SF Human Life & Dignity

The Office of Human Life & Dignity of the Archdiocese of San Francisco ministers & advocates public policies through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching.

[Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone @ArchCordileone]

Please pray for the attorneys defending vulnerable women in the CA v. Heartbeat International case and pray for the women seeking to reverse abortion pills.  Using commercial fraud statutes to shut down access to full medical information and the full range of freedom of choice is an abuse of power by the state of CA, especially given zero complaints and saved lives.

https://t.co/8iNr0656F9

[Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone @ArchCordileone]

St. Junipero Serra, Apostle of California, pray for us.

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Join Catholics across California in prayer on Tuesday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m., as we come together in a statewide moment of prayer for mercy, healing, and the dignity of every human life.

As nearly 50 years have passed since the restoration of the death penalty in the United States, we invite parishes, families, workplaces, and individuals to pause and pray wherever they are.

As advocates gather at the State Capitol to call for clemency for those on California’s death row, let us stand with them in prayer, asking God to guide our leaders toward justice rooted in mercy. @CACatholicConf @ArchdioceseSF

Please join us in praying:

Prayer for Clemency and the Sanctity of Life

Loving and merciful God,
you create every person in your image and call us to uphold the infinite dignity of every human life.

Look with compassion on all victims of violent crime and their families. May they know Christ’s healing and restorative power, be consoled in their suffering, and experience renewal of spirit through your steadfast love.

In your mercy, look also upon those on death row, and all whose lives have been lost to capital punishment.

Turn our hearts away from the practice of the death penalty. May death sentences be commuted with clemency to life without parole, may the dignity of every human life be protected, and may every heart be opened to the grace of redemption.

Guide all who advocate for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Inflame our hearts with courage, charity, and mercy.

May we be inspired and transformed by your amazing grace and boundless mercy to work for a renewal of justice that seeks the protection of all human life.

We ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus, your Son and our Savior, who lives and reigns forever and ever.

AMEN.

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Religious Freedom Week 2026 | Africa

Today, June 24, as part of Religious Freedom Week, we prayed, reflected, and acted in support of religious freedom — the ability for the Church and all religious communities to live out their faith in public and serve the good of all.

Pray
Pray for our brothers and sisters in many parts of Africa who suffer violent religious persecution.

Reflect
Extremist violence continues to spread in a number of countries on the African continent. Christians, Muslims, and other people of faith are frequently targeted by campaigns of mass killings, abductions, and forced displacement. In 2025, hundreds of Christians were massacred in targeted attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. In northern regions of the country, thousands of Christian and Muslim civilians were kidnapped or killed by religious extremist entities, including Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISWAP), as well as other armed groups. In the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), also referred to as Islamic State-Democratic Republic of Congo (ISIS-DRC), has exploited ongoing insecurity and conflict to attack churches, including murdering worshipers at prayer. The growth of terrorist violence by religious extremist groups in many countries in the Sahel - including Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - has taken many thousands of lives, displaced millions, and continues to inflict widespread trauma on vulnerable young people. In northern Mozambique, there has been a resurgence in violent attacks by an ISIS affiliate organization, targeting churches, religious leaders, and civilians. Pope Leo XIV has prayed: “that all violence may cease and that believers may work together for the common good.”

Act
Build solidarity with fellow Christians, and other people of faith, in Africa by learning about the persecution they face and praying for an end to violence. Reflect on “Brothers and Sisters in Hope, a joint statement on International Assistance and Mutual Solidarity between the Bishops and Faithful of the United States and Africa” and the homily at the recent Mass for Solidarity, given by Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza of the Diocese of Yola, Nigeria.

#ReligiousFreedomWeek #ReligiousFreedom

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Religious Freedom Week 2026 | Immigration Enforcement

Yesterday, June 23, as part of Religious Freedom Week, we prayed, reflected, and acted in support of religious freedom — the ability for the Church and all religious communities to live out their faith in public and serve the good of all.

Pray
Pray that migrants can access the sacraments of the Church and safely worship in their communities.

Reflect
Immigration enforcement policies have affected many people of faith, including creating fear among some migrants about participating in worship and accessing pastoral care.

While Catholics may have different perspectives on how best to address immigration, we can agree that the fundamental rights and dignity of every person, including noncitizens, deserve respect.

The Church continues to accompany migrants and their families, recognizing the dignity of every person and the call to serve those in need.

Act
The USCCB’s You Are Not Alone initiative offers hope, accompaniment, and practical support to immigrants and their families facing fear and uncertainty due to immigration enforcement.

Catholics can take action by supporting immigrant families, participating in prayer and witness opportunities, learning about Church teaching and immigrants’ rights, and connecting with local Catholic organizations that provide assistance and pastoral care.

Through our Immigration Ministry, we continue to walk alongside our immigrant brothers and sisters by providing resources, support, and opportunities for communities to come together in faith.

#ReligiousFreedomWeek #ReligiousFreedom

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

We stand with Heartbeat and Real Options and for women and their babies.

[Heartbeat Int'l @HeartbeatIntl]

California Seeks $20 Million to Silence Heartbeat Over Abortion Pill Reversal
On the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Heartbeat International will stand in a California courtroom as opening arguments begin in a landmark trial that could shape the future of pregnancy help across America.
At the heart of this case is a simple question: Should a woman who regrets taking the first abortion pill be allowed to learn that there is another option?
California is fighting to punish Heartbeat International for answering that question. In fact, the state is seeking nearly $20 million in “damages” simply because of our efforts to provide women with truthful information, compassionate care, and the freedom to make informed decisions.
And yet, California conceded that it has received NO COMPLAINTS from women regarding APR.
Learn more: https://t.co/7Y0NYW6Jd6

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Religious Freedom Week 2026 | June 22: Political and Anti-Religious Violence

Today, June 22, the feast of Sts. Thomas More and John Fisher, begins Religious Freedom Week. Catholics across the country are invited to pray, reflect, and act to promote religious freedom — the ability for the Church and all religious communities to live out their faith in public and serve the good of all.

Pray
Pray for an end to the political and anti-religious violence in our country and that our nation’s leaders may promote peace and healing.

Reflect
In recent years, the USCCB has expressed concern about politically motivated violence. The polarization that has long been the subject of commentary by religious leaders appears to be devolving into a cycle of attack and retribution.

Efforts to address the growing division in American political culture have struggled against forces that encourage political and tribal identities defined, in part, by hostility toward others. Some recent acts of violence have reflected this hatred, while others point toward a growing disregard for human dignity.

Although political discourse can shift from year to year, the culture and structures contributing to today’s divisions remain. Therefore, the Committee for Religious Liberty continues to be concerned about politically and religiously motivated violence.

Act
Catholics can help de-polarize our nation’s politics by honestly examining their own hearts and seeking the healing grace of the Sacrament of Confession.

Ask yourself: “Have I spoken untruthfully in order to defeat a political opponent in an argument? Have I failed to treat others with genuine charity?”

When we come before the Lord in Confession, God’s grace heals us as individuals and as members of the Body of Christ.

Join us during Religious Freedom Week as we pray for peace, unity, and the protection of religious freedom.

#ReligiousFreedomWeek #ReligiousFreedom @USCCB
For more information: https://t.co/1z9mdC36xo

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Ashley and Siena, National Park Service Rangers from Alcatraz Island, joined us at the Restorative Justice Leadership Summit on May 13 and shared their reflections on the experience.

We’re excited to continue our collaboration on June 27 on Alcatraz Island for the Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series, featuring members of the EXCEL Network sharing stories of transformation, reentry, and hope.

For more information, email Julio Escobar: [email protected].

#RestorativeJustice #AlcatrazIsland #SecondChances #Catholic

[Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone @ArchCordileone]

Today, I join my brother bishops in consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Let us entrust ourselves, our families, and our nation to His merciful love. May His heart transform our hearts, strengthen our faith, and draw us ever closer to Him.

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

On the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, our Immigration Ministry coordinated a special gathering at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church featuring a Mass offered for immigrants and refugees, celebrated by Father Andy de Guzman.

Following the Mass, families participated in an Immigration Fair featuring a Know Your Rights presentation and immigration consultations led by @CatholicCSF . Community organizations also tabled and shared valuable resources and information with attendees.

A special thank you to Our Lady of Angels and Knights of Columbus Asset Advisors for sponsoring this event, and to the parish’s new Social Action Ministry and all of its dedicated volunteers for helping make this gathering possible. #catholic #catolicos @usccb @ArchCordileone @ArchdioceseSF @nbcbayarea @olmcpadres @cnalive @catholicnewsagency @catholicvote @NCRonline @sanmateoco @rwcevents @MLNow

[Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone @ArchCordileone]

In response to growing secular ideologies, @McCormickProf launched Fidelity Month, a time to recenter our lives on God, family, country, and community. I encourage you to take time this month to give thanks to God for His many blessings and discern ways to invest in your marriage and family,  and ways in which you can support your local community.

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

The launch of a new series on Catholic Social Teaching and a new young adults group was met with enthusiasm in Noe Valley in SF this week. Read more about it!
@CACatholicConf @ArchCordileone @ArchdioceseSF
https://t.co/0Uqm8GTOhZ

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Thanks to Our Lady of Angels for a lovely baby shower held in honor of the Blessed Mother to help the Gabriel Project this past weekend! Forty-four pregnant and new moms have been helped by the Gabriel Project in the Archdiocese so far in 2026! The event included a Rosary after the 10 a.m. Mass and crafts too. @ArchCordileone @OLAburlingame @ArchdioceseSF
https://t.co/gZnCjYxBGl

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

This is big news! An American and a woman to head the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication.

[Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone @ArchCordileone]

Congratulations to Montse Alvarado on her appointment by Pope Leo XIV as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication. May the Holy Spirit guide her as she helps the Church communicate the truth, beauty, and hope of the Gospel to the world.

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Thank you priests, religious and deacons who signed up to go into the jails! Photo taken after mandatory training by SF Sheriff's Department and organized by Restorative Justice Ministry. "I was...in prison and you visited me." Matthew 25. God bless you!!!!

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

The Restorative Justice Ministry led a prayer service for Eric Bigone earlier this week in front of his Sunset District home where he was shot to death while leaving for work early in the morning. St. Anne of the Sunset pastor Father Dan Nascimento led the prayers with Restorative Justice coordinator Julio Escobar. The service concluded with the prayer of St. Francis and included prayers for Eric's assailant.
@SFPD @StAnneSF @ArchdioceseSF

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Viernes 26 de junio a las 7:00 PM – Conferencia en español sobre la Guerra Cristera en la Catedral de Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption en el Salón San Francisco. Regístrese vía correo a [email protected] o en línea aquí: https://t.co/PqGLDwoj5h #católico #guerracristera #vivacristorey @sfarchdiocese @PJavierOR @ArchCordileone @SantisimoRadio

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

MISA OFRECIDA PARA INMIGRANTES Y REFUGIADOS

Sábado, 7 de junio
12:00 PM – Misa en español
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – Taller “Conozca Sus Derechos” y evento comunitario

Se ofrecerá un taller dirigido por un abogado de inmigración de Catholic Charities sobre los derechos de los inmigrantes al interactuar con inmigración o las autoridades. También habrá organizaciones comunitarias compartiendo recursos e información.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Gimnasio de la escuela
300 Fulton St, Redwood City, CA 94062

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MASS OFFERED FOR IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

Saturday, June 7
12:00 PM – Mass in Spanish
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM – “Know Your Rights” workshop and community resource event

An immigration attorney from Catholic Charities will present information about immigrant rights when interacting with immigration authorities or law enforcement. Community organizations will also share resources and information.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel – School Gym
300 Fulton St, Redwood City, CA 94062

[SF Human Life & Dignity @SF_Life_Dignity]

Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, will focus on artificial intelligence, human dignity, and the future of humanity in an age of rapid technological change.

Set for release on May 25, the document reflects on how the Church can help guide innovation toward the common good.

Read more here:
https://t.co/iKlkzr4JlW