In advance of a meeting between Pope Francis and eight cardinals chosen by him, it has been suggested the Pope intends to “rip up and rewrite” the apostolic constitution.

In advance of a meeting between Pope Francis and eight cardinals chosen by him, it has been suggested the Pope intends to “rip up and rewrite” the apostolic constitution.

Massive change is expected this time around, whereas previous revisions were more typically minor and isolated.

Among the overarching goals Pope Francis has expressed is to deflate the Vatican’s bureaucratic bubble and give more decision-making power to the bishops actually working with the public.

His wishes are supported by his selection of bishops who will offer reform suggestions, although Pope Francis maintains the final decision.

The team hails from all over the world including the United States, India, and Australia.

None of them has extensive experience in working directly for the Vatican, but rather have earned their exemplary reputations for their tireless work within their own communities.

Several have also been quite vocal in their criticism of how the church’s sex abuse scandal has been handled.

It’s also believed that the Pope will jettison his own and future papal authority in the appointment of the head of the Italian conference of bishops, a post that holds significant political influence.

Instead, Italian bishops will likely vote to appoint their own leader.