Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Many of the conservative prelates who dominate the US Conference of Catholic Bishops were appointed by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. His recent death deprives them of a symbolic figurehead but is unlikely to weaken their collective power or end the culture wars that have divided the USCCB, according to Catholic academics and clergy. World News | US Bishops' Rifts Unlikely to Ease After Benedict's Death.