Council of Cardinals meetings: "Free, frank, and friendly"

The Council of Cardinals, gathered at Casa Santa Marta, conclude its meetings on Friday evening. The next sessions have been scheduled for 15-17 September, 9-11 December and 9-11 February 2015.

In addition to discussing the Governorate, the Secretariat of State and the Institute for the Works of Religion, the Council resumed its reflections on the dicasteries of the Curia. The Laity and Family were studied in particular depth, especially in terms of the contributions and roles that should be assumed by laypeople, married couples and women.

Decisions were not made, but more detailed proposals were offered that will subsequently be inserted into the overall framework of the new configuration of the Curia.

The Council looked at the dicasteries in the afternoon. Other themes on which there were an exchange of opinions during the meetings included the nunciatures and their work, and the procedures for the appointment of bishops.

Aside from the contribution of the Commission of Cardinals for the Supervision of the IOR, heard on Tuesday and Wednesday, there was no further participation from entities external to the Council.

Participants expressed great satisfaction in the working atmosphere and approach of the meetings. The overall tone has been described as “free, frank and friendly”. Pope Francis participated naturally in the dialogue, promoting a climate of free expression.

There are still no texts that may be considered as drafts of the new Constitution, since the work proceeds in the form of partial contributions, generally presented by individual Cardinals charged with the task of studying specific matters.

Source: VIS