We are confirmed in our faith, says Cardinal Onaiyekan, after meeting of Cardinals.

Paul Samasumo – Vatican City.

Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, the Metropolitan Archbishop emeritus of Abuja in Nigeria, has told Françoise Niamien of Vatican News that he is personally satisfied with this week’s gathering of Cardinals in the Vatican.

The College of Cardinals met this week with Pope Francis to discuss reforms of the Roman Curia. The meeting occurred after the 27 August consistory, in which the Pope created 20 new cardinals.

Understanding Praedicate Evangelium

In particular, the closed-door meetings of Cardinals on Monday and Tuesday (29-30 August) were convened by Pope Francis to reflect on the new Apostolic Constitution Praedicate Evangelium. The document reflects the Pope’s reform of the Roman Curia.

The Roman Curia is the Vatican’s central governing office comprising various dicasteries. In colloquial terms, the Roman Curia is sometimes referred to as the civil service of the Vatican.

Cardinals meeting in the Vatican, this week.

“We have had three days with the Holy Father who has been with us, listening to everything. It is always great grace to be with him and worth the while. This particular meeting has permitted us to get a clearer picture of the new Apostolic Constitution for the renewal of the Roman Curia,” said Cardinal Onaiyekan.

Confirmed in our faith

The Cardinal emeritus of Abuja added, “There were many issues, doubts, misunderstandings raised but, in the end, and in my own opinion, all these were clarified and resolved. We leave here (the Vatican) with a clearer picture of what is happening. We are confirmed in our faith in the Holy Father Pope Francis and in the Holy Spirit who guides us all,” said Cardinal Onaiyekan.

The list of the new Cardinals created last weekend includes two from Africa: Cardinals Peter Okpaleke of Nigeria’s Ekwulobia Diocese and Richard Kuuia Baawobr of Wa Diocese in Ghana.