U.S. Roman Catholic bishops met this week with a goal, among many, of infusing Pope Francis' values into their slate of activities and priorities as part of the annual fall meeting.
In fact, the president of the U.S. bishops, Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, reiterated this point to open the event in Baltimore on Monday.
"Let [those who are hurting] know, as our Holy Father Pope Francis says, that the Church is a place of mercy freely given, where everyone can feel welcomed, loved, forgiven, and encouraged to life the good life of the Gospel," he said, in reminding everyone that the pope has highlighted solidarity with the poor, outreach to other faiths, and the practice of "listening" as the best way to share - and preserve - the Gospel.
Kurtz even went on to share a personal story about his older brother George, who had Down syndrome, and how their relationship has given him a personal perspective on the meaning of compassion.
The bishops also heard presentations on relief work in Africa, the problems related to underserved communities and Catholic schools as well as evangelization - more topics in line with the pope's areas of emphasis.
More unexpectedly, Pope Francis' influence made its way into speeches on hot-button cultural issues regarding religious liberty and the defense of traditional marriage.
In response to a viewing of the film "Desire for the Everlasting Hills," which relates the stories of gay Catholics, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone commented only that he appreciated the "power of personal witness."
A report on the church's humanitarian aid work as orchestrated through its relief arm, Catholic Relief Services (CSR), was a main part of the meeting's agenda.
CRS is feeding the hungry, meeting health needs, and building infrastructure - work that is less glamorous and often unseen but nonetheless important, said Archbishop Paul Coakley, the group's chairman.
During a Monday press conference, bishops who also attended the Vatican's recent meeting on the family fielded questions about what comes next for the Catholic Church.
It's difficult to encapsulate the church's approach in a single sound bite, the attendees conceded, but they have pledged that the goal to accompany those whom the church has wounded is an ongoing process.
Kathryn Elliott covers the Vatican, Pope Francis and all things related to the Catholic Church for HNGN. She is a producer for EWTN News Nightly, an international cable news show airing weeknights at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. EST on the Global Catholic Television Network. Kathryn has reported for the National Catholic Register, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Catholic Spirit, The Minnesota Daily and The Word Among Us Magazine. She has a BA in professional journalism from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Kathryn lives in Washington D.C. Follow her on Twitter at @kmelliott90.
