- 09 January, 2026
Vatican, Jan 9, 2025: At the close of the Extraordinary Consistory, Pope Leo said he intends to proceed “in continuity” with the requests that emerged during the pre-Conclave general congregations and reaffirmed the Ecclesial Assembly scheduled for October 2028. Cardinals noted that despite diverse perspectives, a strong sense of unity marked the discussions.
Although the Consistory has concluded, preparations are already underway for the next extraordinary Consistory, to be held over two days in June, close to the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Pope Leo announced the upcoming meeting during his concluding address at the final session, which brought together 170 Cardinals, both electors and non-electors.
Explaining that the June meeting follows “in continuity” with the pre-Conclave discussions, the Pope expressed his desire to establish Consistories as an annual event lasting three to four days. He had already hinted at this intention the previous day, describing the current gathering as a “prefiguration of our future journey.” He also confirmed the Ecclesial Assembly planned for October 2028.
Gratitude and synodal experience
Pope Leo thanked the Cardinals for their engagement, offering particular appreciation to elderly Cardinals who made the effort to attend.
“Your witness is precious,” he said, while also expressing closeness to Cardinals unable to travel to Rome: “We are with you and close to you.”
Reflecting on what he called a form of “non-technical synodality,” the Pope pointed to the harmony and communion experienced over the two days, made possible by a methodology fostering mutual understanding among participants from varied backgrounds. He referred to the Second Vatican Council as the foundation of the Church’s ongoing renewal and noted that two topics proposed but not voted on—the liturgy and Praedicate evangelium—remain closely linked to the Council and should not be overlooked.
The Pope and the College of Cardinals also expressed concern for the global situation, stressing the urgency of the Church’s response, particularly its closeness to local Churches affected by war and violence.
Concern for Venezuela
While the Consistory focused primarily on synodality and mission in the light of Evangelii gaudium, concern for Venezuela emerged strongly, especially among Latin American Cardinals.
At an evening press conference, Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio recalled Pope Leo’s Angelus message on 4 January, following dramatic events in Venezuela, when the Pope “expressed his profound concern for what is happening in Venezuela and committed himself to encouraging dialogue and the search for consensus, invoking peace, to build a peace that is at once unarmed and disarming.”
“That Sunday message set the tone for my reflections during these days,” Cardinal Rueda said. Although Venezuela was not an official topic of the Consistory, it was “inevitable” that Cardinals “be concerned about what is happening” and reflect on how the Church can accompany the people. Venezuela, he added, is an issue “we carry in our hearts.”
Living synodality
Cardinals described the sessions as marked by prayer and dialogue, with Pope Leo present throughout. He personally presented each participant with the medal of his pontificate.
Discussions within language groups focused on living synodality as “companions on the journey,” including its implications for authority, formation, the work of nuncios, and the Roman Curia, with calls for “greater internationalization.” Participants also revisited Evangelii gaudium, emphasizing that it has not “expired” with the previous pontificate but continues to challenge dioceses, the Roman Curia, and the Pope himself.
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, said there were 20 working groups, including both elector and non-elector Cardinals.
“He was taking notes, he was very attentive”
Cardinal Stephen Brislin described the Consistory as “very enriching,” noting that the range of perspectives deepened awareness of global realities. He said the decision to convene another Consistory in June shows that the Pope takes seriously the role of the Cardinals in assisting him.
“Eight months after the Conclave the Pope wanted to convene us to listen to us,” Cardinal Rueda said, adding that this “strengthens us in the mission of the Church.”
Cardinal Pablo David said the Pope “listened more than he spoke”: “He was taking notes, he was very attentive; the input he gave was very enriching for all of us.”
Laity and women
Asked about the role of the laity and women in the Church, Cardinal David said, “How can we not recognize the role of women and their ministries in the Church?” He described the issue as a constant concern and referred to the “priesthood” of the people rooted in the Second Vatican Council.
“We speak of the Body of the Church,” he said. “People have the power to participate in the life and mission of the Church.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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