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CV NEWS FEED // The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released an updated version of its pastoral letter on pornography, marking the 10th anniversary of the original with a new edition titled “Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.”
First published in 2015 as “Create in Me a Clean Heart,” the document was initially approved by the bishops at their November General Assembly, according to the USCCB. That version acknowledged the widespread and harmful influence of pornography on individuals, families, and the broader culture.
“Everyone, in some way, is affected by increased pornography use in society,” the bishops wrote in the introduction. “We all suffer negative consequences from its distorted view of the human person and sexuality.”
The 2025 edition includes an updated preface reflecting current cultural concerns, particularly the growing epidemic of loneliness and its connection to pornography use.
“We recognize that many individuals start viewing pornography because of deep personal wounds,” the bishops wrote. “Several risk factors that threaten vulnerable people are rooted in escalating cultural trends. Chief among these is the loneliness epidemic.”
The updated guidance offers new, practical recommendations for a wide array of pastoral and societal leaders, including clergy, parents, teachers, lay leaders, and civil authorities. Parents are urged to create an open dialogue with their children about chastity and sexuality and to model healthy habits around technology.
“Discuss chastity and the nature of human sexuality in age-appropriate ways over time,” the document advises, “instead of waiting to have one difficult ‘talk’ with them.”
Clergy are encouraged to maintain referral lists of trusted mental health professionals who respect Catholic moral teaching, while lay leaders are invited to create forums for honest conversations about pornography’s impact. Educators are called to limit student access to mobile devices during school hours, and civil leaders are challenged to protect children on social media platforms and uphold parental rights.
The bishops affirmed their message as one of compassion, stating they are “called to proclaim anew the abundant mercy and healing of God found in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and through his Church.”
