News Releases

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., responded to the news of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s election to the papacy with the following message: Today, the Diocese of Trenton rejoices and gives thanks to God for the election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This momentous occasion marks the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Church, filled with hope and renewed commitment to our faith.

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will gather today with the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton for a special Mass to commemorate the death of Pope Francis. The Mass will take place in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton beginning at 12:10 p.m.

Catholics will soon flock to their parishes to mark the solemnity of Holy Week and the Easter joy that follows. The doors to Catholic churches throughout the Diocese of Trenton will open wide to hundreds of thousands of parishioners and newcomers alike as special services and Masses will lead believers through the week-long retelling of Christ’s Passion, Death and Resurrection.

“The clergy and laity of the Diocese have been praying for the Pope throughout his hospitalization. We will continue to do so as his battle has become more difficult over the last 12 hours. May he be comforted by the prayers and well-wishes offered for him from around the world and may God see him through this critical time.”

The Catholic Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children and have both the right and responsibility to direct their child’s education,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Catholic Education. Bishop O’Connell offered the following comments in response to the Executive Order signed by President Trump, “Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families.”