Almost a year after the implementation of the Apostolic Constitution “In Ecclesiarum communione,” published on January 6, 2023, and effective January 31, which reformed the Vicariate of Rome, Pope Francis will meet with the Roman clergy at the Basilica of Saint John the Lateran on January 13. This meeting, traditionally held at the beginning of Lent, has been rescheduled over the years during Francis’ pontificate.
“In Ecclesiarum communione” introduced several changes, including granting more powers to the Vicegerent at the expense of those of the Cardinal Vicar. The Vicegerent, currently Sicilian Bishop Baldassare Reina, governs the diocese of Rome with full powers when the vicar is absent or unable to perform his duties. The role of Vicegerent has evolved during Pope Francis’ pontificate, with various appointments since the beginning of his term.
In addition to Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, Vicar General, and Bishop Vicegerent Baldassare Reina, there are seven auxiliary bishops: Monsignors Daniele Libanori, Dario Gervasi, Benoni Ambarus, Paolo Ricciardi, Riccardo Lamba, Daniele Salera, and Michele Di Tolve.
Pope Francis has recently initiated meetings with groups of priests in Rome, visiting several parishes and pastoral centers.
In August, the Pope sent a lengthy letter to the presbyters of the Diocese of Rome for the feast of Our Lady of the Snows, urging the Church in Rome to be an example of compassion and hope. He warned against spiritual worldliness and clericalism.
In the last two years, Pope Francis has not presided over the traditional Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for the ordinations of the Diocese of Rome. Instead, the Cardinal Vicar has conducted the ordinations at the Basilica of Saint John the Lateran.
