Life issues from the test tube to the deathbed are on the agenda for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fall general assembly.

“The most tragic thing I have seen is the miles-long wall that separates Jerusalem from Bethlehem, said Cardinal John P. Foley. "It is humiliating and distressing.”

In a lecture Bishop Donald W. Trautman of Erie, Pa., sharply criticized what he called the “slavishly literal” translation into English of the new Roman Missal.

Archbishop Burke, 61, will help shape the episcopate not only in the United States but also around the world.

In an address to the Pontifical Biblical Institute, Pope Benedict  expressed hope that the sacred Scriptures will become a font of spirituality.

The U.S. bishops' office is working behind the scenes to improve the health care bills to put them in line with their vision of health care.