Pope meets with top officials of U.S. bishops' conference

Published: 2005-10-24

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Continuing a practice begun under Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI met Oct. 24 with top officials of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., USCCB president, said the meeting lasted about 20 minutes. Cardinal Francis E. George of Chicago, conference vice president, and Msgr. William P. Fay, USCCB general secretary, joined Bishop Skylstad in the meeting. The conference leaders spent Oct. 24-26 in meetings at Vatican offices "simply sharing information back and forth," Bishop Skylstad said. Under Pope John Paul, the meetings took place twice each year, allowing the conference leadership to present issues for Vatican consideration, seek Vatican input on issues facing the U.S. bishops, and listen to Vatican concerns and requests.

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