Collegiality in the Church, the role of women, the recent Synod, the implementation of the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate evangelium in the diocesan Curia, the issue of nuncios, concerns and hopes about the world situation in the midst of crises and conflicts. These are the topics addressed during the December session of the Council of Cardinals, the so-called C9, the working group made up of nine cardinals who assist and advise Pope Francis.

Collegiality in the Church

The meeting – the last of 2024 after those in February, April, and June – took place on Monday 2, and Tuesday 3 December at Casa Santa Marta, in the presence of the Pope, the Cardinals of the Council, and the Secretary. As reported in a statement from the Holy See Press Office, “in the various appointments of the session, various questions were discussed”, first of all, with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, “on collegiality in the Church”, therefore, on the relations between the particular Church and the ecclesial assemblies, to then continue with a common conversation on the recently concluded Synod.

The role of women and that of the nuncios

In addition, during the meetings the theme of the female role in the Church was explored in depth, seeking a synthesis of the questions that arose during the last four sessions of the Council. Finally – the statement continues – time was devoted to the study and application of the principles and criteria of the Apostolic Constitution Praedicate evangelium in the diocesan Curia and the theme ‘The role of the Papal Representatives in a missionary synodal perspective’, in conversation with Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Bombay, president of the relevant study group.

A reflection on the situation of the Church and the world

“As always – continues the Vatican Press Office – the Council was an opportunity for a global reflection on the situation of the Church and the world in the various areas of origin of the cardinals, to share concerns and hopes about the ongoing conditions of conflict and crisis.”

The next session of the Council is scheduled for April 2025.