Bishops of Indiana in Rome to meet with Pope Benedict XVI

The five bishops of Indiana as they wait to meet the pope on February 9, 2012. From left: Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Indianapolis, Bishop Charles Thompson of Evansville, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Bishop Dale Melczek of Gary, and Bishop Timothy Doherty of Lafayette.

The five bishops of Indiana as they wait to meet the pope on February 9, 2012. From left: Bishop Christopher J. Coyne of Indianapolis, Bishop Charles Thompson of Evansville, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Bishop Dale Melczek of Gary, and Bishop Timothy Doherty of Lafayette.

"The bishops' periodic visits to meet with the pope are formally called 'ad limina apostolorum,' which means "to the thresholds of the apostles" Peter and Paul, who were martyred in Rome. Traditionally, the visits serve as an occasion for leaders of local churches to draw inspiration as well as guidance from the center of Catholicism."
(From Catholic News Service)

 

The bishops of Region VII -- which includes all the dioceses of Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin -- traveled to Rome in mid-February 2012 for their ad limina visit with Pope Benedict XVI.

Bishop Christopher J. Coyne, apostolic administator, was with them and took part in a group audience with the pope. On this site, you can read the reports that he passed on to the pope about the state of the archdiocese.

Click on the links below or to the left to learn more!
 

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Read portions of the documents Bishop Coyne will present to the pope:

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