VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV has summoned cardinals from around the world to Vatican City for a two-day consistory scheduled for January 7-8. The gathering will take place immediately following the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year on January 6 and is intended to provide consultative support for the governance of the universal Church.
Consistory Details
The Vatican announced on Saturday that the consistory will be purely consultative, meaning no new cardinals are slated to be created during these meetings. Cardinals will convene for discussions over the two-day period.
Purpose of the Assembly
According to the Vatican, the consistory is intended to "foster common discernment and offering support and advice to the Holy Father in the exercise of his high and grave responsibility in the government of the universal Church."
Context of Pope Leo XIV's Pontificate
Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8 as the first American pope, has spent the initial months of his pontificate fulfilling obligations related to the 2025 Holy Year, including conducting meetings with pilgrimage groups and leading Jubilee audiences and Masses. He has also addressed outstanding matters from Pope Francis' pontificate. This upcoming January consistory will mark the first opportunity for Pope Leo XIV to focus on his own agenda since his election.
Historical Comparison
The decision to convene all cardinals for extensive governance discussions contrasts with the approach taken by Pope Francis, who generally did not utilize the consistory tradition as a primary method of governance. Pope Francis typically relied on a smaller group of cardinal advisers for key decisions.