“The Holy See acknowledges the decision of Australia’s High Court to accept Card. George Pell’s request of appeal, aware that the cardinal has always maintained his innocence.”

The decision by the High Court of Australia comes nearly a year after a unanimous jury found Pope Francis’ former finance minister guilty of molesting two 13-year-old choirboys in Melbourne’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the late 1990s.

Cardinal O'Malley said of meeting with the Vatican secretary of state in early November: "The long wait has resulted in great frustration on the part of bishops and our people and indeed a very harsh and even cynical interpretation of the seeming silence."

As the U.S. bishops begin their meetings with Pope Francis, held every five years, here are some of the topics that need to be discussed.

Bishop Brennan was "dismayed by the continued revelations concerning former Bishop Michael Bransfield's misdeeds."

Getting to know the tiny town where McCarrick was sent to live.