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.

"International relations cannot be held captive to military force, mutual intimidation and the parading of stockpiles of arms," Pope Francis said.

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.

When disaster strikes, houses of worship are often on the front lines, feeding and sheltering victims. Yet churches, synagogues and mosques are routinely denied FEMA aid.