Council of Cardinals

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Pope Francis meets with the Council of Cardinals on Feb. 5, 2024, at the Vatican.

Female Anglican bishop participates in meeting with pope’s Council of Cardinals

The pope’s Council of Cardinals concluded a meeting at the Vatican this morning with Pope Francis reflecting on “the role... Read more

Pope Francis at the general audience at the Vatican on Dec. 6, 2023.

Pope Francis’ cardinal advisers hear from 2 female professors on women’s role in the Church

Dec 7, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The pope’s Council of Cardinals has been discussing the role of women in the Church since February 2022. Read more

Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller (left) and Cardinal George Pell

Cardinal Müller: Cardinal Pell was Pope Francis’ best theological counselor

Jan 18, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pell was an inaugural member of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals, a group of originally nine cardinals established in September... Read more

The Council of Cardinals meets with Pope Francis on Feb. 21, 2022.

Pope’s cardinal advisers discuss Church’s efforts to prevent abuse

Dec 7, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The Holy See press office said Dec. 7 that the pope met with his council of advisers for a two-day... Read more

Sister Laura Vicuña, delegate of the Ecclesial Conference of the Amazon (CEAMA).

Pope’s cardinal advisers debate women’s role in the Church with Amazon nun

Apr 28, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Sister Laura Vicuña presented a report offering “a pastoral perspective” on women in the Church. Read more

Pope Francis with members of the Roman Curia, Dec. 23, 2021.

Praedicate evangelium: Things you might have missed in the new Vatican constitution

Mar 21, 2022

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The new constitution marks a significant change in the philosophy underlying the Roman Curia. Read more

Pope Francis led the Angelus for All Saints' Day from a window above St. Peter's Square.

Praedicate evangelium: Pope Francis reforms Roman Curia with launch of Vatican constitution

Mar 19, 2022

By CNA Staff

The long-awaited text replaces the 1988 document ‘Pastor bonus.’ Read more

The Council of Cardinals meets with Pope Francis on Feb. 21, 2022.

Pope Francis’ cardinal advisers discuss role of women in the Church

Feb 23, 2022

By CNA Staff

They heard and commented on a report on ‘the role of women and the Marian principle in the Church.’ Read more

Pope Francis takes part in an online meeting of the Council of Cardinals at the Vatican, Sept. 21, 2021.

Cardinals’ council discusses synod on synodality with Pope Francis

Sep 22, 2021

By CNA Staff

The pope stressed the importance of listening and “a pastoral attitude.” Read more

A view of St. Peter's Basilica from within the Vatican.

Cardinals’ council discusses pandemic recovery, curial reform with Pope Francis

May 7, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The seven members of the Council of Cardinals met online. Read more

A view of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica from the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.

Council of Cardinals studies suggested amendments to draft of Vatican constitution

Dec 2, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals met online Tuesday to continue work on the new apostolic constitution to govern the Roman... Read more

The flag of Vatican City with St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

As evaluation ends, Vatican says Moneyval inspection was ‘constructive’

Oct 13, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

Moneyval, the Council of Europe’s anti-money laundering watchdog, concluded its two-week on-site inspection of the Holy See and Vatican City... Read more

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay and President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India.

Indian bishops' conference reelects Cardinal Gracias

Feb 19, 2020

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has reelected Cardinal Oswald Gracias, the archbishop of Bombay, as president of the conference... Read more

Secretary of State of the Holy See Cardinal Pietro Parolin during his official visit to Kiev, 2017.

Pope's cardinal advisors continue to discuss apostolic constitution

Sep 19, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ now six-member Council of Cardinal Advisors met this week to continue work on the forthcoming apostolic constitution, incorporating... Read more

St. Peter's square, Vatican City. Via Shutterstock

Analysis: New Vatican constitution to centralize power in state secretariat

Jul 2, 2019

By Ed Condon

A recent draft of a new Vatican consitution proposes a consolidation of power in Rome unprecedented in the modern era.  Read more

Bishop Marcello Semeraro at a Vatican press conference, June 27, 2019.

Pope could see final draft of new curial constitution by September

Jun 27, 2019

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis could receive a final draft of a new constitution for the Roman curia as soon as September, according... Read more

St. Peter's Basilica.

Three cardinals dropped from C9 as reform process nears end

Dec 12, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican said Wednesday that while there are no immediate plans to add new members to the C9, Pope Francis... Read more

The flag of Chile.

Chilean cardinal called to testify on abuse case, leaves papal advisory committee

Nov 15, 2018

A close advisor of Pope Francis has left the “C9”, the pope’s body of cardinal advisors, as he faces charges... Read more

Pope Francis on May 22, 2018.

Pope convokes world-wide meeting of bishops on abuse crisis

Sep 12, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis has called for all the presidents of the Catholic bishops’ conferences of the world to meet at the... Read more

Pope's cardinal advisors say Vatican will soon respond to Viganò allegations

Sep 11, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis’ group of cardinal advisors have issued a statement saying the Holy See is preparing an answer to current... Read more