Pope Francis speaks to cardinals on reform of the Roman Curia

February 12, 2015

Pope Francis opened a two-day consistory of the College of Cardinals by speaking about the goals of the reform of the Roman Curia.

“The goal to be reached is always that of promoting greater harmony in the work of the various dicasteries and offices, in order to achieve a more effective collaboration in that absolute transparency which builds authentic sinodality and collegiality,” he said. “The reform is not an end in itself, but a means to give a strong Christian witness; to promote a more effective evangelization; to promote a more fruitful ecumenical spirit; to encourage a more constructive dialogue with all.”

Curial reform “will further perfect the identity of the same Roman Curia, which is to assist the Successor of Peter in the exercise of his supreme pastoral office for the good of and in the service of the universal Church and the particular churches,” the Pope continued. Reform “requires time, determination and above all everyone’s cooperation. But to achieve this we must first entrust ourselves to the Holy Spirit, the true guide of the Church, imploring the gift of authentic discernment in prayer.”

“It is in this spirit of collaboration that our meeting begins, which will be fruitful thanks to the contribution which each of us can express with parrhesia [boldness], fidelity to the Magisterium and the knowledge that all of this contributes to the supreme law, that being the salus animarum [salvation of souls].”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis opens Consistory with call to unity (Vatican Radio)
• The Extraordinary Consistory opens in a spirit of collaboration (VIS)
• Pope Francis wants “absolute transparency,” pushes Vatican reform (RNS)