They dedicated much of their time to the re-reading of the draft of the new Apostolic Constitution of the Roman Curia.

Among the various topics the Council of Cardinals discussed were:

• How the Roman Curia can be at the service of the Holy Father and the particular Churches
• The pastoral character of the curia's activity
• The institution and operation of the third section of the Secretary of State, which has been established to oversee the Holy See's diplomatic corps
• The announcement of the Gospel and the missionary spirit as a perspective that characterises the activity of the whole Curia.

During the meetings, the pope and cardinals received an update on the progress of the reform of the Vatican communications system by Msgr. Lucio Ruiz, secretary and acting prefect of the Secretariat for Communications.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley, head of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM), gave a report on the work of the commission on behalf of children and vulnerable adults, including an explanation of what took place during the PCPM's recent plenary meeting in Rome.

All members of the Council were present for the meeting except Cardinal Pell.

Notably, there was no update on the state of the Vatican's financial reforms, something that has usually been on the council's agenda.

Pope Francis attended the meetings on Monday and Tuesday but was unable to be present on Wednesday because of the General Audience.

The next meeting of the Council of Cardinals will take place from 11 to 13 June.

Source

• vaticannews.va
• zenit.org
• catholicnewsagency.com
• Image: vaticannews.va

Often called the C9, the Cardinals and Pope Francis have examined several dicasteries of the curia; the protection of minors; the economy, a range of texts Francis has put forward for consideration, and Holy See lay staff and clergy selection and formation. Read more