Cardinals discuss importance of Church's communion and outreach

By Vatican News staff reporter

Italian Cardinal Enrico Feroci, parish priest of Santa Maria del Divino Amore (Our Lady of Divine Love) in Castel di Leva, spoke to Vatican News about the first session of the Cardinals' meeting with Pope Francis on Monday, describing the very fraternal atmosphere characterizing it. 

After the opening prayer, Pope Francis offered some brief introductory words inviting everyone to participate and offer their own contribution to the discussions during these two days of reflection on Praedicate Evangelium, the Apostolic Constitution reforming the Roman Curia. 

The cardinals then divided into various language groups, and later met all together again to share their reflections. 

Cardinal Feroci said the cardinals addressed two main themes: that of communion, about witnessing to mutual love between Christians; then the issue concerning the difficulty of today's society to being open to the Gospel message and ways to overcome these challenges.

Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, emphasized to Vatican News the great participation of the cardinals in the meeting with an open and lively dialogue, particularly on the missionary dimension that the new Apostolic Constitution underscores, as well as the need to focus on the proclamation on the greatest commandment, that we should love one another.