A quiet shift is underway within the Vatican walls. Pope Leo XIV has called for a gathering of cardinals from across the globe, a two-day meeting poised to define the direction of his papacy and signal a distinct departure from the recent past.
The consistory, as these pivotal meetings are known, will commence January 7th, immediately after the culmination of the extraordinary 2025 Holy Year – a celebration occurring only once every twenty-five years. This timing isn’t accidental; it marks a turning point for the new pontiff.
Pope Leo’s initial months have been largely dedicated to the demands of the Holy Year, a whirlwind of pilgrimages, audiences, and special Masses. Simultaneously, he’s been meticulously addressing the unfinished business left by his predecessor, Pope Francis.
This January gathering represents Leo’s first real opportunity to chart his own course. The summoning of *all* the world’s cardinals to Rome underscores the significance of this moment, a clear indication he intends to embrace a more traditional approach to governing the Church.
Pope Francis notably moved away from frequent consistories, preferring instead to rely on a small, select council of advisors for guidance. This intimate circle of eight to nine cardinals held considerable influence over key decisions.
The Vatican has stated that Leo’s consistory will focus on “fostering common discernment” and providing the Pope with “support and advice” as he navigates the immense responsibilities of leading the universal Church. It’s a call for collective wisdom, a return to a broader consultative process.
Importantly, this meeting is not about expanding the College of Cardinals. No new appointments will be made. This consistory is purely dedicated to counsel, a deliberate act of seeking input from the wider body of cardinal leaders.
