New Papal Commission

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31975, 30 April 1969, Page 13

New Papal Commission

(N.Z.P.A -Reuter—Copyright' VATICAN CITY, April 29. Pope Paul today announced the appointment of a new theological commission to study Church doctrines, after a period of almost unprecedented questioning of traditional beliefs. Vatican observers say this was the most important of the several steps to modernise and streamline the Church announced by the Pope during a secret consistory that approved the nomination of 33 new cardinals.

The new commission was recommended by a worldwide synod of bishops who met in Rome in the autumn of 1907, but the announcement has been long delayed. The Pope also announced three other reforms, aimed at modernising the Church and streamlining Vatican administration. They are:

The publication of a new Roman Missal, The Prayer

Book used by millions of Roman Catholics throughout the world. The Pope said the new book would have greater unity and be easier to recite than the present one, and would incorporate simplifications in certain rites. A new calendar of Church feast days. Pope Paul said this would contain no radical changes, but would emphasise more clearly the importance of Easter and demand universal celebration only of the most important; feast days. The division of the Sacred' Congregation for Rites into two distinct congregations, one dealing with liturgical questions, the other with the beatification and canonisations of saints.

The new Roman Missal will be published on Friday, and the new calendar on May 9.