The Holy Father accepted the resignation of Archbishop Samuel Aquila, the Holy See announced on Feb. 7.
Denver Archbishop-designate James Golka on Feb. 7 said his agenda as archbishop will consist of "tak[ing] time to intentionally listen to God's will" and then doing it.
The newly named leader of the archdiocese addressed the faithful at a press conference in Denver hours after the Vatican announced that he would be taking over after Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down from the post.
Upon being named as bishop of Colorado Springs in 2021, Golka said he aimed to help the faithful "become fascinated by the Lord" and that he himself has been "fascinated by Jesus Christ" for his entire life. On Feb. 7 he said he was "still fascinated" by the Lord.
"When you're fascinated by someone, you want to know more about him," he said. "You cannot help but fall in love with him, and when you fall in love with our Lord you want to spend your entire life for him."
Golka's installation is scheduled for March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation.
'I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us'
Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — has led the Colorado archdiocese since 2012, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He was ordained in that archdiocese in 1976 and previously served as the bishop of Fargo, North Dakota.
At the Feb. 7 press conference, the outgoing archbishop described Golka as "a man of prayer, with a deep love for Jesus and the Blessed Mother."
"He understands well many of the challenges that we face today in our country and world, with immigration, the precarious global situation, and all of the challenges undermining the dignity of human life," Aquila said. "He approaches all of these through the lens of the Gospel."
Golka described himself as "equally excited and equally sad" to come to Denver, citing both his eagerness to lead the metropolitan archdiocese and his love for the Diocese of Colorado Springs.
"Over four-and-a-half years of being there, I fell in love with the people, the parishes, the priests, the diocese," he said. "I will miss them dearly."
He said a priest asked him earlier in the week what his "agenda" would be as archbishop.
"I have no idea why God made me a bishop, but God knows," he said. "So our agenda is we're going to take time to intentionally listen to God's will, and then we're going to do it."
The archbishop-designate spoke briefly in fluent Spanish at the press conference while tearing up. "Whenever I talk in Spanish I cry," he admitted.
He also introduced his father to the crowd, joking that his family thought they were coming to have lunch with him in Denver before he revealed the major announcement.
"I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us, together," he said.
In a "farewell thank you" letter published on Feb. 7, Aquila said his heart was "filled above all with gratitude" as he prepares to enter retirement.
"From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion, and mission," the archbishop told the archdiocese.
Aquila prayed that Golka would be "strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration, and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive."
Golka lead the Colorado Springs Diocese starting in 2021 after being appointed there by Pope Francis.
Born Sept. 22, 1966, in Grand Island, Nebraska, Golka obtained philosophy and theology degrees at Creighton University. He served as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer for the Native American Missions in South Dakota before attending St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota.
After obtaining master's degrees in divinity and sacramental theology, he was ordained in the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994.
During his time in the Grand Island Diocese he served in various capacities, including as director of diocesan youth, chair of the personnel board, director of ongoing formation of clergy, and on the presbyteral council.
The Canadian bishops issued a statement Feb. 5 supporting Bill C-218, which would prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing physician-assisted suicide.
Two legislative efforts to limit Canada's medical aid in dying (MAID) framework converged Thursday, with Conservative member of Parliament (MP) Garnett Genuis announcing a bill focused on MAID coercion and the Catholic bishops supporting legislation to prohibit assisted dying for mental illness.
Genuis introduced a private member's bill Feb. 5 that would amend the Criminal Code to prohibit any federal or provincial government employee in a position of authority, other than a doctor or nurse, from initiating a discussion about medical aid in dying.
Genuis said Bill C-260, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying — protection against coercion)," comes in response to numerous stories of counselors suggesting MAID to persons such as military veterans or disabled men and women who are seeking support, not death.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) issued a statement the same day strongly supporting Langley MP Tamara Jansen's private member's Bill C-218, which would prevent persons whose sole medical condition is mental illness from accessing euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (MAID).
The statement from the CCCB's permanent council, its most authoritative body between annual plenary assemblies, said Bill C-218 "would be a constructive step" toward limiting euthanasia and protecting individuals with mental illness.
The bishops noted the U.N. Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has called on Canada to rescind "Track 2 MAID," which allows euthanasia for those whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, and to permanently exclude MAID for persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness.
The bishops also called on the federal government "to allow free conscience voting on this matter, given its profound moral and social implications."
They said current research indicates mental illness is "not necessarily irremediable" and called for improved access to mental illness treatment and palliative care.
At a news conference in Ottawa, Genuis said his Bill C-260 would clarify MAID laws by explicitly covering coercive situations such as counseling sessions.
The member of Parliament for Sherwood Park-Fort Saskatchewan said the bill is aimed at countering the "discrimination and coercion" that "undermine the experience of persons trying to access supports that they are entitled to."
He cited the example of Nicolas Bergeron, a 46-year-old Quebec man who was not interested in medically-facilitated death. "But a social worker, who came to his house for an entirely different reason, repeatedly tried to push him to change his mind," Genuis said.
Genuis said the counselor presented Bergeron with "a very bleak, worst-case scenario for his illness and told him that sometimes you just have to stop fighting ... This is wrong and this is not a one-off. This MAID coercion by nonexperts in positions of authority is part of a troubling pattern."
The bill states: "Every person who, being an officer or employee of the government of Canada or of a province, other than a medical practitioner or a registered nurse, including a nurse practitioner, initiates a discussion with a person about the availability to that person of medical assistance in dying is guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction if they (a) by virtue of their profession, are in a position of trust or authority towards that person; and (b) know that the person has not specifically requested to have such a discussion with them."
While current law requires that a request for MAID be voluntary and free from external pressure, supporters of the bill argue that consent can be compromised when individuals feel they have no meaningful alternatives to relieve their suffering. Supporters say inadequate access to palliative care, disability supports, mental health treatment, or stable housing amounts to "systemic coercion."
The Criminal Code in Canada currently requires that individuals requesting MAID give informed consent and be advised of available means to relieve suffering, including palliative care. Proponents of Bill C-260 argue that explicitly naming coercion in the MAID context would make it a more enforceable criminal consideration rather than relying primarily on administrative checks and professional judgment.
Genuis has repeatedly argued that MAID cannot be considered a genuine choice when people lack access to life-affirming supports. That concern was underscored during a House of Commons committee exchange last fall with Krista Carr, chief executive officer of Inclusion Canada.
Appearing before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance, Carr told MPs that people with disabilities are already being placed at a disadvantage by public policy decisions that erode supports. Asked by Genuis whether people with disabilities would be "net worse off" as a result of proposed changes to disability tax credits, Carr replied: "Yes. I think it's an unintended consequence of a bill meant to make life more affordable for Canadians. As a consequence of that, yes, in a net position they will be worse off than they are now."
The bill is being introduced amid ongoing debate over the scope and safeguards of Canada's MAID regime, particularly for people whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable. Disability advocates and organizations, including Inclusion Canada, have repeatedly warned that the expansion of MAID has outpaced the development of adequate social supports, placing people in precarious living situations at risk.
As a private member's bill, Bill C-260 must pass second reading in the House of Commons before proceeding to committee study.
This story was first published by The B.C. Catholic on Feb. 5, 2026, and is reprinted here with permission.
"The Church is not and must never be a mouthpiece for any political party or candidate," the Zambian bishops stated. Read more in this roundup of world news that you may have missed this past week.
Here is a roundup of world news you may have missed this past week:
Zambia bishops instruct clergy and faithful to stay out of partisan politics
Catholic bishops in Zambia issued a pastoral letter this past week telling priests to refrain from engaging in party politics as preparations for the country's August presidential and general elections begin.
"The Church is not and must never be a mouthpiece for any political party or candidate. Our duty is to form consciences, promote the common good, and speak truth to power," the letter stated, adding that "clergy who align themselves with political interests risk compromising their sacred vocation."
The bishops further emphasized that Church property should never be used for political campaigns or meetings, that priests should never accept political donations in exchange for influence, and that preaching from the pulpit remain centered on the Gospel rather than politics.
Vietnam has an abundance of priests, lack of missionaries, report says
The Catholic Church in Vietnam is facing a critical lack in missionaries despite having massive vocational growth, a report this week said.
There is "a dire shortage of the missionary spirit required to reach the 'peripheries'" in Vietnam, according to a UCA News article on Tuesday by Catholic commentator Petrus Po.
Though the country in January welcomed 76 new transitional deacons, who are all expected to be ordained in the next year to the priesthood, Po observed that Vietnam's clergy are heavily concentrated in urban centers, leaving areas such as the Central Highlands and northwestern areas to "wait months for a single Mass."
Amid shortages in rural areas, Po said the local Church should "embrace" the Vietnamese bishops' designation of 2026 as the year of "Every Christian as a Missionary Disciple" by sending more priests to live in rural areas rather than merely "lending" them.
Rising violence in Pakistan prompts increased worry among Christians
Catholics in Pakistan are experiencing heightened anxiety as conflict between armed militant separatist groups and Pakistan's security forces continues to strike closer to home.
Amar Mansoor Bhatti, a 35-year old Catholic man, told UCA news that he awoke to the sound of gunfire and explosions this past week from the armed clash that has left more than 190 people dead including civilians.
"The firing continued for more than eight hours until late afternoon. We stayed inside. We were afraid to step outside the house until Sunday morning [Feb. 1]," he said.
The ongoing violence has included suicide bombing attacks, grenade strikes, gunfire, and more. A Christian woman, Maria Shamoon, was abducted from her home in Balochistan by separatists before being later rescued, the report noted.
Kenya bishop cautions politicians against disrespecting places of worship
The auxiliary bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wote, Bishop Simon Peter Kamomoe, has cautioned politicians against showing disrespect to places of worship, warning that such actions amount to mocking God and undermining the sanctity of the churches in Kenya, ACI Africa, the sister service of EWTN News in Africa, reported Wednesday.
Kamomoe issued a stern rebuke of political figures during his homily on Sunday following an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a Sunday church service at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, saying: "The leaders of this country don't respect the sanctuaries of the Lord ... That is mocking God, that is contempt, which is very unfortunate, and if they don't change, they will see the results."
Filipino priest tapped to serve as new auxiliary bishop for Perth Archdiocese
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Philippine-born priest Father Nelson Po to serve as an auxiliary bishop to the Archdiocese of Perth.
"It was a big surprise to me. It was overwhelming and surreal because I have never dreamed of becoming a bishop. I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional. I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God's strength will carry me through," Nelson said regarding the news of his appointment, according to a Feb. 2 press release.
Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, SDB, welcomed the announcement, saying Nelson is "greeted with great joy and excitement by the whole Catholic community of the archdiocese."
Shifts in Syria's Jazira region: Calm returns, crises remain
The entry of Syrian security forces into Qamishli, following similar deployments in Hasakah and Ayn al-Arab, marks a tangible step in implementing understandings between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces under international pressure, ACI MENA, the Arabic-language sister service of EWTN News, reported Wednesday.
For local Christians and other communities, the move has brought cautious relief, particularly with the end of compulsory service previously imposed under the label of "self-defense duty." Yet stability on paper contrasts sharply with daily realities.
Church sources report that around 12% of Jazira's Christians emigrated in 2025, driven by insecurity and crushing costs, while those who remain face severe water shortages, near-total groundwater depletion, prolonged power cuts, environmental pollution, and persistent security incidents.
Eastern Christian youth thrive in the Australian diaspora
From Melbourne to Auckland, young people from Eastern Churches are finding creative ways to live their faith far from their ancestral homelands, ACI MENA recently reported.
The Syriac Catholic youth festival in Australia combined prayer, theater, and open discussion on anxiety, technology, and Christian identity, drawing strong participation.
Meanwhile, Chaldean youth gatherings in Australia and New Zealand focused on strengthening communion, daily liturgical life, and reflection on faith within multicultural societies. These initiatives show that, even in the diaspora, Eastern Christian youth are not merely preserving tradition but actively reshaping it for new contexts.
The country's bishops will travel to Rome from Feb. 16–20 to present to Pope Leo XIV "the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba."
Cuba's bishops are scheduled to travel to Rome later this month to meet with Vatican dicasteries and present Pope Leo XIV with a report on the state of the dioceses on the island.
In a message that will be read at Masses this weekend, the bishops will announce that they have been "called to Rome during Feb. 16–20 to pray in the four major basilicas, to meet for the first time with the Holy Father Leo XIV, and to share with him and with the heads of the Holy See's dicasteries the vicissitudes, sorrows, joys, and hopes of the Church in Cuba."
The Cuban Conference of Catholic Bishops (COCC, by its Spanish acronym) states that the trip is part of the ad limina visit that bishops must make every five years to the See of St. Peter.
"Every five years, the diocesan bishop must have a personal meeting with the Holy Father, present him with a report on the state of his diocese, and make a pilgrimage to the tombs of the apostles Peter and Paul," the announcement states, citing the Code of Canon Law.
The COCC reports that the meeting with Leo XIV will take place on the morning of Friday, Feb. 20. "We are filled with anticipation to listen to and converse with someone who, in a way, knows us, since he visited our country twice when he was the superior general of the Augustinian Fathers," the announcement notes.
The trip comes as the Catholic Church is the sole distributor of humanitarian aid sent by the United States government to people affected by Hurricane Melissa — a distribution that is taking place without the intervention of the Cuban government.
This is in addition to the meetings that some bishops have held in recent days with the chargé d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba, Mike Hammer.
On Sunday, Feb. 1, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over "reports of increased tensions between Cuba and the United States of America."
The pontiff expressed his support for the bishops' message of Jan. 31 and urged "all those responsible to promote a sincere and effective dialogue, to avoid violence and any action that could increase the sufferings of the dear Cuban people."
Prayer for their ad limina visit
On the occasion of their trip to the Vatican, the bishops have asked the faithful to accompany them with their prayers and have published the following prayer on their website:
Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd,
who guide your Church along the paths of history,
we pray for our bishops,
who are making a pilgrimage to Rome
to participate in the Ad Limina Apostolorum visit:
May this visit be for them a time of grace and renewal in faith,
of strengthening in communion with the successor of the Apostle Peter, Pope Leo XIV.
Lord, assist our bishops with your grace,
make this visit for them
a moment of attentive listening and sincere conversion,
of profound encounter with you and with their brothers
with Pope Leo and all his closest collaborators,
so that upon their return, they may continue to inspire our life of faith
and accompany the daily lives of our communities and people.
May they, as they kneel before the tombs of the holy apostles,
carry in their hearts the joys and sorrows,
the hopes and wounds of this Church on pilgrimage in Cuba,
and of all the Cuban people,
especially the weakest and most weary,
those who live in despair and poverty,
violence or loneliness.
Holy Mary, Virgin of charity,
Mother of the Church and queen of the apostles,
receive our bishops under your mantle
and accompany them on this pilgrimage to Rome,
so that, strengthened by the faith of Peter,
they may return to our Church with renewed apostolic and missionary zeal.
Amen.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
A Polish Jesuit used disguises and cunning to save Jews from the Holocaust, refusing three chances to escape his own execution to remain with those he served.
The 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a place more synonymous with depravity than probably any other corner of the earth, was marked in January.
Amid the horrors of World War II, there were sunbeams of Christian heroism.
One few have heard of is the Polish Jesuit martyr Father Adam Sztark (1907–1942), who used his wits and mastery of disguise to perform spiritual and corporal acts of mercy despite the persistent threat of death.
On Sept. 1, 1939, World War II broke out as Nazi Germany invaded Poland from the west, with the Soviet Union attacking from the east on Sept. 17. Both Hitler and Stalin wanted to destroy the Polish Church, and according to the research of Father Felicjan Paluszkiewicz, SJ, 83 Polish Jesuits — 11% of the Jesuits in the country — were murdered by the Germans and Soviets between 1939 and 1945.
In 1939, Sztark became the chaplain of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Slonim (present-day Belarus) and custodian of the Marian shrine in nearby Zyrowice.
After the Red Army invaded the city, the Soviets spread atheistic propaganda and tried to isolate priests from the people. Yet Sztark traveled tens of miles on his bicycle to bring consolation to hospital patients incognito as an elderly man visiting his ailing daughter or to nursing homes pretending to be a Jewish visitor.
In 1941, Hitler invaded the Soviet Union. Although the Soviets' injustices against Poland were a fresh wound, Sztark passed food and cigarettes to Russian officers in POW camps through barbed wire. He also cycled to the vicinity of Minsk to catechize Poles and offer them the sacrament of penance; many had not seen a priest since the Bolshevik Revolution.
As Slonim fell under Nazi German occupation, local Jews were shot by the "Einsatzgruppen" (mobile SS killing units); the survivors were confined to a ghetto. Unlike in Western Europe, the punishment for aiding Jews in occupied Poland was death, but this was no deterrent to Sztark.
Father Adam Sztark, SJ (1907–1942), martyred by the Nazis on Dec. 19, 1942, for helping Jews in Slonim, present-day Belarus. | Credit: Archives of the Greater Poland and Mazovia Province of the Society of Jesus
The priest had an unusual asset: Despite not being Jewish himself, he had a "Semitic" appearance. This allowed him to move freely in the Slonim Ghetto, where he gave food to starving people and from which he smuggled Jewish children, who were later hidden in convents and orphanages or placed with Christian families.
Escaping the ghetto's perimeter, however, could have resulted in death, which he once narrowly avoided by jumping from the second story of a building after being pursued by German soldiers.
Sztark also gave Jews backdated baptismal certificates and baptized Jews. In December 1942, this Jesuit scarlet pimpernel snuck into the Slonim prison dressed as a Polish policeman. Hours before a group of inmates — Poles, Jews, and Soviet partisans — was executed, he consoled them and offered them the sacraments of penance and baptism.
Because of the dangers of this activity, the local underground offered to safely transport the priest to the General Government in occupied central Poland. Yet Sztark declined, saying that "a good shepherd does not abandon his sheep but gives his soul for them." When a Belarusian informed Sztark that Belarusian collaborators had sentenced him to death, he likewise declined to escape.
On Dec. 18, Sztark and two Polish nuns, Sisters Ewa Noiszewska and Marta Wolowska — both beatified by St. John Paul II in 1999 — were arrested. They were escorted to the Gestapo headquarters and briefly imprisoned.
The next morning, they were brought by truck to Pietralewicka Hill to be shot.
In the final hours of his life, Sztark likewise baptized and heard the confessions of fellow inmates.
Used to seeing condemned prisoners panicking and screaming, the Nazi German hangmen were surprised that those awaiting their death were calm. Suspecting that this soothing effect was the work of the priest's consolation, they offered to spare him, yet once more Sztark declined.
Echoing fellow Jesuit martyr Blessed Miguel Pro of Mexico, Sztark's last words were: "Long live Christ the King! Long live Poland!" After the execution, a Belarusian took off his cassock, which was cut into pieces that many locals treated as relics.
In 2001, Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial institute, declared Sztark as Righteous Among the Nations, while in 2003 his cause for beatification along with that of 16 other Polish Jesuit martyrs of World War II was launched.
The extreme cruelty of World War II made many ask where God was. Yet it was during this painful time that martyrs like Sztark, Blessed Bernhard Lichtenberg, or St. Maximilian Kolbe beautifully illustrated Jesus' words that there is no greater love than "to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13). As our world is once more torn by war, may their intercession aid those threatened by violence.
Amid the freezing temperatures hitting many parts of the U.S., one Knights of Columbus council is providing warmth to children in need through an initiative called "Hoodies from Heaven."
After retiring in 2021, Patrick McBee began subbing as an aide at local schools in Morgan County, West Virginia. He quickly realized that many children did not have the appropriate clothes to keep them warm during the winter months. Unable to wear their coats during the school day due to security reasons, McBee had an idea to help underprivileged children stay warm — hoodies.
A member of the Knights of Columbus for over 20 years, McBee turned to his council for help bringing his idea to fruition. The council at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church — the only Catholic Church in Morgan Country — loved the idea and began the Hoodies from Heaven initiative, which solicits donations of new or gently used hoodies to give to children in need at local schools.
Since its launch in 2024, Hoodies from Heaven has donated over 300 hoodies to children in six local schools. Each hoodie that is given to a child in need comes with a note that says "God loves you."
McBee told EWTN News that he knew something needed to be done after speaking with the school board and found out that over 1,000 families in Morgan County "identify as needy … and that's not even counting the ones that do not go to DHHR — Department of Health and Human Resources."
McBee's wife, Judy, added that "there wasn't anything specific to help the school-aged children. There's lots of support for unwed mothers or single mothers with babies and things, but there wasn't anything for elementary, middle, and high school kids."
She added that part of the Knights' mission is to "take care of children, widows, and orphans," and "we knew that the babies were being taken care of. We saw that there were older children suffering and wanted to help them out and let them know that they're not forgotten about by God."
The married couple explained that the hoodies are handed out by teachers and bus drivers "because they're the first line of defense. … They distribute them to the kids that they see need them," Judy said.
Despite serving primarily in their local area, Hoodies from Heaven has helped others outside of their county. In September 2025, southwestern West Virginia experienced severe flooding, with many neighborhoods severely damaged or wiped out. The McBees sent over 60 hoodies and some sweatpants that were donated to the Catholic church in the area to be handed out to families in need.
The McBees agreed that they would love to "plant the seeds in other Knights of Columbus councils — to do this is so easy," Judy said.
"The people, they just come forth with their generosity … I would say very rarely has a weekend passed that Patrick and I don't go to Mass and come home with a bag or two of hoodies. It's awesome how people just step up, but we think that if this word could get out to others, then they could start their own little programs and just specifically to help the older kids who get neglected sometimes."
Patrick shared a story he was told about a little boy who received one of the hoodies. When the boy received it, he asked if he had to give it back. When the teacher told him no and that it was for him to keep, he was "elated."
"When I heard that, that broke my heart," Judy added.
Judy shared that growing up in an affluent town in New Jersey, she "was very fortunate growing up and never wanted for anything as a kid. And I come here, here I am retired, and I see what I see and it just absolutely breaks my heart, but these children here are special."
"They're very appreciative. They're not spoiled. They're not entitled. They know that they don't come from an entitled background. They're very humble. The kids here are just extraordinary, just absolutely extraordinary."
As for their hope for Hoodies from Heaven, Judy said: "If we could just make just a couple of kids happy and warm, feel that they're that valued, and then the little note that goes with them telling them that God loves them too. We hope that that brings a message to them that plants a seed that as they grow older that they'll know to rely on God, because God provides everything we need."
The Holy Father accepted the resignation of Archbishop Samuel Aquila, the Holy See announced on Feb. 7.
Colorado Springs Bishop James Golka will lead the Archdiocese of Denver after Archbishop Samuel Aquila steps down from the post, the Vatican announced on Feb. 7.
Aquila — who at 75 has reached the customary retirement age for prelates — has led the Colorado archdiocese since 2012, when he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI. He was ordained in that archdiocese in 1976 and previously served as the bishop of Fargo.
In a "farewell thank you" letter published on Feb. 7, Aquila said his heart was "filled above all with gratitude" as he prepares to enter retirement.
"From the beginning of my ministry here, I have been convinced that the Lord is at work among us, calling us ever more deeply to conversion, communion and mission," the archbishop told the archdiocese.
Aquila prayed that Golka would be "strengthened by your prayers, encouraged by your collaboration and sustained by the grace of the office he will receive."
Golka has lead the Colorado Springs diocese since 2021 after being appointed there by Pope Francis.
Born Sept. 22, 1966 in Grand Island, Nebraska, Golka obtained philosophy and theology degrees at Creighton University. He served as a Jesuit lay missionary volunteer for the Native American Missions in South Dakota before attending St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota.
After obtaining master's degrees in divinity and sacramental theology, he was ordained in the Diocese of Grand Island on June 3, 1994.
During his time in the Grand Island diocese he served in various capacities, including as director of diocesan youth, chair of the personnel board, director of ongoing formation of clergy and on the presbyteral council.
"I'm fascinated by Jesus Christ," Golka said at the time. "It's a gift that God gave me as a boy. I remember as a second-grader getting my first Children's Bible. I loved reading the stories of Jesus."
In a message for the Church's Feb. 8 World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, the pope warns that conflict and inequality fuel exploitation.
As the Church marks the 12th World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking, Pope Leo XIV renewed what he called the Church's "urgent call" to end a crime that "gravely wounds human dignity" and undermines authentic peace.
The annual day of prayer is observed on Feb. 8, the feast of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave whose life has become a universal symbol of the Church's commitment to combating human trafficking. Events in Rome this year span several days and culminate Sunday with the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square.
"These words are more than a salutation; they offer a path toward a renewed humanity," the pope writes. "True peace begins with the recognition and protection of the God-given dignity of every person."
He warns that contemporary conflicts often erode this vision of peace, noting that "in situations of conflict, the loss of human life is too often dismissed by warmongers as 'collateral damage,' sacrificed in the pursuit of political or economic interests."
According to the pope, the same logic fuels human trafficking worldwide. "Geopolitical instability and armed conflicts create fertile ground for traffickers to exploit the most vulnerable, especially displaced persons, migrants, and refugees," he writes, adding that "within this broken paradigm, women and children are the most impacted by this heinous trade."
The pope also draws attention to newer forms of exploitation, including what he calls "cyber slavery," in which victims are coerced into criminal activities such as online fraud or drug smuggling.
"In such cases, the victim is coerced into assuming the role of perpetrator, exacerbating their spiritual wounds," he writes. "These forms of violence are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a culture that has forgotten how to love as Christ loves."
Faced with these realities, Pope Leo XIV urges prayer and concrete awareness. "Prayer is the 'small flame' that we must guard amidst the storm, as it gives us the strength to resist indifference to injustice," he writes, while awareness helps uncover "the hidden mechanisms of exploitation in our neighborhoods and in digital spaces."
The pope also expresses gratitude to those working on the front lines to assist victims of trafficking, including international Catholic networks such as Talitha Kum, and acknowledges survivors who now advocate for others.
In Rome, events marking the World Day include an online global pilgrimage of prayer, a youth formation day, and public awareness initiatives. The observances conclude Sunday, Feb. 8, with the Angelus prayer with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter's Square, followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols in collaboration with the Santa Marta Group.
Entrusting the initiative to the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, the pope calls Catholics to work for a peace that is more than the absence of war — a peace, he writes, that is "unarmed and disarming," rooted in full respect for the dignity of every person.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
Addressing his new flock directly, Hicks said "I desire to follow the heart of Christ, to be a good shepherd. I come to walk with you, to serve you, and to proclaim Jesus Christ to you."
New York Catholics enjoyed an in-door moment of spiritual warmth, during an extreme cold spell in the region, with the installation mass of Archbishop Ronald Hicks on February 6.
While many in the pews felt sad about losing their beloved Cardinal Timothy Dolan, there was also excitement about welcoming their new shepherd.
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony happened at the beginning, when Archbishop Hicks stood outside the closed bronze doors of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Cardinal Dolan stood at the back silently when a loud knock was heard.
Archbishop Hicks just prior to entering St. Patrick's Cathedral. | Credit: Jeffrey Bruno/EWTN News
The bronze doors were opened, with Cardinal Dolan welcoming Archbishop Hicks inside amidst a burst of sunlight and arctic air - on behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful for the Archdiocese of New York. Then the Reverand Monsignor Joseph LaMorte, vicar general of the Archdiocese of New York, presented Archbishop Hicks with a crucifix resting on a pillow, which he received and kissed.
After the clergy processed to the front, the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, welcomed the 2200 people inside St. Patrick's Cathedral – including 68 bishops, 13 archbishops and 6 Cardinals. He thanked Cardinal Timothy Dolan for his years of service.
"Before turning your attention to the future, it is fitting to pose in gratitude Cardinal Timothy Dolan who has served this archdiocese with generosity, conviction and pastoral zeal. His voice has been a strong and joyful witness to the Gospel both here in New York and far beyond it. And on behalf of the Holy Father, I express sincere thanks for these years of faithful ministry and for the love he has shown to the people entrusted to his care," said Cardinal Pierre, to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan welcoming his successor, Archbishop Ronald Hicks. | Credit: Jeffrey Bruno/EWTN News
"And by the way, do you know that it is his birthday?" he said.
In a memorable "New York" moment, the entire Cathedral spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to Cardinal Dolan, as he beamed and waved at the congregation.
Cardinal Pierre then welcomed Archbishop Hicks as the new shepherd for New York.
"His years as a bishop have already immersed him in the ordinary realities of pastoral governance where he has attended carefully to the life of the Church and has shown a steady commitment to the mission entrusted to him," he said.
"The See to which you have been called carries a great history and a living mission. New York is a place of remarkable diversity marked by deep faith and real challenges. You are entrusted to a people whose voices are many, and whose needs are real; the people whose hopes are rooted in the Gospel, Cardinal Pierre noted.
"As Pope Leo has reminded bishops: the gift they receive is never for themselves alone but always for service, service to the faith of the people, lived in communion with them. In such a setting, unity is not uniformity but a shared belonging to Christ and in Christ," he continued.
Cardinal Pierre then read the Apostolic Letter, an official papal document, which officially appoints Archbishop Hicks as the new Archbishop of New York. This letter signifies Archbishop Hicks' mandate and authority to lead the Archdiocese of New York. After an emotional moment, whereby Archbishop Hicks walked around the altar and showed the Apostolic Letter to his brother bishops and then down the central aisle to the congregation of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Archbishop Hicks then processed to the chair of Cardinal Dolan.
They embraced warmly, and then Cardinal Dolan motioned for Archbishop Hicks to take his chair, where he sat down to the sound of trumpets and applause.
During the installation mass, deference was given to Archbishop Hicks' years of service as a missionary priest in El Salvador. The readings were read in both English and Spanish, and the St. Patrick Cathedral's choir sang several songs in Spanish.
During Archbishop Hicks' homily, he spoke easily in both languages.
"I love music. And I love all types of music. If you know something about me, I always have a song playing in my head," said Archbishop Hicks.
He referenced several iconic songs about New York, making them his own and saying "I am in a New York state of mind" and "start spreading the news. I am starting today. I want to be a part of it. New York. New York," he said to applause.
Then Archbishop Hicks told the congregation that he loves Jesus, the Church and people.
"I also love the Eucharist: the true body, blood, soul and divinity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our source and our summit. The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning to give thanks. So today, in the context of this Eucharist, my heart is filled with gratitude. And as I begin as the 11th bishop of the Archdiocese of NY, I want to start with gratitude," he said.
He thanked God, the Creator of life and giver of life eternal and Divine Mercy. He then thanked Cardinal Pierre for his years of service, and Cardinal Cupich for his example and mentorship during the past 11 years.
"To Cardinal Dolan, thank you for your magnanimous leadership here for 17 years. In a particular way, I want to thank you for your gracious support for me both personally and publicly," he said. "We had the opportunity to sing happy birthday to the Cardinal, and I just want to extend – ad moltos anos."
Archbishop Hicks thanked all the priests present.
"Please know this: I love being a priest. To you I say – thank you for your 'yes' - and I look forward to getting to know the wonderful presbyterate here in the Archdiocese of New York," he said.
Archbishop Hicks thanked his parents and referred to them as "the best". He also thanked family and friends, "You are one of the greatest gifts in my life. I love all of you."
He thanked members of different faith traditions who were present in the Cathedral to welcome him to New York. He told them that he looked forward to working with them in service of the common good.
Archbishop Hicks spoke about the Gospel passage of the installation Mass, Matthew 29:16-20.
"The Church exists to proclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel to everyone: publicly and credibly, without fear in every culture and circumstance," Archbishop Hicks declared.
"This is a call to be a missionary Church, not a country club. A club exists to serve its members. The Church exists, on the other hand, to go out and serve all people: on fire, with faith, with hope and charity in the name of Jesus Christ. This is not a criticism. It is simply an invitation: to constantly renew who we are and to rediscover why the Church exists," he said.
Archbishop Hicks went on to explain that followers of Jesus need to feed the hungry, heal the ill in mind and body and those who feel rejected.
"Pope Leo XIV has been clear and consistent about this. He reminds us that the Church is missionary, not because of a program we run but because of who we are," he said. "The Church exists to proclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel to everyone: publicly and credibly, without fear in every culture and circumstance."
Archbishop Hicks said that a missionary Church takes care of the poor and vulnerable. He also said that a missionary Church defends, respects and upholds life from conception to natural death. He said that such a Church protects children and promotes healing for survivors for those wounded by the Church.
"Brothers and sisters, I believe the world always has and always will need a missionary Church," he said." A Church that proclaims Jesus Christ clearly and without fear. A Church that forms missionary disciples not passive spectators. A Church that goes out to the peripheries."
Attendees moved by the ceremony
"It was a really beautiful mass. During the beginning, when Archbishop Hicks was outside knocking, you could hear what was going on outside. There were people singing songs in Spanish on 5th Avenue. When Archbishop Hicks walked inside, it made me feel like we were all a part of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem. To see the door open like that, it felt like it was a door of hope. It made me feel very special that we could all be inside to witness that," said Debby Kruszewski, from Mamaroneck, New York.
"I was moved by Archbishop Hicks' invitation for us to join him in the mission of the Church, and the joy with which he shared his love for Christ, the Church and us, his people," said Ann Lefever, from Larchmont, New York.
For his part, 12-year-old Timothy Amigone, also in attendance from New Rochelle, New York, said he was "impressed by the humility and simplicity of the new archbishop and how he seems like he can relate to the people he will serve."
Seattle and Boston archbishops place a wager ahead of the Super Bowl while also acknowledging the big game comes amid a difficult time for many across the nation.
It's become an annual tradition for the Catholic bishops from the two cities sending teams to the Super Bowl to make a friendly wager before the big game to benefit Catholic nonprofits in the teams' cities.
As the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks prepare to play in the Super Bowl on Feb. 8, Archbishop Richard G. Henning of Boston and Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle discussed this year's wager with EWTN News.
The two archbishops said the weekend will be fun for fans across the nation but acknowledged it comes amid a tense time in the United States with ongoing debates and division surrounding immigration.
"I think this is an important moment, obviously, of unity. This is a shared cultural moment, hopefully a moment for people to gather, be with friends and family, a joyful thing," Henning said. "But at the same time, we don't want to forget that there are other realities in our world and suffering; [we want to] be attentive to that as well."
"It's a situation that requires attentiveness and sensitivity," Etienne said. With the "tradition of a friendly wager between the bishops of the teams, Archbishop Henning and I just simply wanted to acknowledge that we do realize we got more important matters that we are being attentive to," he said.
"But at the same time, we recognize the great role that sports and relaxation play in the lives of our people, too."
The pair decided the wager this year would be a $500 donation to Catholic charities that have a particular focus on the care and support of immigrants.
Preparing for a 'joyful' game
Etienne discussed how putting aside differences and coming together is an advantage that sports and recreation can bring.
"Healthy competition is a part of so many aspects of human life, and it's good for people to have something to take their minds off of other matters in their world and in their lives to just relax. And hopefully, the outcome of the game will still allow everybody watching it and participating to still be relaxed and joyful at the performance of their teams," he said.
The 60th Super Bowl marks the second time the Seahawks and Patriots will compete in the championship game. In 2015, the Patriots defeated the Seahawks at the 49th Super Bowl. Despite the loss, Etienne said "there is definitely a better performance on the way this year" for Seattle's team.
Etienne said Seattle players see it as a "good omen" that in the 21st century, every time a new pope has been elected, the Seahawks made it to the next Super Bowl.
When Pope Benedict XVI was elected in April 2005, the Seahawks played in the Super Bowl in February 2006. Then Pope Francis was elected in March 2013, and the Seahawks played in the Super Bowl in 2014. In May 2025, Pope Leo XIV was elected and now Seattle's team is once again in the championship game.
While Henning has only been in Boston a little over a year after moving from New York, he said he is "absolutely a fan" of the New England Patriots and said they are "a great team."
"This is a team that unites New England and Boston. It's a team that is committed to young people in our communities. They give a great example of hard work, resilience, discipline, and the team is very generous in going out into our communities among our young people, helping them with their sports programs," Henning said.
"It's a great team, a great management, a great coach who's a wonderful witness of Catholic faith, Coach [Mike] Vrabel. So, I'm very much a fan of them in every way," Henning said.
The teams are schedule to compete on Sunday, Feb. 8, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
