Consistory Cardinals at the Vatican in Vote Shortlist 2 Key Topics Choosing to Discuss Synodality and Evangelization as they Join Pope Leo XIV to Chart the Catholic Church's Future
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Pope Leo XIV and Cardinals Chart the Church's Future
"I feel the need to count on you," the Pope told the College of Cardinals. "You have called this servant to this mission; it is important that we discern together."
A Vote for Mission and Modernity
In a departure from traditional top-down agendas, the cardinals were asked to vote on the priorities for this two-day summit. By a "clear majority," the assembly selected two pillars for reflection:
Synod and Synodality: Refining the way the Church listens and operates.
Evangelization in the Modern World: Re-reading Evangelii Gaudium to revitalize missionary work.
While topics like Liturgy and Curial reform were on the shortlist, Holy See spokesperson Matteo Bruni noted that the chosen themes are broad enough to encompass all urgent concerns. "One topic does not exclude another," Bruni explained, emphasizing that the Pope is keen to address the "perceived need" for clarity across all areas of Church life.
The "Synodal" Method in Action
The work took place not in rows of pews, but around 20 circular tables with 170 cardinals in total in the Paul VI Hall. They were then divided into two blocks with 11 groups from Rome and curia cardinals and 9 groups of cardinal electors from local churches, cardinal electors who are nuncios and emeritus. Using the same methodology as the recent Synods, the cardinals engaged in three-minute contributions followed by periods of listening and silence.
The Pope, choosing to remain in a listening posture, largely left the group work to the cardinals from local Churches—noting that he already has frequent access to those working within the Roman Curia. He requested strict confidentiality for these internal dialogues to ensure "the greatest possible freedom" of expression.
Cardinal Radcliffe: "Face the Storms with Truth"
The day was punctuated by a powerful meditation from Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, who didn't shy away from the "terrible storms" facing both the world and the Church.
"If Peter’s boat were full of disciples arguing among themselves, we would be of no use to the Holy Father," Radcliffe warned.
He highlighted a world fractured by:
Increasing violence and armed conflict.
The widening gap between the rich and the poor.
The unknown ethical frontiers of Artificial Intelligence.
Internal Church "storms" regarding sexual abuse and ideological divisions.
His message was one of "truth and courage," urging the leaders not to wait timidly on the shore but to navigate these crises with the faith that Christ is present even in the midst of the gale.
Looking Ahead
The Consistory continues tomorrow, January 8, beginning with a Mass at the Altar of the Chair of St. Peter. In keeping with Pope Leo’s desire for an organic process, no final text is planned. The goal, as the Pope stated, is not to produce a document, but to develop a "collegial style" capable of "creating something new."
"Is there life in our Church?" the Pope asked in his concluding remarks. This Consistory appears to be his definitive attempt to answer that question with a resounding "yes," through a Church that looks beyond itself.
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