CSF Reaction to Cardinal's Appointment by Pope

"We hope the Vatican will be more transparent, not just in Rome, but also top down to the Nunciatures (diplomatic corps), dioceses and parishes..." - Joesph Diaz

Cardinal Oswald Gracias Photo: acnuk.org

(MUMBAI, India) - The Catholic Secular Forum (CSF), the Mumbai-based activists community NGO has welcomed and hailed the appointment of Cardinal Oswald Gracias by Pope Francis, among the eight high-ranking Cardinals to an advisory council that will work towards reforming Vatican's bureaucracy.

The CSF general secretary, Joseph Dias said, "There could be no better person than Cardinal Oswald, given the fact that he currently also heads the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference and hence, speaks not just for the Indian sub-continent, but also other countries in the region. Cardinal Oswald's qualifications and experience will stand him in good stead. It is also indicative of the priorities of the new Pope Francis, who is determined to set his house right, in the midst of many controversies and challenges."

According to The CSF, much needs to be done by way of governance and administration, as a result of which Vatican has not been able to adequately respond to the attacks on the Pope and the Catholic Church, even in terms of public relations.

"We hope the Vatican will be more transparent, not just in Rome, but also top down to the Nunciatures (diplomatic corps), dioceses and parishes. The appointment also signals that India has come of age and is being noticed for its service to the global church. The CSF has asked its members to pray for the Cardinal and the new team in council, in order that they might lead the Catholic Church into an era of spirituality, rather than emphasize only administration based on corporate or management principles. The tasks on hand still remains the allegations of sexual abuse and corruption, which needs to be boldly dealt with." Source: Joesph Diaz