With a Chirograph , Pope Francis has
officially established the Council of Cardinals , whose members were announced
13 April and which has the task of helping the Pope in governing the Church and
in the revision of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor Bonus on the Roman
Curia. The number of components may vary "as deemed appropriate".
The group "will be a further expression of Episcopal communion and auxiliary service to munus petrinum that the Bishops scattered around the world can offer."
Below is the full text of the Chirograph.
Among the suggestions that emerged during the course of the General Congregations of Cardinals prior to the Conclave, was the convenience in instituting a small group of Members of the Episcopate, from different parts of the world, that the Holy Father could consult with, either individually or collectively, on particular issues . Once elected to the Roman See , I had occasion to reflect often on this subject , believing that such an initiative would be of considerable help in carrying out the pastoral ministry of the Successor of Peter, with which I was entrusted by my brother Cardinals.
For this reason, on 13 April I announced the establishment of the aforementioned group , indicating, at the same time , the names of those who had been called to become part of it. Now, after mature reflection , I consider it opportune, through this Chirograph, to officially instituted as a " Council of Cardinals ' , whose task is to help in the government of the universal Church and to study a draft revision of the Apostolic Constitution Pastor bonus on the Roman Curia.
It will be composed of the same persons mentioned above and may be consulted, both individually and as a Council , on matters I feel worthy of attention . Said Council, the number of components of which I reserve the right to configure as deemed adequate, will be a further expression of Episcopal communion and auxiliary service that the Bishops around the world can offer to munus petrinum.
Rome, at Saint Peter's, September 28th of 2013 , the first of my Pontificate.
FRANCIS