Pope outlines hopes for reform

Pope Francis has said he wants a missionary church with a modern spirit that gives hope to the poor, young and elderly, speaking as key meetings began on church reform.

He gave a lengthy interview to the Rome daily La Repubblica as he began meeting with his parallel cabinet of eight cardinals chosen to advise him on reforming the church.

In the interview, Francis denounced the “Vatican-centric” nature of the Holy See, explained his affinity for his namesake St. Francis and described how he was “invaded by anxiety” after he was elected, but then excused himself from the Sistine Chapel, closed his eyes and was filled with a light that enabled him to accept the job.