Washington D.C., Jan 22, 2011 / 17:36 pm
Bishops and Catholic university presidents across the U.S. are set to begin talks this year as a first step in the 10-year review process for implementing Pope John Paul II's document on Catholic colleges, “Ex Corde Ecclesiae.”
"Ex Corde Ecclesiae" (From the Heart of the Church) was issued by Pope John Paul II in 1990 to emphasize the importance of the relationship between bishops and Catholic colleges and universities.
The papal document called for “close personal and pastoral relationships…between university and Church authorities, characterized by mutual trust, close and consistent cooperation and continuing dialogue.”
The U.S. bishops approved The Application of "Ex Corde Ecclesiae" for the United States in 2001. The 10-year review process in the upcoming year will consist of dialogue between the local bishop and each university president within his diocese to discuss how effectively the document is being implemented.