Bishop Thomas Urges Hope, Respect for Life During Respect Life Month
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, has spoken about maintaining hope in a culture that increasingly disregards human life, marking Respect Life Month. He highlighted the Catholic Church's compassion towards those affected by abortion and encouraged Catholics to pray to St. Joseph for an end to taxpayer funding of abortion.
Bishop Thomas referenced St. Paul's words, 'hope does not disappoint', to encourage Catholics discouraged by rising abortion rates. He praised Sen. Dick Durbin for declining a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from Chicago Cardinal Blase J. Cupich due to his public position in favor of abortion. The cancellation of the award, explained by Cardinal Cupich, became publicly known in early October 2025.
He mentioned Walking with Moms in Need and Project Rachel ministries as examples of the Church's respect for those affected by abortion. Bishop Thomas highlighted the growing disregard for human life, including abortion, assisted suicide, violence against innocent people, and mistreatment of immigrants. He encouraged the faithful to promote respect for life, especially for the most vulnerable, such as children in the womb and the elderly.
Bishop Thomas sees the month in the context of the Jubilee Year of Hope, stating that 'life is a sign of hope in a world of darkness and a world of violence and the culture of death'. He referenced Pope Leo XIV's comments on the complexity of ethical issues and the need for respect and dialogue. Bishop Thomas stated that there is a moral hierarchy of life, with the direct killing of children in the womb being the gravest disrespect to life.
Bishop Daniel E. Thomas of Toledo, Ohio, has emphasized the importance of hope and respect for life during Respect Life Month. He praised those who stand against abortion and encouraged Catholics to pray and promote life, especially for the most vulnerable.
