On the second day of the consistory, the College of Cardinals were given a formal update on the economic reform taking place in the Vatican.
During a press briefing today, Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi said that the cardinals expressed “appreciation” for the financial reforms taking place.
Yesterday’s afternoon session saw the open discussion participation by the cardinals present regarding the reform of the Roman Curia. Fr. Lombardi said that some 40 cardinals contributed to the discussion which he described as “constructive and peaceful”.
The director of the Holy See Press Office said that an often used word in the interventions was “‘decentralization’ in the sense of subsidiarity”, meaning that the Roman Curia would concentrate on the tasks that cannot be done at a more local level. However, Fr. Lombardi also noted that suggestions regarding decentralization were not made in an “aggressive or vindictive” climate.
“The spirit of this work of reform is clearly directed to the Curia at the service of the Universal Church,” he said.
Among the other discussions that took place yesterday was the importance of the service the Holy See has in guiding local Churches. Some cardinals expressed the need for a “coordination that is not just functional” but that “expresses a sense of communion among the members of the Curia and the dicasteries.”
While the the changes regarding curial reform would update the Apostolic Exhortation Pastor Bonus, several cardinal also highlighted several positives elements they said were important and that should remain in order to ensure continuity.
Economic Reform and Transparency
164 Cardinals were present at this morning’s session which dealt with the economic and financial reforms taking place at the Vatican.
Among the prelates who addressed the consistory were Cardinal George Pell, Prefect of the Secretariat of the Economy and Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and member of the Council of Nine Cardinals (C9) advising the Pope on curial reform.
Those present at the consistory were also given an update regarding the work carried out by Joseph Zahra, president of the Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Economic-Administrative Structure of the Holy See. Zahra, Fr. Lombardi said, has been charged with investigating the current accounting practices among Vatican offices and bodies. The Maltese economist’s work also includes ensuring greater transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Finally, the Cardinals were also given an update on the financial reforms within the Institute for the Works of Religions, also known as the IOR. They also were given time to ask questions or clarify remarks by those who delivered address. Fr. Lombardi noted that a majority of the Cardinals expressed their “appreciation” for the economic reforms taking place.
Concluding his briefing, Fr. Lombardi said Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston and President of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, will update the consistory on the commission’s work during today’s afternoon session.
