Pope Leo Calls Cardinals to Vatican for Key Meeting

Pope Leo XIV is gathering cardinals from around the globe for a two-day assembly at the Vatican. Announced on Saturday, the meetings are intended to assist him in governing the church and appear to mark the beginning of his active leadership.

The consistory, the term for these types of gatherings, is scheduled for January 7th and 8th. Its timing immediately follows the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year on January 6th, a major celebration observed every 25 years in the Christian faith.

Since his election on May 8th as the first American pope, much of Pope Leo's time has been dedicated to Holy Year duties, including meetings with pilgrims and presiding over special Jubilee events. He has also been focused on resolving pending matters from the prior pontificate of Pope Francis.

Consequently, this January consistory presents the first real opportunity for Leo to concentrate on his own objectives. The convocation of all the world's cardinals to Rome underscores the importance he places on this event.

Notably, Pope Francis did not frequently utilize the consistory as a tool for governance. Instead, he preferred to consult with a smaller circle of eight or nine cardinal advisors he personally selected.

According to the Vatican's statement on Saturday, Leo's upcoming consistory will focus on "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." It is designed as a consultative session, and will not include the formal appointment of any new cardinals.