Benedict And The Bishops

Pope Benedict XVI speaks in the Crypt at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception to the bishops of the United States in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on the first full day of his visit to the United States, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. At right is Chicago's Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. At left is the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on the first full day of his visit to the United States, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. At right is Chicago's Cardinal Francis George, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. At left is the Vatican's secretary of state, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on the first full day of his visit to the United States, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Bishops and cardinals applaud Pope Benedict XVI at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI presents New Orleans Archbishop Alfred Hughes with a chalice as a gift for his sacrifice and service during Hurricane Katrina during his visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. At back center is Chicago Cardinal Francis George.

Pope Benedict XVI embraces Chicago's Cardinal Francis George after addressing the bishops at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The cardinal is president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Pope Benedict XVI kisses the alter during Vespers in the Crypt of the United States at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with the bishops of the United States in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI arrives for Vespers in the Crypt at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with the bishops of the United States in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI says Vespers in the Crypt at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with the bishops of the United States in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI listens at the Crypt at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception with the bishops of the United States in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI walks with Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl, and Monsignor Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica, right, on his visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008.

Pope Benedict XVI walks across the main alter at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, Wednesday, April 16, 2008, followed by Monsignor Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica, and Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl.

Pope Benedict XVI arrives at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on the first full day of his visit to the United States, Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The Basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America. He is escorted by Monsignor Walter Rossi, rector of the Basilica, right, and Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl, left.

Pope Benedict XVI waves to the crowd as he arrives at the Basilica of National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in Washington.

Steve Retta of Virginia holds up a sign as he waits for Pope Benedict XVI to arrive at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Wednesday, April 16, 2008, in Washington.