VATICAN CITY (CNS) — The difficulties facing migrants coming into Europe and the continuing dialogues with Muslims were among the topics discussed during Pope Francis’ meeting with the heads of the Roman Curia offices, the Vatican spokesman said.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said the 16 November meeting did not deal with the pope’s reform of the Curia or with further changes to the existing offices. The pope had announced 22 Otcober the establishment of a new office for laity, family and life, which combines the responsibilities of two pontifical councils.
“It is one of the normal dicastery meetings that are scheduled every six months,” Father Lombardi said.
Noting that the themes of the meeting were scheduled in advance, Father Lombardi told journalists that the plight of migrants and the problems facing refugees and the countries that receive them were discussed. The Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers, headed by Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio, wanted to update the pope and members of the Curia on its work in aiding thousands of migrants and refugees coming into Europe.
Father Lombardi said the meeting also focused on the continuing dialogue with Muslims, an area of discussion that was requested by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.