Faced with the looming
construction of a multimillion-dollar, regional abortion facility by
Planned Parenthood Gulf South, New Orleans Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond
has cautioned local Catholics and businesses they would be "cooperating
with the evil that will take place" at the clinic if they participated
in its preparation or construction. In an open letter, published on the
front page of the Feb. 1 issue of the Clarion Herald, the archdiocesan
newspaper, Archbishop Aymond said the caution extends to any person or
business "involved in the acquisition, preparation and construction of
this (abortion) facility." The archbishop also indicated the archdiocese
would not do future business "with any person or organization that
participates in actions that are essential to making this abortion
facility a reality. This policy applies to all businesses, regardless of
religious affiliation or nonaffiliation," Archbishop Aymond wrote. "Our
fidelity to church teaching and our conscience necessitates this
stance." Planned Parenthood currently operates two clinics in Louisiana
-- in New Orleans and Baton Rouge -- but does not perform abortions in
the state. In its public statements about the proposed 7,000- to
8,000-square-foot facility, located about five minutes from two
universities and on a site easily accessible by public transportation,
Planned Parenthood Gulf South indicated it would seek a state license to
perform abortions.
The release of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith’s note, Mater Populi Fidelis , on November 4, 2025, seems to have sparked some immediate and widespread confusion, driven largely by sensationalist headlines from secular sources. In response to requests, particularly surrounding a potential Fifth Marian Dogma of Spiritual Maternity , the DDF addressed the usage of titles like Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix. Unfortunately, this has led to a large contingent online and in the media claiming that the Church has "tossed out" centuries of doctrine, with some outside the Church even proclaiming a "victory" over Catholic teaching (This may be the saddest part of it all, that we as Christians, are "competing" with each other). It is essential to understand that this doctrinal note is fundamentally about titles and clarity, not doctrine and change according to the Vatican News. The true teachings regarding Mary's unique role in salvation remain inviolabl...