How does a small group of cardinals wield significant influence over the governance and direction of the Catholic Church? The Council of Cardinals, often referred to as the C9, plays a pivotal role in advising the Pope and shaping the future of the Church, impacting everything from administrative reform to theological reflection.
The Council of Cardinals, or C9, represents a crucial advisory body to the Pope, playing a pivotal role in the administration and direction of the Catholic Church. This council convenes regularly to discuss key issues, offer counsel to the pontiff, and guide the Church's ongoing reform efforts. Pope Francis established the council with a chirograph on 28 September 2013. The initial focus was on assisting the Pope in the governance of the universal Church and studying a project for the revision of the Roman Curia. The council's influence extends to various facets of Church life, making its deliberations and decisions of significant importance.
The C9's composition has evolved over time, with the Pope occasionally renewing the membership to ensure diverse perspectives and expertise. After the renewal of the body on 7 March 2023, the council included prominent figures such as Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, and Cardinal Fernando Vrgez Alzaga, President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and the Governorate of Vatican City State, among others. Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, the Archbishop, also holds a seat on the council. The council convenes every few months, allowing for consistent dialogue and strategic planning. The councils influence continues to grow.
| Cardinal | Bio Data | Career | Professional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pietro Parolin | Born in Schiavon, Italy, January 17, 1955. | Ordained a priest in 1980. Served in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. Became Secretary of State in 2013. | Secretary of State of the Holy See. Key advisor to the Pope. Involved in international diplomacy and the Church's internal governance. |
| Fernando Vrgez Alzaga | Born in Madrid, Spain, in 1945. | Ordained in 1969, served as a member of the Legionaries of Christ. | President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and the Governorate of Vatican City State. Oversees the administration of Vatican City. |
| Fridolin Ambongo Besungu | Born in Boto, Democratic Republic of Congo, January 24, 1960. | Ordained a priest in 1988. Became Archbishop of Kinshasa. | Archbishop of Kinshasa. Active in social justice and advocacy. |
The meetings of the Council are not isolated events; they represent a continuous dialogue and a commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the Church. The agenda is diverse, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Church's mission. From the role of women within the Church, to administrative reforms, to discussions on the Churchs financial health, and the ongoing project to revise the Roman Curia, the council's meetings cover a vast array of topics, all aimed at ensuring the Church's effectiveness and relevance in the modern world. Discussions within the council help the pope to make key decisions.
In Vatican City on December 12, 2018, the Vatican announced that although there were no immediate plans to add new members to the C9, Pope Francis had released three of the eldest cardinals from the council. The council, also known as the C9, had its first meeting after the renewal of the body by the pope on the 7th of March. The council's formation, one month after Pope Francis's election in 2013, underscored his dedication to reform and his commitment to a more collaborative approach to Church governance. This highlighted the dynamic nature of the council and its responsiveness to the changing needs of the Church.
Meetings have taken place with regularity, often every few months. Pope Francis presides over these sessions. The council of cardinals continues to meet in the Vatican, reflecting on critical subjects affecting the Church. In the meetings, they have discussed the feminine dimension of the church and the role of women in the Church. Discussions on the reform of the Roman Curia and the governance of the Church have also been on the agenda, showcasing the councils wide scope. The meeting of the C9, the council of cardinals established by the pope to assist him in the reform project of the Roman Curia and the governance of the Church, is continuing today with the presence of Pope Francis in the Vatican.
The council also addresses matters of contemporary relevance. In an exclusive interview with C. Coutinho of Vatican News, Cardinal Gracias spoke about the work of the C9. The council of cardinals met today in the vatican in the presence of pope francis. This is the first meeting of the new c9 after the renewal of the body by the pope on the 7th march. The first meeting of the new c9 was held on 24 april last year. Establishment of the council of cardinals pope francis established the council with a chirograph on 28 september 2013 to assist him in the governance of the universal church and study a project for the revision of the roman curia.
The first meeting of the new C9 was held on April 24 of the previous year. The meetings are often held in the Vatican, and this consistency underscores the ongoing nature of their work and the importance placed on their deliberations. The councils role in the reform project of the Roman Curia, as well as its responsibility in the governance of the Church, highlights its comprehensive influence.
The Council of Cardinals serves as a crucial advisory body, assisting the Pope in his governance of the Church. Cardinals are meeting at the vatican to make the first decisions about running the catholic church following the death of pope francis nicole winfield , colleen barry tuesday 22 april 2025 06:56 bst
It's worth noting the context of discussions. The council's focus has evolved, from initial structural reforms to contemporary issues, demonstrating its responsiveness to the evolving needs of the Church. The April session of the council of cardinals began on Monday in the presence of Pope Francis. The last one took place in February and saw the participation of three women who offered the cardinals and the pontiff a contribution on the theme of the role of women in the church. This gathering saw the participation of three women who offered insights on the role of women in the Church. This highlights the council's engagement with complex theological and social issues.
Pope Francis's leadership has been characterized by a willingness to engage with contemporary issues and to seek diverse perspectives. The group of cardinal advisors, also referred to as the C9 for its nine members, was established by pope francis one month after his election in 2013 to advise the pope on the reform of the roman curia, particularly the new apostolic constitution, praedicate evangelium, published last year. The council's deliberations often inform significant decisions and policy changes within the Vatican. The C9 continues to meet in the Vatican; the April session of the council of cardinals began on Monday in the presence of Pope Francis.
The council's impact extends beyond internal Church matters. Pope Francis on wednesday met privately in the vatican with the indian catholic priest who was freed from abduction by gunmen in yemen. The Vaticans newspaper, LOsservatore Romano, reported on the Popes meeting with Salesian Father Tom Uzhunnalil at the papal residence of Santa Marta, after his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. After being rescued on Tuesday. The councils meetings sometimes provide a forum for discussing and responding to global events and challenges.By vatican news tuesday april, the april session of the council of cardinals began monday in the presence of pope francis.The last one took place in february and saw the participation of three women who offered the cardinals and the pontiff a contribution on the theme of the role of women in the church.
The Vatican has released statements on the C9s work. The next gathering of the council of cardinals, also known as the C9, will take place Dec. It will likely be the last meeting of the council as it is presently constituted. Vatican city, feb 23, 2022 / 12:20 pm. Pope Francis cardinal advisers have discussed a report on the role of women in the church, the vatican said on wednesday. Their decisions affect the entire Catholic community. The councils work continues to be vital to the present and future of the Catholic Church.
Pope Franciss commitment to reform has been evident since his election. The group of cardinal advisers, also referred to as the C9 for its nine members, was established by pope francis one month after his election in 2013 to advise the pope on the reform of the roman.
