What is the U.S. Catholic Bishops Conference?
It’s a body of about 190 diocese bishops, about 90 auxiliary bishops and about 100 retired bishops over the age of 75. They meet twice a year to pool resources, share ideas and make public policy statements. It’s like a trade association. They support the denomination’s domestic charities, such as Catholic Charities and the Human Development Corporation and overseas programs such as Catholic Relief. They run the North American College, a residential graduate- level seminary in Rome. Topics of their public policy papers and statements range from AIDS in Africa to global warming to stem cell research. When the group is not in session its president, Bishop Wilton Gregory of Belleville, supported by its executive committee, often makes statements. What is a pro-nuncio? The papal representative who lives in the capital of each nation. He links Catholic leaders in each nation with the Vatican. He rarely mingles with lay Catholics or lower ranking priests outside Washington. Archbishop Gabrie
