The group of eight cardinals and one Bishop from every continent includes Mgr Oswald Gracias from Mumbai (India). Already in contact with the pope, the group is set to meet in early October. The papal statement makes a passing reference to discussions that took place in the general congregations, as a result (perhaps) of the Vatileaks scandal. The group's aim is to enhance the collegiality of the government of the Church and its mission.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - In order to study a "plan for revising" the Roman Curia and receive advice on "the government of the universal Church," Pope Francis has appointed a group of cardinals from six continents, among them an Asian, Card Oswald Gracias of Mumbai (India).

The cardinals are tasked with elaborating a draft plan to revise the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus, as well as the structure and duties of the Roman Curia, as established by John Paul II in 1988. According to the constitution, the Curia helps the pope in his universal Petrine ministry. At the same time, it serves to express effectively the communion of the Pope and all the bishops in addressing the challenges of the mission of the Church.

In the final stage of Benedict XVI's pontificate, world media reported various situations and "scandals" that brought to light divisions within the Curia, as well as errors in managing sensitive files, and leaks (Vatileaks). Because of this, Benedict XVI asked three cardinals to write a report based on the results of the investigation. This report has remained secret and is now in the hands of the new pontiff. As the pope emeritus indicated, the three cardinals (Julián Herranz, Josef Tomko and Salvatore De Giorgi) were able to communicate some of their findings and conclusions to the general congregations held before the conclave. In fact, the press release of the Secretariat of State, announcing the establishment of the group, cited "a suggestion that emerged during the General Congregations preceding the Conclave."

It is important to note that the group of cardinals is international in nature and that it is tasked to advise the pope "in the government of the universal Church". Such a group appears more conducive to meeting the needs of collegiality at the helm of the Church. It will likely be able to guide the Roman Curia to serve the pope and the bishops, rather than act as a privileged interlocutor of the pope.

Here is the full text of the press release issued today by the Secretariat of State. The Holy Father Francis, taking up a suggestion that emerged during the General Congregations preceding the Conclave, has established a group of cardinals to advise him in the government of the universal Church and to study a plan for revising the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia, 'Pastor Bonus'. The group consists of:

- Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, president of the Governorate of Vatican City State;

- Cardinal Francisco Javier Errazuriz Ossa, archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, Chile;

- Cardinal Oswald Gracias, archbishop of Bombay, India;

- Cardinal Reinhard Marx, archbishop of Munich and Freising, Germany;

- Cardinal Laurent Monsengwo Pasinya, archbishop of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo;

- Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley O.F.M. Cap., archbishop of Boston, USA;

- Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of Sydney, Australia;

- Cardinal Oscar Andres Rodriguez Maradiaga, S.D.B., archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in the role of coordinator;

- Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano, Italy, in the role of secretary.

The group's first meeting has been scheduled for 1-3 October 2013. His Holiness is, however, currently in contact with the aforementioned cardinals.

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