8-cardinal commission is advisory, Vatican reminds press

September 27, 2013

The Vatican has issued a reminder that 8 cardinals appointed by Pope Francis to provide him with advice form an advisory group rather than a decision-making body.

In a statement released September 27, the Vatican press office told reporters that the commission of 8 cardinals ‘is constituted to offer advice to the Pope and not to make autonomous decision.” The 8 cardinals will meet with the Pope next week. The Vatican statement indicated that other meetings would follow, but the discussions would be confidential.

In a related development, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay, a member of the 8-cardinal commission, said that the faithful could expect “lots of changes,” as Pope Francis sets his policies, but added that he did not anticipate “dramatic changes” as a result of the commission’s meeting.

 

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Further information:

• Note on Briefing from the Holy See Press Office (VIS)
• Card. Gracias: G8 Commission marks a new approach for the Church (Rome Reports)