U.S. bishops say Vatican officials want to know U.S. Catholic reality

Published: 2004-04-30

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- When U.S. bishops visit the Vatican, officials point out concerns, but mainly they ask questions in an attempt to get to know the U.S. Catholic reality better, several bishops said. "I think sometimes people think this is an inquisition, when in reality I find the congregations want to help the local churches," said Bishop Michael A. Saltarelli of Wilmington, Del. "They are interested in my little diocese," said the bishop during his "ad limina" visit to Rome. During the April 25-May 1 "ad limina" visit, the bishops of Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands met privately with Pope John Paul II, held joint meetings with the Vatican congregations and concelebrated Masses at the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul. The visits are made every five years, and their name comes from the Latin phrase "ad limina apostolorum" (to the thresholds of the apostles), a reference to the pilgrimage to the tombs the bishops are required to make.

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