Holy See's diplomatic activity at centre of Cardinals' Meeting

By Vatican News staff writer

A three-day session of the Council of Cardinals took place from 21-23 February at Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican.

The discussions

After a conversation in which the various cardinals spoke about the socio-political and ecclesial situation in their regions of origin, they reflected on the theme of synodality as a process of listening and discernment at the heart of the Church's identity and the necessary conversion that this requires of clergy and laity.

Subsequently, among the various topics discussed, there was a reflection on some aspects relating to the Holy See's diplomatic service and the role and activity of nuncios in the current political and ecclesial framework. In the course of the session, Council members also listened to and commented on a report by theologian Sister Linda Pocher, F.M.A., on the role of women and the "Marian principle" in the Church. The next meeting is scheduled for April this year.

Cardinal members

Along with the Holy Father, present at the meeting were Cardinals Pietro Parolin; Giuseppe Bertello; Óscar Rodríguez Maradiaga, S.D.B.; Reinhard Marx; Sean Patrick O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap.; Oswald Gracias; and Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, O.F.M. Cap., together with the Secretary of the Council, Bishop Marco Mellino.