At the heart of the church

For 30 minutes on Jan. 26, Pope Benedict XVI hosted the bishops of seven  Louisiana dioceses in his library, hearing from them about pastoral issues in the United States, including the threats to religious freedom and family life. 

Seated closest to the pope, above left, is Archbishop Gregory Aymond, the metropolitan archbishop of the Province of New Orleans, which includes the entire state of Louisiana. Pictured from left are Shreveport Bishop Michael Duca, Lafayette Bishop Michael Jarrell, Baton Rouge Bishop Robert Muench and former New Orleans Archbishop Alfred Hughes.

At right, New Orleans Auxiliary Bishop Shelton Fabre and Alexandria Bishop Ronald Herzog listen to Pope Benedict.