BY Ian Dunn | March 15 | 
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Pope tells cardinals of relevance and future of the Church
“We need to hand on this wisdom to the young,” Pope Francis said during his first meeting with the College of Cardinals this morning
Pope Francis met this morning with the College of Cardinals and told them the huge interest in his elevation was a sign of the continued relevance of the Church.
“In these days, we have noticed the effect and solidarity of the universal Church, and also the interest of so many people who may not share our Faith,” the Holy Father said. “Nonetheless they respect it and admire the Church and the Holy See.”
The newly elected Pope’s first meeting with the full College of Cardinals took place in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall. Mgr Leo Cushley, the Scottish priest who is head of the English Language Section of the Secretariat of State, sat next to the Pope during the meeting.
During the meeting, Pope Francis entrusted his ministry, and that of the cardinals, to the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church.
“One day we will contemplate the Face of the Risen Christ through the intercession of Mary the Mother of the Church,” he said. “I entrust my ministry, and your ministry, to her maternal protection. We all listen to the voice of her Son, persevering together in prayer and witnessing to the presence of the Lord.”
Bringing attention to the fact that most of the cardinals are not young men, he also spoke about the duty of those of advanced years to pass on what they know to younger generations.
“Old age is the seat of life’s wisdom. People who are wise go a long way—like old Simeon in the Temple, who met Jesus. We need to hand on this wisdom to young people. Wisdom is like good wine that matures with age. A German poet said about old age: ‘old age is a time of peace and prayer.’ We need to hand on this wisdom to the young.”
Pope Francis this morning thanked Pope Benedict XVI for his teaching and humility.
“It will remain a spiritual heritage for all,” he said.
He also thanked Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re by name.
Pope Francis is expected to pray the Angelus on Sunday at the Vatican ahead of his inauguration Mass at 8.30am GMT on Tuesday, the Feast of St Joesph.
Pic: Pope Francis gave his first homily as the Holy Father at the Mass pro Ecclesia with the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel yesterday ahead of today’s meeting
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