This past June 26 and 27, Pope Francis convened the Council of Cardinals at the Vatican. This was the second session of meetings since the body was renewed in composition by the Pontiff.

The Holy See Press Office reported that all member cardinals were present for the proceedings, including Council Secretary Bishop Mellino.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ghirlanda, extender of the Praedicate Evangelium, also participated: the first steps were taken in the reflection on how to implement the spirit, principles and criteria of the Apostolic Constitution in the diocesan curias.

Synodality was then discussed, with reference to the ongoing Synod, with an update on the steps of these last months brought by Cardinal Mario Grech, in view of the October Assembly.

Cardinal O’Malley gave information about the recent Plenary of the Commission for the Protection of Minors in May and the work of the Commission to update regulations and practices throughout the Church so that child protection mechanisms are effective in every diocese.

Finally, there was no shortage of reflection on the war in Ukraine. The Council was reconvened by the Pope for next December.