VATICAN CITY, March 23 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI held a day of discussion and reflection with most of the Roman Catholic Church's cardinals Thursday.
The subjects included the church's relationship to Islam, the status of the followers of the late Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre and the role of retired bishops in the church, Catholic News Service reported. Lefebvre, who opposed the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, was excommunicated in 1988.
The meeting was not open to the public or news media, although the opening prayer was broadcast, along with a list of the topics for discussion. On Friday, the pope is to induct 15 new cardinals, who were also invited to the meeting.
Cardinal Edward Egan described the morning service as "worthwhile and helpful."
