Just three months into his pontificate, Pope John XXIII makes his plans known to his close advisor and Secretary of State, Cardinal Tardini.
An important audience.
Yesterday afternoon [January 19, 1959], His Holiness reflected on and specified the programme of his papacy. He planned three things: a Roman Synod, an ecumenical Council, a revision of the Code of Canon Law.
He wants to announce these three points next Sunday [January 25, 1959] to the Cardinals, after the ceremony in St. Paul's.
I said to the Holy Father (who asked me): "I like beautiful new things. Now, these three points are very beautiful, and the way of making the first announcement to the cardinals is new (but linked to ancient papal traditions), and it is very appropriate."
Cardinal Domenico Tardini
Personal diary
January 20, 1959
