Statement released at conclusion of Council of 8 Cardinals meetings
(Vatican Radio) The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday saying the Council
of 8 Cardinals, which met for 3 days this week, has completed a first review of the
Pontifical Councils. Part of the time was dedicated to planning the work to be completed
between this week’s session and the next session, scheduled for the beginning of July.
The 8 cardinals were appointed by the Pope shortly after his election to serve as
advisers to him on the governance of the Church and on planned reforms of the Roman
Curia. It was also announced that the new Council for the Economy will meet for
the first time on Friday, May 2nd and Pope Francis will greet the participants. The
main focus of the meeting will be the Statutes of the Council itself and the planning
of its work. And the new Commission for the Protection of Minors will have its
first meeting later this week, from Thursday May 1st to Saturday the 3rd , at the
Santa Marta residence. The Commission will reflect on the nature and scope of its
tasks, as well as its integration with members representing different geographical
areas worldwide. As with the New Council for the Economy, Pope Francis is scheduled
to greet the members of the Commission. Both bodies were set up by him.