Pope Benedict XVI will meet this Thursday with the heads of the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia to examine the controversial situation of Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo and to reflect upon requests by several priests who have previously requested dispensations from celibacy and readmission to ministry as married priests.

In a communiqué released late yesterday, the Holy See Press Office indicated that the first reason for the meeting is to, “examine the situation that has arisen following the disobedience of Archbishop Emmanuel Milingo,” the excommunicated Bishop-emeritus of Lusaka, Zambia.

The message also says that the meeting will serve as an opportunity to, “reflect upon requests for dispensation from the obligation of celibacy and requests for readmission to the priestly ministry, presented by married priests over the course of recent years.”

The note concludes by saying that, “no other matters are scheduled on the order of the day."