During the audience, the prelate informed the Pope about the work being carried out with the Dicastery of the Clergy for the adaptation of the statutes, underlining the family atmosphere and open dialogue with which these tasks are being carried out. The Pope encouraged them to continue working with this attitude of dialogue and cooperation.
Msgr. Ocáriz also informed the Holy Father of some aspects of the preparations for the centenary of Opus Dei, and in particular the regional assemblies that are being held this year, with the participation of all the members of the Work together with many friends and co-operators.
He also informed the Pope of his forthcoming trip to South America. The Pope encouraged him to be very close to the people, especially in countries where there is more suffering, or where the work of evangelisation is more difficult, and recalled the self-sacrificing work that some people of Opus Dei do in those countries.
The audience lasted about half an hour. The Holy Father was both warm and affectionate, and gave the prelate and the auxiliary vicar his affectionate blessing.