Bishops feel hopeful, optimistic after meeting with pope

Published: 2008-04-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Bishops from across the country left their April 16 meeting with Pope Benedict XVI feeling more hopeful and optimistic about their work and the future of the U.S. Catholic Church. From the issue of the clergy sex abuse scandal to challenges posed by an increasingly secular society, bishops contacted by Catholic News Service said the pope's message of hope grounded in deeper prayer, renewal and strong leadership is one which they can take back to their home dioceses. The theme of hope has been a hallmark of Pope Benedict's papacy almost since the day of his election three years ago. Bishops hearing his address at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington said they felt encouraged by the pope's support for their work despite the many challenges stemming from the abuse scandal. "The whole idea is that the Holy Father is challenging us to be optimistic and hopeful and not to let secularism and rationalism keep us from having hope," said Bishop Sam G. Jacobs of Houma-Thibodaux, La. "We have a message of hope and we have a message that can transform the world. We need to keep hearing that message even if the rest of the world doesn't hear it." For Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of Tucson, Ariz., the bottom line is that "we be men of prayer ourselves." "He was very encouraging to the bishops, very pastoral in reminding us that it's really about holiness and the need for a bishop to be on a spiritual journey himself," Bishop Kicanas said.

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