Creating the Council of Cardinals

Yesterday afternoon at 1:00pm, the Director of the Vatican Press Office held a briefing for journalists to explain certain details concerning the upcoming meeting between Pope Francis and the Group of Eight cardinals.  Father Lombardi shared some details concerning the nature of this group, the preparation that has taken place prior to this meeting and the time structure for their working day(s). as well as the kind of information that might be discussed during their meetings.

It is worth remembering that this Group was created following Pope Francis' election in order to offer advice to the Pope and not as a decision-making body.  Their encounter in the coming days is the first such meeting, that it is quite possible that subsequent meetings may take place without all the participants present, and that the subjects discussed will be treated with confidentiality.

Chirograph creating the Council of Cardinals

to help the Holy Father with the Governance of the Universal Church

and to study the revision of the Apostolic Constitution

Pastor Bonus concerning the Roman Curia

Among the suggestions which emerged during the General Congregations of Cardinals in preparation for the Conclave (2013), was the convening and creation of a small group of the Members of the Episcopate, drawn from various parts of the world, who the Holy Father could consult, individually or as a collective, concerning particular questions.  Following my election to the See of Rome, I had the occasion to reflect a few times on this motivation, remembering that such an initiative would be of considerable help to carry out the pastoral ministry of the Successor of Peter which my brother Cardinals confided to my care.

For this reason, on April 13 of this year, I announced the creation of the above-mentioned group, indicating at the same time, the names of those had been called to participate.  Now, after further and deeper reflection, I consider it opportune that this group, by means of this Chirograph, be instituted as a Council of Cardinals, with the competence to help me with the governance of the universal Church and to study a plan for revising the Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus concerning the Roman Curia.  It will be composed of the same persons previously indicated, who may be questioned, either as a Council or individually, on questions which from time to time I may consider worthy of attention.  The same Council, which with respect to the number of its members I intend to compose in the most adequate fashion, shall be a further expression of episcopal communion and assistance in the munus petrinum which the Episcopate scattered throughout the world can offer.

From Rome, at the Chair of Saint Peter, 28 September 2013, the first of my Pontificate.

Francis