The Pope and cardinals to talk about Church and Islam, Bishops Emeriti, Lefebvre's followers
Vatican City (AsiaNews) The dialogue between the Church and Islam, the conditions of Bishops Emeriti, and the issue of Lefebvre's followers topped the agenda set by Benedict XVI in today's meeting with the College of Cardinals in the Synod's Hall inside the Vatican, a day before the ordinary consistory that will see the appointment of 15 new cardinals.
The Vatican, which announced the event, did not provide any details about what was said, although at least 20 interventions are said to have centred on Lefebvre and the reform of the liturgy. Participants who attended the meeting told reporters that the atmosphere was business-like and fraternal, but refused to go into details.
In the Vatican press release, Benedict XVI mentioned that we are halfway through Lent and that today is the day of St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, a role model of the pastor totally devoted to the service of the Gospel.
In starting the meeting, the Holy Father later said that, although open to discussing other issues, the meeting should address some current ones: first of all, the conditions of Bishops Emeriti; secondly, the matter of Mgr Lefebvre and his views on the reform of the liturgy enshrined by the Second Vatican Council; and finally the dialogue between the Church and Islam.
The meeting began with greetings by the dean of the College of Cardinals, Card Angelo Sodano, who stressed how in summoning the cardinals, Benedict XVI places much importance to the college itself.
"The convocation of this consistory shows the importance Your Holiness attaches to the votes of our College of Cardinals," he said. "It is true that after the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, another advisory body the Synodus Episcoporum was created. But they are complementary institutions, competing in harmony of intentions to help the Supreme Pontiff in his pastoral sollicitude for all of God's Holy Church".
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