Pope Leo XIV has convened a gathering of cardinals from around the world for a two-day meeting aimed at assisting him in governing the Catholic Church. This assembly, known as a consistory, is scheduled for January 7-8, 2025, just after the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year on January 6. The gathering marks a significant moment as it symbolizes the unofficial beginning of Leo’s pontificate.
In the early months of his papacy, Pope Leo has been primarily focused on fulfilling obligations associated with the Holy Year, which includes meeting with pilgrims and leading special Jubilee audiences and Masses. Additionally, he has devoted considerable time to addressing matters left unresolved from the tenure of his predecessor, Pope Francis. The upcoming consistory will provide an opportunity for Leo to shift focus towards his own initiatives and agenda, an essential step following his election on May 8, 2024, as the first American pope.
This consistory is noteworthy because it reestablishes a tradition that had been largely sidelined by Pope Francis, who preferred a smaller circle of advisors over larger assemblies. The Vatican announced that Leo’s consistory will be aimed at promoting mutual understanding and offering support to him in his responsibilities for the governance of the universal Church.
While some consistories include the formal induction of new cardinals, this meeting will be consultative, with no new cardinals being appointed. The decision to summon all cardinals reflects Leo’s desire to engage broadly with church leadership as he embarks on setting his vision for the future.
The significance of this assembly is underscored by recent events, including a historic prayer meeting between King Charles and Pope Leo at the Vatican, which illustrated a growing relationship between the monarchy and the Catholic Church. Furthermore, Pope Leo has met with survivors of clergy sexual abuse, signaling his commitment to addressing critical issues within the Church.
As Leo prepares for this pivotal moment, the global Catholic community is watching closely. His ability to navigate the complexities of church governance with the counsel of the world’s cardinals will likely shape the direction of his papacy and influence the Church’s response to contemporary challenges.
