Pope Leo XIV will convene his first Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals Jan. 7–8, just after he closes the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica on Jan. 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.
Vatican News explains that a consistory is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals. Ordinary Consistories include the cardinals in Rome and are largely ceremonials, whereas Extraordinary Constistories include all the cardinals in the world.
“The meeting will take place over two days and will include moments of communion and fraternity, as well as times dedicated to reflection, sharing and prayer,” the Dec. 20 Vatican announcement states. “These moments will be oriented towards fostering common discernment and offering support and advice to the Holy Father in the exercise of his high and demanding responsibility in the governance of the universal Church.”
The announcement adds that the consistory aims to strengthen the unity between the Pope and College of Cardinals.
The last extraordinary consistory was held by Pope Francis on August 29-80, 2022, according to Omnes Magazine. It focused on the new apostolic constitution for the Roman Curia, Praedicate Evangelium.
Consistories do not have a set schedule; instead, they are called by the Pope at his discretion.
According to Rome-based journalist Diane Montagna, Italian journalist Nico Spuntoni wrote that the next consistory will focus on four key issues: reviewing Pope Francis’s 2013 apostolic exhortation on evangelization, Evangelii Gaudium; studying the apostolic constitution Praedicate Evangelium; examining the Synod and synodality; and discussing the liturgy.
Montagna reports that, citing a Christmas letter from Pope Leo to the College cardinals, Spuntoni relates that the topic of the liturgy will be discussed through an “‘in-depth theological, historical, and pastoral reflection ‘in order to retain sound tradition and yet remain open to legitimate progress.’”
Montagna also reports, “While the merits and perils of the latter [synodality] will undoubtedly be examined and debated at the January meeting, the Pope’s choice of language suggests that he is seeking a serious and in-depth discussion with the cardinals on the nature and meaning of these concepts.”
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