In support with the New York State Catholic Conference’s
“Statement on NYS Senate Passage of State-Sanctioned Suicide Bill”
It is with great sadness that we have learned that both the State Assembly and the New York State Senate have passed legislation approving Physician-Assisted Suicide. Once again, a majority of members of New York State’s legislators have failed to recognize and to protect God’s precious gift of life.
The precious life of the new-born child is the same precious life of the old and the frail, the weak and the suffering, the ill and the infirm, the distraught and the sorrowful. As we care for the child so must we care for all persons in the vast spectrum of human life. When we subjectively determine when life begins and ends, when it is viable or not, or when it is too burdensome to endure, we begin a path toward self-destruction. Life is no longer precious, but just another commodity in the business of living. Relativism becomes the absolute, and even the value of life itself is questioned.
The value of persons who are gravely ill and/or at the end of their lives is currently being questioned and their very lives threatened by this growing movement in our society to end life prematurely. Now both bodies of the New York State Legislature have approved the bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide for patients diagnosed with a terminal illness. This legislation asks those in the medical profession, a vocation dedicated to the service of life, to assist in the termination of the very lives they have pledged to heal and to comfort at life’s most critical moments.
Dr. Michael Brescia, former Executive Medical Director of Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, a specialty hospital serving advanced cancer patients, was described as a “palliative care and hospice trailblazer.” Dr. Brescia had noted that with groundbreaking advances in pain medicine, “the physical aspects of pain can be managed effectively for all patients. [W]e have found that with attention, affection and high quality care, we can prevent patients from saying they want to die” (http://noassistedsuicideny.org/in-state-resources/ see Calvary Hospital, Bronx, New York). Indeed, we must not abandon our terminally ill sisters and brothers. Dr. Brescia died on April 19, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.
The rejection of physician-assisted suicide is not solely a Catholic position; rather it is a human rights imperative. The Catholic Church is the defender of life in concert with physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals; in union with these same people, we seek to protect people with physical and mental disabilities, those in life-threatening situations, and those who have no one to speak on their behalf, from being
2
viewed as burdens to society when they are our sisters and brothers in the human family. What is needed is support for and the further exploration of healthcare measures that will effectively relieve suffering, so that the terminally ill might know and feel the love, concern, compassion and care of a society that protects them and cherishes them. This, in itself, eases the greatest pain, which attacks the heart when people feel no one cares!
The Catholic Church, united with persons of other faiths and people of good will, does care, especially for those who are the weakest among us! And our concern is not irrational. It is a very reasonable and noble concern, which appreciates the worth of the human person in his or her most difficult moments of life. In 2011, the United States Bishops stated: “Respect for life does not demand that we attempt to prolong life by using medical treatments that are ineffective or unduly burdensome. Nor does it mean we should deprive suffering patients of needed pain medications out of a misplaced or exaggerated fear that they might have the side effect of shortening life” (“To Live Each Day With Dignity: A Statement on Physician-Assisted Suicide,” USCCB, July 2011, p. 10, http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/assisted-suicide/to-live-each-day). The New York State Bishops, in their 2011 “Catholic Guide to End-of-Life Decision-Making, Now and at the Hour of Our Death,” noted that “out of deep respect for the gift of life, we must always accept, and others must provide, ordinary medical means of preserving life. Ordinary means are those that offer us a reasonable hope of benefit and would not entail excessive burden on us, our family, or the community” (p. 3, http://www.nyscatholic.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/End-of-Life-booklet-final.pdf). But intentional euthanasia, the willful and conscious act of putting to death those who are sick, are disabled, or are dying, is morally unacceptable and a tragic offense against life!
I strongly urge Governor Hochul to veto this legalization of physician-assisted suicide, for it will inevitably put tremendous pressure on our most vulnerable citizens to end their lives. As the New York State Task Force on Life and the Law cautioned many years ago (1994), in an era of health care rationing and cost-cutting, assisted suicide could easily rise to the level of the most acceptable, inexpensive, and even expected “treatment” for terminal illness. Indeed, the rapid push for passing this euthanasia legislation is evidence that this day has sadly arrived in our State. We owe our brothers and sisters in the human family so much more.
Far more than a political issue, this is a moral issue, which is beyond the competency of government, any government, assuming to create legislation inconsistent with the intent of the Creator, bound to His creation made in His image and likeness. I pray that reason will prevail and be guided by an even greater Wisdom. Shakespeare said it well many years ago: “There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them how we may” (Hamlet, V .ii). Indeed, there is One greater than ourselves and He said, “I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Debtor in Possession
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Statement Regarding Physician-Assisted Suicide
The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano
Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester
June 10, 2025

It is with great joy that the Diocese of Rochester joins with the Universal Church in pledging our heartfelt prayers, support and fidelity to our newly elected Holy Father, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the 266th successor to Saint Peter and the 267th Vicar of Christ on earth. United to the See of Peter by the bonds of faith and charity, we offer to our Holy Father our filial devotion in continuing the mission of the Church entrusted to her by her founder Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of the Church. Certainly, it is an extraordinary moment for the church in the United States as a native son, inspired by the life of Saint Augustine and of the order bearing his name, now occupies the Chair of Peter.
Guided by the wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the College of Cardinals, representing the universality and multicultural richness of the Church, have elected still another Holy Father in the image of the Good Shepherd, whose Vicar he now is and to whom the mandate is again given to confirm and strengthen his brothers and sisters in the faith (cf. Luke 22:32). Once more we are at the Sea of Tiberias and the words Jesus addressed to the first Pope, Saint Peter, are now addressed to His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, “Feed my sheep” (cf. John 21:17).
As I have previously mentioned, how blessed many of us have been to live during the pontificates of such outstanding popes: Saint John XXIII, who embraced the whole world in his universal call for renewing the faith in Christ; Saint Paul VI, who gave his life to the Church with an undivided heart and never faltered under or feared the weight of the
cross; Blessed John Paul I, whose humble and gentle manner in a time so brief revealed the
heart of the Good Shepherd; Saint John Paul II, whose charisma and dynamic personality
captured the hearts of believers and non-believers alike; Pope Benedict XVI, the scholar,
the theologian, the teacher, but above all that holy man who helped us in clear and simple
terms to understand the mystery of God, the mystery which enveloped his life in his
intimate communion with the Lord; and Pope Francis, the apostle of mercy, the messenger
of hope, the shepherd who sought out that lost sheep, the one who united his heart to the
heart of Christ.
Now, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, begins his pontificate supported by the legacy
of these good and holy, Christ-like pontiffs, who preceded him; he now takes his place as
successor to Saint Peter and Vicar of Christ. We now pray for him at every celebration of
the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, asking the Lord to make him a beacon of faith, hope and
charity, carrying the message of Christ’s peace to all people.
As we continue to experience the joy of this Easter Season celebrating Christ’s
glorious Resurrection, we now rejoice that the courage, hope and enduring presence of
Christ emanating from that empty tomb, which would inspire those first Apostles to
proclaim the truth of Christ throughout the world under Peter’s leadership, now continues
in this unbroken link of apostolic succession in our newly elected Pontiff. With one voice
we cry out, “Alleluia!” “Habemus Papam!” “We have a Pope!”
I will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the 11:15 a.m.
Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Rochester. A Diocesan Solemn Mass of
Thanksgiving upon the Installation of Pope Leo XIV will be offered at the Cathedral of the
Sacred Heart.
The Statement of The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, upon the Election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV
May 8, 2025

It is with great sadness, but also with joyful hope in the merits won by Christ’s
glorious resurrection, that the Diocese of Rochester joins with the Universal Church in
praying for the repose of the soul of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who returned home to
the Good Shepherd, the Eternal High Priest, Jesus Christ, on April 21, 2025.
Pope Francis’ motto on his coat of arms, “miserando atque eligendo,” is taken from
the homily given by Saint Bede, an English eighth-century monk and now a Doctor of the
Church, who was commenting on the call of Saint Matthew. It translates to “having
mercy, he called him.” Pope Francis constantly called us to mercy. In his Apostolic
Letter, Misericordia et misera, (Mercy with misery), written at the conclusion of the
Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, on November 20, 2016, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus
Christ, King of the Universe, he penned these words:
“This is the time of mercy. Each day of our journey is marked by God’s
presence. He guides our steps with the power of the grace that the Spirit
pours into our hearts to make them capable of loving. It is the time of
mercy for each and all, since no one can think that he or she is cut off from
God’s closeness and the power of his tender love. It is the time of
mercy because those who are weak and vulnerable, distant and alone, ought
to feel the presence of brothers and sisters who can help them in their
need. It is the time of mercy because the poor should feel that they are
regarded with respect and concern by others who have overcome
indifference and discovered what is essential in life. It is the time of
mercy because no sinner can ever tire of asking forgiveness and all can feel
the welcoming embrace of the Father.” (No. 21).
These works characterized the Petrine ministry of Pope Francis. Like Jesus, he
reached out to the poor, the forgotten, the estranged, the foreigner, those on the fringes of
society. Motivated by the love of Christ Jesus, he reminded us recently that “Dilexit nos,”
“He loved us,” (Encyclical Letter, Dilexit Nos, on the Human and Divine Love of the
Heart of Jesus Christ, October 24, 2024) and Pope Francis wanted this love to extend to all
God’s People. In this Encyclical Letter, he begins with these words:
“‘HE LOVED US’, Saint Paul says of Christ (cf. Rom 8:37), in order to
make us realize that nothing can ever ‘separate us’ from that love
(Rom 8:39). Paul could say this with certainty because Jesus himself had
told his disciples, ‘I have loved you’ (Jn 15:9, 12). Even now, the Lord says
to us, ‘I have called you friends’ (Jn 15:15). His open heart has gone before
us and waits for us, unconditionally, asking only to offer us his love and
friendship. For ‘he loved us first’ (cf. 1 Jn 4:10). Because of Jesus, ‘we
have come to know and believe in the love that God has for us.’” (1 Jn 4:16).
(No. 1).
Imitating the love Pope Francis had for us, we now offer our heartfelt prayers,
commending Pope Francis to the love and mercy of God as he crosses over the threshold
from this life to eternal life. United to the See of Peter by the bonds of faith, hope and
charity, we offer to God this successor to Saint Peter asking that he be welcomed into
eternity by the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and that the Lord will bestow upon him the
mercy and love that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, preached, cherished and lived.
We pray now for the College of Cardinals, representing the universality of the
Church, that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit they elect a successor to Pope Francis to
continue the Petrine mission of the Church entrusted to her by her founder Jesus Christ, the
cornerstone of the Church. As the Vicar of Christ on earth, this new pontiff will be called
upon to confirm and strengthen his brothers and sisters in the faith. (Cf. Luke 22:32).
Once more we are at the Sea of Tiberias and the words Jesus addressed to the first Pope,
Saint Peter, will be addressed to Pope Francis’ successor: “Feed my sheep.” (Cf. John
21:17).
How blessed many of us have been to live during the pontificates of such faithful
popes: John XXIII, who embraced the whole world in his universal call for renewing the
faith in Christ; Paul VI, who gave his life to the Church with an undivided heart and never
faltered under or feared the weight of the cross; John Paul I, whose humble and gentle
manner in a time so brief revealed the heart of the Good Shepherd; John Paul II, whose
charisma and dynamic personality captured the hearts of believers and non-believers alike;
Pope Benedict XVI, the scholar, the theologian, the teacher, but above all that holy man
who helped us in clear and simple terms to understand the mystery of God, the mystery
which enveloped his life in his intimate communion with the Lord; and now Pope Francis,
the apostle of mercy, the messenger of hope, the shepherd who sought out that lost sheep,
the one who united his heart to the heart of Christ.
May the soul of Pope Francis, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
A Solemn Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis will be offered on Friday evening,
April 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Rochester, New York.

Debtor in Possession
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
1150 Buffalo Road
Rochester, New York 14624
(585) 328-3210
The Statement of The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester,
upon the Death of His Holiness, Pope Francis
April 21, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jurisprudence is defined as “The philosophy of law, or the science which treats of the principles of positive law and legal relations… and to choose that rule which, when so applied, will produce the greatest advantage to the community.” (Black’s Law Dictionary, © 1979, p. 767).

Based upon this principle, one understands that good law, just law can never paint with a broad brush, but must apply the law with due consideration for the common good, while also understanding the circumstances of the individual person, their motives and intent, and avoiding rash or harsh judgments when evaluating a troublesome situation. The fault of some cannot characterize an entire group of people; if it does, whole groups become targets of violence and civil disturbance.

So it is that the subject of immigration must be addressed rationally and with an understanding of the situation of those who, like thousands before them, have literally or figuratively passed the Statue of Liberty and landed on our shores to begin a new life—many coming from impoverished countries, escaping persecution and violence in war-torn places, and still others seeking the life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness guaranteed by a democratic society. Yes, some have come with bad and corrupt intentions, causing pain, suffering, and even death. Tragically, even children have been caught up in these inhumane situations and trafficked by the evil actions of some—at a time when these precious children need protection, care, stability, and love. But again, not everyone can be painted with the same broad brush.

Because much-needed immigration reform has yet to be achieved, people who have come to this country to build a new life and who contribute to society in many ways find themselves in uncertainty. Like our ancestors who sought a new beginning in America, many hard-working immigrants desire a legal path to permanent residency and citizenship, yet a broken immigration system has not afforded them this possibility.

The need for secure borders is legitimate and acknowledged; however, we cannot secure our borders by creating unjust insecurity among refugees and migrants who work on our farms, in service industries, in healthcare facilities, and who enhance the religious, cultural, and educational mosaic of the United States. Many gifted and talented people of diverse backgrounds have come to this country and made outstanding contributions. They arrived with so little but have given so much; they came with love for their faith and families; they built schools, hospitals, and churches. How sad it is that a broken immigration system could deprive us of these sisters and brothers. Pope Saint John Paul II said, “The challenge is to combine the welcome due to every human being, especially when in need, with a reckoning of what is necessary for both the local inhabitants and the new arrivals to live a dignified and peaceful life.” (Message for the 2001 World Day of Peace, no. 13). Yes, deport criminals, secure borders, and swiftly reform immigration legislation with this challenge in mind, but do not paint everyone with the same broad brush.

For me, immigration is more than a legal matter; it is deeply personal. I know the harm caused by painting an entire people with a broad brush. Like many of you whose ancestors came from foreign lands, my roots were planted by ancestors who emigrated from Italy and loved this country. Although challenging and difficult at times, they followed an immigration protocol. Many of these ancestors went on to serve in the military, some losing their lives defending this land they loved. Sadly, a group known as the “mafia” deeply scarred our people, and at times, we were painted with the same broad brush, even though many of our families had absolutely no association with this corrupt organization. Movies like The Godfather and shows like The Sopranos further reinforced this harmful characterization of our nationality. How many other ethnic groups have unjustly experienced this same treatment?

It is also personal for me as a Catholic and as a shepherd called to seek out the lost, the forgotten, and the refugee. In September 2024, the Catholic Church worldwide celebrated the 110th annual World Day of Migrants and Refugees. This long-standing tradition is a testimony to our ongoing prayer for the justice and charity expected of all disciples of Jesus Christ, who calls us to “sincerity of heart [so] we may show true compassion toward strangers and the abandoned…” (Roman Missal, Third Edition, Prayer after Communion from the Mass for Refugees and Exiles). It is this gift of faith that keeps us from painting others with the same broad brush and ruining innocent lives.

Reasonable people, including Catholics, see the need for law and desire a well-ordered society, but these laws must be just. And “justice,” true justice, must be accompanied by faith—the faith that gave us the immortal Ten Commandments, beautifully summed up by Jesus: “Love God, love your neighbor.” (Cf. Matthew 22:36-40; Mark 12:30-31). Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6), the foundation upon which just laws rest—laws respecting the dignity of every person, laws that call us to accountability, laws that punish crime, but not laws that create crime. Laws must not paint individual persons broadly, neither grouping them as “deplorables” nor “illegals.” Rather, as true jurisprudence dictates, they should “produce the greatest advantage to the community.”

Please, dear Lord, guide those who govern our immigration laws to fix what is broken and make our nation whole again, under God.

Assuring you of a continued remembrance in my prayers, I remain,

Devotedly yours in Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd,

The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano
Bishop of Rochester

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January 30, 2025

Jubilee Year 2025