Cardinal O'Malley among Pope's advisers

BOSTON (AP) - The head of the Roman Catholic church in Boston is among eight cardinals named by Pope Francis to advise him on running the church and reforming the Vatican bureaucracy.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley is among members of the advisory panel announced by the Vatican on Saturday. The group includes only one current Vatican official, with the rest being cardinals from Europe, the Americas, Australia and Asia. They will hold their first meeting Oct. 1-3.

The Vatican says Pope Francis appointed the advisers following suggestions that emerged during meetings in the run-up to the conclave that elected him.

A reform of the Vatican bureaucracy was a constant drumbeat ahead of Pope Francis' election, as well as calls for making the Vatican more responsive to the needs of bishops around the world.

Cox Media Group