The US Catholic Church after World War II: Reflections on the relationes ad limina (1949-54)

The article analyses the content of the relationes ad limina submitted to the Vatican by US bishops between 1949 and 1954. These documents shed light on the episcopate’s views and actions during the second post-war period, emphasising the growth of the US Catholic Church and its gradual advance within the US society as a relevant religious force. The US bishops’ main concerns appear to be secularism (or indifferentism), their competitive relationship with Protestant denominations, the educational system, and the use of new media, such as radio and television. The racial question also emerged.