The key keepers are just some of the more than 3,000 lay people who perform unheralded jobs in a place that is known for pomp and circumstance.

Pope Francis and the Anglican archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, together charged 19 pairs of Catholic and Anglican bishops to return to their home countries and work together to promote joint prayer, joint proclamation of the Gospel and especially joint works of charity and justice.

Catholic charities around the world are advocating on behalf of children victims in Syria.

One C9 cardinal told me recently, “Pope Francis truly believes in a collegial style of government; we see this clearly in our meetings."

Cardinal-designate Ernest Simoni will be one of 17 prelates elevated to cardinal in a consistory on Nov. 19 at the Vatican.

The church in the rest of the world, particularly in the southern hemisphere, will have greater representation in the next conclave.