The 11th meeting of the Council of Cardinals (C9) concluded today at the Vatican. The council focused on various aspects, including the proposal of a new Congregation, the restructuring of the Vatican media and the appointment process of new bishops.
In a briefing today, Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, said that the Council studied the proposals for a new Congregation entitled “Laity, Family and Life”.
“In this regard Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi, designated by the Holy Father in recent months to prepare a study on the feasibility of the project, was heard,” Fr. Lombardi said. “At the end of their reflections the Council presented to the Pope a proposal orientated towards the implementation of the project.”
The Council also resumed their discussions on the proposal for another new Congregation of “Charity, Justice and Peace.” However, no conclusions were made regarding said proposal.
The director of the Holy See Press Office also said that the Cardinals discussed the procedures involved in the appointment of new bishops. The theme, however, “will need to be explored further and developed in collaboration with the competent Dicasteries concerned.”
The new Secretariat of Communication was also discussed by the C9, particularly on the steps taken by a working group in drawing up a set of Statutes for the newly formed dicastery.
“The working group has been constituted and has already commenced activity. It is made up of representatives of the institutes variously involved,” Fr. Lombardi said. “The Statutes, while taking into account the progressive phase of consolidating the different entities that will form the Secretariat, defines the structure of the Dicastery as ‘definitive’”.
Regarding the Commission for the Protection of Minors, the Council members studied several proposals, most notably, the acceleration of resolving pending cases.
Regarding the conclusion of this 11th meeting of the C9, Fr. Lombardi reminded journalists that the Council not only serves to assist in the reform of the Roman Curia, but also to advise the Holy Father in the governance of the Church.
The Council is scheduled to meet again from December 10-12th. (J.A.E.)
