Pope Chooses O'Malley For Vatican Reform Advisory Group
BOSTON (CBS) - Pope Francis has appointed Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley and eight other priests from around the globe to a permanent advisory group to study reform in the Vatican bureaucracy, the Vatican announced on Saturday.
The bureaucracy, known as the Roman Curia has been largely criticized for its slow response to crises, including the priest sex abuse scandal.
O'Malley and the eight other high priests will also serve as advisers to Pope Francis when it comes to running the Catholic Church.
The appointment does not require the Cardinal to relocate to the Vatican. He will remain in Boston and will continue his role as leader of the archdiocese.
Cardinal O'Malley is the only member of the board from North America. The panel includes only one current Vatican official.
In the statement, the Vatican explained the anticipated role of the advisory group.
"He has formed a group of cardinals to advise him in the governing of the universal church and to study a revision of the apostolic constitution Pastor Bonus on the Roman Curia," the statement said.
The Vatican has not seen any major reforms in almost fifty years.
The group's first meeting is scheduled for Oct. 1-3.
