Cardinal Timothy Dolan has urged Catholic leaders to reflect joy and not exclusively focus on the world's problems.
He was speaking at the opening Mass of the "Convocation of Catholic Leaders: The Joy of The Gospel in America".
"A big part of the reason behind this promising convocation, folks, is that we, your pastors, believe with Pope Francis, that a renewal of joy is essential for a deepening of Catholic vitality and confidence today," said the New York cardinal.
The hotel ballroom in Orlando was transformed into a spacious church for the congregation of about 3,500 delegates - invited from dioceses around the country - who were urged to view their time at the four-day convocation as a journey, not just a conference, by Dallas Bishop Edward Burns in remarks before Mass.
