Local law enforcement and local jurisdictions should not be required to enforce federal immigration law, Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo said.

Some of the issues on the bishops’ agenda—immigration and health care specifically—have already caused a great deal of tension between the White House and Catholic leaders.

"Whoever was opposed to Bishop Okpaleke taking possession of the diocese wants to destroy the church. This is forbidden," the pope said.

Church leaders have taken steps to help many find healing as victims of clergy sexual abuse, but there is still work to be done.

Bishop DeSimone was in harm's way, just a step or two behind the action.

Catholic leaders in Cameroon have urged prayers for one of the African country's bishops, whose remains were pulled from a river on June 2, three days after his apparent suicide.