Archbishop Borys Gudziak to Chair the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Commission on International Justice and Peace
During the fall assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Baltimore, Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Philadelphia Archeparchy was elected chair of the Commission on International Justice and Peace. The vote for the chairs of six commissions took place on November 12, with Metropolitan Borys receiving the support of 70 % of the bishops.
The Commission’s mission is to promote and uphold the social teaching of the Catholic Church, particularly regarding solidarity, human development, human rights, religious freedom, and issues of war and peace. Following the election, Metropolitan Borys will serve for one year as chairman-elect before beginning a three-year term as chair. Previously, from 2022 to 2025, he chaired the USCCB’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.
“The Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development was a significant responsibility, as it focuses on issues of poverty, social service, the economical issues, Catholic education, engagement with legislative bodies, legislative initiatives, and health, including mental health,” said Metropolitan Borys. “After 32 years of living in Ukraine and various countries in Western Europe, I needed to re-engage with the American context, especially amid growing societal polarization, which has also affected the Catholic community.”
During his three-year tenure, the Committee issued several important statements and letters to members of the U. S. House of Representatives and Senate, reflecting the social doctrine of the Catholic Church in response to societal challenges.
It is noteworthy that two bishops from Eastern Catholic Churches have chaired commissions of the U. S. bishops’ conference. Bishop Abdallah Elias Zaidan of the Maronite Church (Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon in Los Angeles) currently chairs the Commission on International Justice and Peace; in the fall of 2026, Metropolitan Borys will succeed him.
The Commission on International Justice and Peace pays particular attention to countries of the Global South, conflict-affected regions in the Middle East, the Holy Land, Lebanon, Gaza, and, importantly, Ukraine’s struggle for dignity amid Russian aggression.
“By their vote, the bishops of America emphasized that they want to see a Ukrainian Catholic bishop at the head of this commission,” added Metropolitan Borys.
The Commission serves as a forum for the American Catholic Church to engage with persecuted Catholics and Christians from countries including Nicaragua, Venezuela, the Indian subcontinent, Nigeria, and other African nations. It provides a platform for discussing and formulating the U. S. bishops’ positions on migrants and refugees, as well as advocacy to secure Catholic and governmental support for those in need worldwide.
“Today, given the fragility of the international order established after World War II under the leadership of the United States, the witness of the Universal Church and Catholics in America takes on particular significance. Who will speak on the international stage about justice and holistic human development based on universal and God-given principles if Catholics do not?” emphasized Metropolitan Borys.
The Metropolitan also highlighted the importance of the work of lay staff in the offices of Social Justice and Human Development, both domestically and internationally. These are highly competent, well-educated lawyers, social workers, and theologians.
“They make it possible for the bishops who serve on the commission, and for the commission’s chair, to carry out their work. I am grateful to this office, which manages both areas and continuously attends to issues concerning Ukraine and the situation of Catholics in Ukraine,” emphasized Archbishop Borys.
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