VATICAN CITY
National Catholic Reporter
Joshua J. McElwee | Feb. 17, 2014
VATICAN CITY Pope Francis began meeting Monday for the third time with a select group of eight cardinals advising him on reforming the global Catholic church, but it remains unclear just what reforms are in the offing.
The meeting of the group, known formally as the Council of Cardinals, opens a week at the Vatican that could be a bellwether for the effect of the pope’s intended reforms of the central command structure for the church.
In the space of eight days, the pontiff is to:
* hear reports from three groups studying reform of the Vatican’s finances;
* welcome cardinals from around the world for a special ceremony adding new members to their ranks; and
* kick off more formal preparations for an October meeting of the world’s bishops that could lead to changes in the church’s pastoral practices focused on family life.
Responding to questions at a press briefing Monday afternoon, Vatican spokesman Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi said the Council of Cardinals had not told him whether they made any decisions Monday morning or whether they expected to do so before their meetings wrapped up Wednesday.
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