"Speaking with Cardinal Oscar gave us real insight into Pope Francis and what he is doing," said Archbishop John Dew, President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference.

Commenting on behalf of the NZ Bishop following the Cardinal's visit Archbishop John said "It was a great privilege having him here, especially as he came straight from the meeting of the Commission of Cardinals and the Pope' visit to Assisi."

"The discussions with the Cardinal made us all feel more connected to the Holy See and to the Holy Father. He has given us a sense of hope and excitement," Archbishop John said.

"He really listened in his discussions with us, which is an example of the kind of dialogue Pope Francis has been speaking of," he said.

"We were inspired by what the Cardinal to those gathered during the whakatau, that when Pope Francis says to go out to the periphery, he means not only those who are poor and marginalised but also those parts of the Church, like New Zealand, which are geographically distant,"

"He said that although he could not understand much of what was said in te reo the language of love and warmth was communicated through signs and gestures,"

"He told us he loved the whakatau, the speeches, the singing, the flower garlands. It made him feel not just welcome, but accepted into our midst." He said.

"Although here for a short visit I'm sure he will remember for a long time what he witnessed of the vibrant faith community here in Aotearoa."

Source

• Supplied by NZCBC
• Image: Adrian Heke supplied by NZCBC
  

The group includes Australian cardinal George Pell, who effectively represents Oceania in its concerns. These concerns could include our distance from decision-making in Rome, the appointment of bishops, and the understanding of our region. More general concerns for the G8 may include making the central administration more efficient, improving social communications, and recruiting more professional lay people, including women.

The decision to create the new advisory group seems a positive move to address the various scandals that have gripped the Vatican. Yet, the G8 has larger implications. It is formed in the context of a long-running debate about collegiality amongst the bishops and emerges from discussions that occurred before the recent conclave that elected Pope Francis.

"Collegiality" is a term used by Catholics to refer to the shared responsibility for the care of the Church that is held by the College of Bishops, with the pope (who is bishop of Rome) as head. Much debate over collegiality centres on the balance of power, responsibility and cooperation, particularly amongst the pope and the bishops.

While there have been some forums designed to promote collegiality since the Second Vatican Council, some bishops have been reported as feeling somewhat marginalised as power has been centralised. Nevertheless, for the bishops themselves, collegiality not only concerns power and identity, but more importantly, the mission of the Church: that the members of Church (especially the leadership) are working together - not at cross-purposes - to advance the cause of Christianity in the world. Continue reading

Sources

• Joel Hodge in The Conversation
• Image: Vassallomalta

Joel Hodge is a lecturer in theology at Australian Catholic University.