Pope, cardinals discuss several issues, including dialogue with Islam

Published: 2006-03-23

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI and most of the world's cardinals sat down for closed-door discussions on a number of administrative and pastoral questions, including dialogue with Islam. The pope presided over the day of reflection and prayer March 23, the day before he was to hold a public consistory to induct 15 new cardinals. The cardinals-to-be, dressed in bishops' purple, were also invited to the meeting in the Vatican's synod hall. There was no formal agenda, but in an opening talk the pope mentioned three specific concerns for discussion, according to a Vatican press statement: "the condition of retired bishops," "the question raised by (Archbishop Marcel) Lefebvre and the liturgical reform desired by the Second Vatican Council," and "questions connected with the dialogue between the church and Islam." The pope invited the cardinals to raise other issues of their own and said the exchange should take place in a spirit of unity and communion.

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