Pope Francis: "Reform is Not an End in Itself"

"How beautiful and how sweet when brothers live together." Pope Francis cited this Psalm in his address on the Consistory of the College of Cardinals' first day.

Following prayers and an address by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, the Holy Father began by thanking those present for their work in organizing the consistory, as well as welcoming the 20 new cardinals who will be given the red biretta this weekend.

In his address, the Pope spoke on the work of reforming the Roman Curia, which he said was based on close collaboration and suggestions from those heading the various Dicasteries.

"Reform is not an end in itself," he said, "but a means to give a strong Christian witness; to foster a more effective evangelization; to promote a more fruitful ecumenical spirit; to encourage a more constructive dialogue with everyone."

The Pope, who has met in earlier this week with the Council of Cardinals advising him in the work of curial reform, said that the reform will further perfect the identity of the Roman Curia as well as to "assist the Successor of Peter in the exercises of his supreme pastoral office."

Certainty, achieving this goal is not easy: it requires time, determination and above all, the collaboration of many," he said. "But to achieve this, we must first rely on the Holy Spirit, who is the true guide of the Church, imploring through prayer the gift of authentic discernment."

Concluding his address, Pope Francis called for a spirit of collaboration, openness and faithfulness to the Magisterium among the College of Cardinals in carrying out the reform of the Roman Curia.