Curial reform plans unveiled: two new Vatican congregations proposed
February 12, 2015
The College of Cardinals discussed proposals for reform of the Roman Curia at an extraordinary consistory beginning on February 12.
Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, the chairman of the Council of Cardinals, and Bishop Marcello Semeraro, the secretary of that same body, outlined plans for the proposed restructuring of Vatican offices. Cardinal Rodriguez Maradiaga informed the assembled cardinals that the C9, in its meetings earlier this week, had also discuss the work of the Secretariat for the Economy and the papal commission on sexual abuse.
The Vatican confirmed that, as has been widely rumored for several weeks, the main proposal for change in the Roman Curia involves the creation of two new congregations. One congregation would be responsible for the laity and family life; the other would focus on works of charity, justice, and peace. Each new congregation would combine the work of several existing pontifical councils.
After the initial presentations, the cardinals began a detailed discussion of the plans. Father Federico Lombardi, the director of the Vatican press office, told reporters that the discussion was broad-ranging, including not only the practical application of the reforms, but also their implications for canon law, the authority of bishops and episcopal conferences, and the role of the Synod of Bishops.
Father Lombardi reported that twelve cardinals—most of them veterans of Vatican affairs, with a good understanding of how the Roman Curia operates—spoke during the first meeting of this week’s extraordinary consistory. He said that the proposed reforms drew both support and criticism, and as the discussion continues, the final result is far from certain.
There were 165 cardinals participating in the extraordinary consistory, as well as 19 of the 20 prelates who will be elevated to the College of Cardinals this weekend. (The retired Colombian Archbishop José de Jesus Pimiento, who is 96 years old, has not made the trip to Rome; he will receive his red hat separately from a papal envoy.) The meeting will continue on Friday, February 13.
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Further information:
- Reform of the Curia, at the centre of the Extraordinary Consistory (VIS)
- Fr Lombardi briefing on opening session of Extraordinary Consistory (Vatican Radio)
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