Pope Advisory Group to 'Revamp' Church

The Age
April 14, 2013

http://www.theage.com.au/national/pope-advisory-group-to-revamp-church-20130414-2htbs.html

George Pell.

The appointment of eight advisers, including the Archbishop of Sydney George Pell, to a new Vatican panel will help revamp the Catholic church, former Australian ambassador to the Holy See Tim Fischer says.

Cardinal Pell is one of seven cardinals and one monsignor - the others are from Europe, Africa, North and South America, and Asia - appointed to the group by Pope Francis.

In its announcement on Saturday, the Vatican said Francis got the idea to form the advisory body from the pre-conclave meetings.

"He has formed a group of cardinals to advise him in the governing of the universal church and to study a revision of the apostolic constitution Pastor Bonus on the Roman Curia," the statement said.

Mr Fischer welcomed the announcement.

"I congratulate Cardinal George Pell on his appointment and note that every continent in the world is represented in the skilful selection made by Pope Francis in just his first month in office," Mr Fischer said on Sunday.

He said it was an "inspirational choice" of seven cardinals, with only one an Italian.

"Certainly this new cabinet, or council, of cardinals of advice is a beacon pointing the way ahead by the new Pope in relation to re-balancing and revamping the church."

Francis' advisory group will meet in its inaugural session from October 1-3, the Vatican said in a statement.

Cardinal Pell, 71, is the eighth Archbishop of Sydney, serving since 2001.