An American nun crosses her hands in front of her Rosary Beads as she attends the 2008 World Youth Day celebrations in Australia. (AP)

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In recent decades, the number of Catholic nuns in the United States has fallen dramatically, but their perspectives on spirituality, calling, and the Roman Catholic Church have broadened dramatically.

Many have left convent and habit — and some, Church teaching — far behind, to live more deeply in the world.

Now, the Vatican is investigating whether American nuns have strayed too far — whether they are “living in fidelity” to the religious life as prescribed by Rome. Some sisters are pushing back, charging inquisition.

This hour, On Point: What’s going on with America’s Catholic nuns.

You can join the conversation. Tell us what you think — here on this page, on Twitter, and on Facebook.

-Tom Ashbrook

Guests:

Joining us from New York is Laurie Goodstein, national religion correspondent for The New York Times. She’s covered American Catholic life for more than a decade. Her recent article, “U.S. Nuns Facing Vatican Scrutiny,” has stirred up some debate.

From Berkeley, Calif., we’re joined by Sister Sandra Schneiders, professor emerita of New Testament studies and spirituality at The Jesuit Theology School at Berkeley. She is a member of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, an order in Monroe, Michigan. She has expressed concern publicly over the Vatican’s inquiry into American nuns, but makes clear that she’s speaking for herself, not her order or theology school.

From Pittsburgh, we’re joined by Sister Mary Traupman, a practicing attorney a member of Sisters of Divine Providence, an order in Allison Park, Pennsylvania. In her legal work she helps senior citizens with issues from guardianship to social security. She has also worked as a teacher and as a health care administrator.

And from Gallup, New Mexico, we’re joined by Mother Mary Quentin Sheridan, Superior General of The Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan. She is also a founder and current president of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, which supports more traditional roles for women in Catholic religious orders.

Next week Pope Benedict makes his first papal visit to the United States. He won’t come wagging his finger at a country in moral decline, as some may expect. We’re told he will come with a gentle message, eager to share his church’s values of honesty and love of faith.

But the big question is how he will treat the country’s and the Church’s wounds. Will he address the sexual abuse crisis? Will he encourage a nation at war to make peace? Will he inspire a new generation to believe?

This hour, On Point: the meaning and message behind Pope Benedict’s upcoming tour.

-Jane Clayson

Guests:

David Van Biema, chief religion writer at Time magazine, he wrote the cover story “The American Pope” in the latest issue.

Father Richard Neuhaus, Catholic priest and editor-in-chief of First Things, a monthly journal of religion, culture and public life.

Scott Appleby, professor of history at the University of Notre Dame, director of the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, and author of “The Ambivalence of the Sacred: Religion, Violence and Reconciliation.”