Pope Francis’ advisory Council of Cardinals, his so-called G8, met Monday for the first sessions of its fourth meeting. A statement from the Vatican said, “There is still much work to be done, and it is therefore to be expected that it will be completed not this year, but instead during the next.”
These meetings, aimed at reforming the Roman Curia, took place on 1-3 October 2013, 3-5 December 2013, and 17-19 February 2014.
According to today’s statement, the Holy Father has and will participate in the meetings most of the time, except when he has other commitments of “particular importance,” such as the audience with the king and queen of Spain on Monday morning and with the president of Paraguay on Tuesday morning, and the Wednesday morning General Audience.
It added that alongside the eight cardinal members of the council, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has participated regularly.
“The Council heard a report from the president of the Pontifical Commission for Reference on the Organisation of the Economic-Administrative Structures of the Holy See (COSEA), Joseph F.X. Zahra, in relation to some of the areas of activity within its remit,” the statement added.
“Following its review in previous meetings of the Congregations of the Roman Curia, the Council is now focusing on the Pontifical Councils, first in terms of general considerations, followed by an individual appraisal of each one. The Council is expected to complete a first report of its considerations regarding the Pontifical Councils during this Meeting.”
Another meeting will be held by the Council of Cardinals from July 1 to 4. (D.C.L.)
