Council of Cardinals studies changes in Roman Curia

December 14, 2016

The Council of Cardinals met in Rome this week to continue its study of plans for changes in the Roman Curia.

At a December 14 briefing for reporters, Greg Burke, the director of the Vatican press office, reported that during the three-day meeting of Council, the focus was on the Congregation for Evangelization, the Secretariat of State, the Congregation for Bishops, and the Congregation for Eastern Churches. The Council of Cardinals will eventually make proposals for the activities of all these offices, with an eye toward the promulgation of a new apostolic constitution setting the duties of the Roman Curia.

The Council of Cardinals has already completed its study of several dicasteries, Burke reported: the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Congregation for Religious, Congregation for the Causes of Saints, and Pontifical Council for Christian Unity. Proposals for all these offices have already been submitted to Pope Francis.

During this week’s meeting, the Council also heard reports on the plans for two important new dicasteries that have been established this year. Cardinal Kevin Farrell outlined plans for the office for Laity, Family, and Life; Cardinal Peter Turkson reported on his plans for the dicastery for Integral Human Development.

The Council also heard reports from Cardinal Sean O’Malley about the work of his committee for the protection of minors, and from Cardinal George Pell about the work of his Economics Secretariat. Later on Wednesday—after Burke’s press briefing—Msgr. Dario Vigano was scheduled to speak about the reorganization of the Vatican’s communications efforts.

Pope Francis participated in most of the meetings of the Council of Cardinals, Burke reported, although the Pontiff was absent on Wednesday for his regular weekly public audience.

The next meeting of the Council of Cardinals is scheduled for February 13- 15.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• ing on the seventeenth meeting of the Council of Cardinals (Vatican press office)