Vatican City, Dec 9, 2011 / 13:29 pm
As their time in Rome comes to a close, the bishops of Pennsylvania and New Jersey say they like the new format for the papal audiences that take place during “ad limina” visits.
Earlier this year, Pope Benedict XVI replaced brief one-on-one meetings with individual bishops with more prolonged group discussions.
Bishop Arthur J. Serratelli of Paterson, N.J. told CNA that he thinks “the new way the Holy Father meets with all the bishops has led to a greater exchange between himself and the bishops.”
“And it has also allowed him to hear what the concerns of the bishops of the different regions are. He was attentive and responsive. It was a good visit.”
In total, 29 bishops from the two northeastern states have been in Rome Dec. 1-10 for meetings with Vatican officials, as well as their audience with Pope Benedict.