In a decisive move that signals the beginning of his tenure, Pope Leo XIV has called together all of the world’s cardinals for a two-day meeting in Rome on January 7-8, just after the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year.
A New Chapter for the Papacy
The consistory, a traditional gathering of the College of Cardinals, will take place immediately following the Jan. 6 ending of the 2025 Holy Year-a celebration that occurs once every 25 years. Leo, elected on May 8 as the first American pope, has spent the early part of his pontificate attending to the weekly obligations of the Holy Year, meeting with pilgrimage groups, and celebrating special Jubilee audiences and Masses.
These duties, combined with the task of wrapping up the outstanding matters left by Pope Francis, have left Leo with limited time to focus on his own agenda. The January consistory therefore represents the first opportunity for him to look forward and set priorities for the years ahead.
A Return to the Consistory Tradition
Unlike his predecessor, who largely avoided the consistory as a governing tool, Francis relied on a small circle of eight or nine hand-picked cardinal advisers. Leo’s decision to summon all cardinals marks a clear shift back to the broader consultative model.
The Vatican emphasized that the upcoming meeting will be “oriented toward fostering 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.” The statement underscores the consultative nature of the gathering and its focus on collective guidance rather than decision-making.
What to Expect
- Date and Timing: Jan. 7-8, following the Jan. 6 conclusion of the Holy Year.
- Participants: All cardinals worldwide.
- Purpose: To provide common discernment, support, and advice to Pope Leo XIV.
- No New Cardinal Appointments: The consistory is purely consultative; no new cardinals will be created.
- Agenda Focus: While the Vatican has not released a detailed agenda, the meeting is expected to address the transition from the Holy Year obligations to Leo’s own initiatives.
The consistory will also serve as a platform for the Pope to assess the state of the Church after the conclusion of the Holy Year and to begin outlining his vision for the coming years.
Significance for the Church
Leo’s summons of all cardinals is a clear signal that he intends to engage the broader College in his governance. The move also highlights the importance of the consistory as a mechanism for collective discernment, a practice that had been largely sidestepped by Francis.
By convening the entire College, Leo is positioning himself to benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences of cardinals from different regions and traditions. This inclusive approach may help him navigate the complex challenges facing the universal Church in the post-Francis era.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV will hold a two-day consistory on Jan. 7-8, immediately after the 2025 Holy Year.
- The meeting will involve all cardinals and focus on providing support and common discernment to the Pope.
- No new cardinals will be appointed; the consistory is purely consultative.
- The gathering marks a return to the traditional consistory model, contrasting with Pope Francis’s reliance on a small advisory circle.
As the Church moves into the new year, the consistory will set the tone for Leo’s papacy, offering a platform for collective guidance and the beginning of his agenda for the universal Church.
