BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Announces Annual Meetings with 4 Key Topics Discussed at Conclusion of 1st Consistory of Cardinals at the Vatican
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Pope Leo XIV Announces Annual Consistories (Image Vatican Media Jan. 8 Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on the last day of the consistory)
In a move to strengthen collegiality, Pope Leo XIV concluded the recent Extraordinary Consistory by announcing that these gatherings will now become an annual fixture.
Key Announcements & Dates
Next Meeting: A two-day Extraordinary Consistory is scheduled for June, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
New Frequency: The Pope intends to hold these meetings every year, typically lasting three to four days.
2028 Assembly: The Ecclesial Assembly of October 2028 has been officially confirmed.
Major Themes & Discussions
The gathering brought together 170 Cardinals to discuss the future of the Church "in continuity" with the pre-Conclave requests:
Synodality in Action: Participants engaged in a "non-technical synodality," using small-group methodologies to foster mutual understanding across diverse backgrounds.
Mission & Continuity: The assembly voted to approve a focus on mission in light of Evangelii Gaudium, affirming that the teachings of the previous pontificate remain a central challenge for the Curia and dioceses.
Global Concerns: While not on the official agenda, the crisis in Venezuela was a major point of concern, with the College expressing a desire for dialogue, human rights, and "disarming peace."
Inclusion: Discussions touched on the "priesthood of the people," the role of the laity, and the ongoing concern regarding the role of women and the female diaconate.
The "Leo XIV Style"
Cardinals Brislin (South Africa), David (Philippines), and Rueda Aparicio (Colombia) noted a shift in papal leadership style:
Listening over Speaking: The Pope was described as "very attentive," spending more time taking notes on the Cardinals' input than addressing the floor.
Harmony over Uniformity: The methodology prioritized getting to know one another to help the Pope guide the Church through collective experience rather than top-down mandates.
Laity and women
Still on the themes, journalists also asked whether the question of the participation of the laity and the role of women in the Church had in some way entered into the discussions.
On this point, Cardinal David said, “How can we not recognize the role of women and their ministries in the Church?” “Certainly,” the Filipino Cardinal stated, the question of women is “a constant concern,” recalling the results—recently published—of the Commission for the Study of the Female Diaconate. Cardinal David also made reference to “clericalism” and relaunched the idea of the “priesthood” of the people drawn from the Second Vatican Council.
"We speak of the Body of the Church: we have the Head of the Church, but not only the Head; there is also a Body. People have the power to participate in the life and mission of the Church.”- Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-01/consistory-cardinals-day-2-press-briefing-holy-see-press-office.html
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