Still Running Off at the Keyboard

The new pope, who in a few weeks will mark the first anniversary of his pontificate, has demonstrated, in words and in action, that he foresees a different, expanded role for the college of cardinals than was obvious under the papacy of his predecessor, Pope John Paul II.

Last Thursday, the day before the consistory at which Benedict elevated Archbishop Sean P. O'Malley of Boston and 14 others to cardinal, the pope invited all 193 cardinals and cardinals-designate to discuss the Catholic Church's posture toward Islam, whether Rome should reconcile with a schismatic group of traditionalists, which role retired bishops should play in the church, and liturgical reform.

Benedict has made it clear he wants the college of cardinals to function, as he said on Feb. 22, as ''a sort of Senate around the pope, upon which he relies in carrying out the duties associated with his ministry." He repeated that point on Friday, saying of the college of cardinals, ''Its ancient roots, its historical development, and its composition today make it truly a kind of 'Senate,' called to cooperate closely with the Successor of Peter in accomplishing the tasks connected with his universal apostolic ministry."