"American Bishops Face Divisions and Controversy: The Ousting of Bishop Strickland"

American bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual meeting, navigating the contentious relationship between Pope Francis and conservative American Catholics. Outside the meeting, supporters of Bishop Joseph Strickland, who was recently fired by Francis, gathered to show their support. The meeting highlighted divisions within the church, including disagreements over the church's approach to politics and Pope Francis's recent global gathering on the church's future. The bishops also passed a document describing abortion as their "pre-eminent priority." Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the pope's representative, called for unity, while Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio pushed back on claims of an isolated American church. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas was elected to head the Committee on Pro-Life Activities, defeating Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. Bishop Strickland, who retains his title but was stripped of diocesan leadership, opted to attend the meeting as a nonvoting member despite Cardinal Pierre's request for him not to attend.