As vicar for development, Monsignor Kavanagh is one of the archdiocese's most powerful clerics.

The Revolutionary Guard is a key Iranian military force closely tied to the country's powerful clerics.

But powerful conservative clerics have proved tough when it comes to women's issues.

That plan is already being reshaped to answer demands from a powerful Shiite cleric for elections before a new Iraqi government assumes power.

However, he did meet Francis Cardinal Spellman, regarded as the most politically powerful cleric of his time.

Okomfo Anokye was essentially a powerful cleric who served to rally the people to the cause of his king.

"The clerics are very powerful in this country," she says, sounding not at all like the daughter of one of the country's most powerful clerics.

The powerful Shiite clerics who benefited most from the invasion also have not helped.

He has easy access to amazing herbs, warm beds, and powerful clerics.

Iran's pro-reform majority, long intimidated by powerful conservative clerics, is bravely pushing back.