.
 

I join our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and my brother bishops, and all men and women of good will, in condemning once again the persistent evil of racism.  The recent death of George Floyd, unjust and unnecessary as it so patently was, is merely one more example, calling out to God for justice.
 
Prejudice based on race assaults the God-given dignity of the persons against whom it is directed.  It also corrodes the God-imitating capacity to love freely in the hearts of those in whom it lurks.  I echo the words of Pope Francis in saying, “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.  At the same time, we have to recognize that the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating.  Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost.”
 
Both worldly justice and the salvation of souls require us, not only to denounce this (and every) sin, but also regularly to examine our own conscience, to repent of our own faults, and, by God’s grace, to teach and model virtue and justice. 
 
Millions of men and women of good will, of every race and creed, strive to live with each other every day, without either racism or violence, not only in moments of magnified publicity, such as the many laudable and peaceful protests against racism across the country in recent days, but also, and more importantly, in the ordinary affairs of life.  May God give us all the grace to grow in this way of goodness, freedom, and charity.