The theme of division in the church and in society has been frequently invoked during the bishops’ deliberations this week.

Cardinal Parolin’s visit comes at a time when internal divisions among U.S. Catholics have become public.

Much of the business appears to be routine, though the bishops as a body have been vocal in recent months about a range of political and social issues, as well as internal church politics, that are sure to come up during the meeting.

The bishops said the tax proposal “appears to be the first federal income tax modification in American history that will raise income taxes on the working poor while simultaneously providing a large tax cut to the wealthy."

A Vatican conference represents the beginning of a coordination of Catholic universities, institutions and bishops's conferences on this issue.

There are signs that at least among some U.S. Catholic bishops, statements of grief and sorrow are being backed up with pledges to push for legislative action on guns.