WASHINGTON, D.C. - His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the United States Military Services, issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia:

Most Rev. Broglio (center) and Hon. Justice Scalia (left) exit the annual St. Thomas More Society Red Mass at the Cathedral of St Matthew in Washington, DC. Photo Credit: CNS

"The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, joins the Nation in paying tribute to the late Justice Antonin Scalia.  He was a brilliant jurist who contributed much to the Country and I mourn his passing.  We are all poorer, because he no longer walks among us, but richer, because of the gifts he shared with us.

"On behalf of my Auxiliary Bishops, the clergy, and faithful of the Archdiocese, I express my heartfelt sympathy to Mrs. Scalia, the sons and daughters, and the grandchildren and assure them of our prayers for the repose of his soul and their consolation.

"I was deeply grateful for his presence when I was installed as the 4th Archbishop for the Military Services, USA.  He explained that he was there, because one of his sons was in the Army and he wanted to pray for and with that son’s new shepherd."