Calls were made by some cardinals at the Vatican last week for qualified professionals from all over the world to work in the Roman Curia.
Some of those who spoke at a consistory said there is a need for an enhanced role for laity, particularly women.
Dozens of cardinals spoke about the work of the Curia, and many of them stressed the need for decentralisation and collegiality.
The consistory was discussing proposals for Curia reform proposed by Pope Francis’s “C9” Council of Cardinals.
The Pope told the assembled cardinals that reform is not an end in itself.
Rather, it is about promoting a more effective evangelisation, a fruitful ecumenical spirit and a strengthening of unity in the Church, he said.
It is understood that significant reform will not be announced before 2016.