Pope offers encouragement to new Council for the Economy

Vatican City, May 2, 2014 / 10:49 am

Pope Francis gave words of encouragement to the Vatican's new Council for the Economy, stressing concern for the poor and commitment to the Gospel.

He told the group that its mission will be difficult, but important, urging them to embrace it bravely, according to Vatican Radio.

The Pope had formed the Council and the Secretariat for the Economy in February. The council held its first meeting May 2, discussing its statues and work.

The pontiff told members of the council that they should be dedicated to transparency and efficiency as they oversee Church assets, Vatican Radio reports.

He called on them to be courageous and committed to a mindset of evangelizing service as the Roman Curia undergoes reform.

Earlier in the week, the Council of 8 Cardinals met at the Vatican. Pope Francis appointed the cardinals from around the globe to advise him in the process of reforming the Roman Curia.

During its three-day meeting, the council completed an initial review of the Pontifical Councils, according to a Vatican statement.

The group will meet again in early July.

The Pope is also scheduled to meet with the new Commission for the Protection of Minors that he created. The commission is meeting for the first time this week to discuss its mission.