The (G8) Council of Cardinals has presented several proposals to the Holy Father at the conclusion of its meetings. Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, informed journalists today on the final sessions of the Council.
The Council met yesterday with members of the Commission for Reference on the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR) as well as reviewing aspects of the economic structure of the Holy See.
“The Council of [Cardinals] have worked instensly and have presented their proposals on the ‘economic’ dicasteries and the IOR,” Fr. Lombardi told journalists. The Cardinals, he said, worked yesterday afternoon on the proposals. However, it is up to the Holy Father to decided whether to go forward with the proposals once he reviews them.
This afternoon, the “G8” will meet with the Council of Fifteen, a separate Council of Cardinals established by Blessed John Paul II and “responsible for the general consolidated financial statement of the Holy See and the Governorate of Vatican City State.” Due to the number of participants, the meeting will be held in the “Bologna Hall” of the Vatican Apostolic Palace.
Representatives from both commissions looking into the economic matters of the Holy See will address the gathering today. Fr. Lombardi stated that their presentation will be more brief than the 3 hour report presented to the Council of Cardinals earlier this week. Pope Francis, who will also be present at this afternoon’s session, “may open a discussion” on the presentations with the cardinals present.
Regarding future meetings, Fr. Lombardi told journalists that the Council have established two sessions. The first will take place on April 28-30th, following the canonizations of Blessed John Paul II and Blessed John XXIII. The second will take place from July 1st – 4th.
Tomorrow, the Consistory of Cardinals will begin with Midday prayer, as wells as addresses by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals and Pope Francis. Cardinal Walter Kasper, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, is also expected to address the consistory.
