Pope Adds Secretary of State Pietro Parolin As Member of Council of Cardinals

Rome Reports
July 3, 2014

http://www.romereports.com/pg157519-pope-adds-secretary-of-state-pietro-parolin-as-member-of-council-of-cardinals-en

[with video]

Pope Francis and his nine cardinal advisers continue working relentlessly on redesigning the Vatican. The select group expanded to include Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. The move merely reflects reality, since Parolin has participated in all meetings, but with a lower profile, given that he was not a full member.

There is only one photograph of their meeting, and a statement from the Vatican explained what three topics the group has talked about so far.

Card. Giuseppe Bertello explained to the Council the governance of the Vatican City State, which he currently presides.

Card. Pietro Parolin also presented a report on the duties and the situation of the Secretariat of State.

Afterward, the nine cardinals and the Pope analyzed "in depth the new structure” of the IOR or Vatican Bank.

In fact, on that particular topic, the Vatican hinted at the possibility of an announcement next week to appoint a new president to the Vatican Bank. Spokesperson Federico Lombardi did not confirm this, but talked about "a time of natural and peaceful transition.” He also added that "the contribution of Ernst von Freyberg continues to be deeply appreciated and highly valued.”

The meetings will continue until Friday. As in previous sessions, the Council continues reviewing the roles of the pontifical councils, congregations and the Vatican institutions, to update the structure of the Roman Curia.