Pope Leo XIV: Consistory a Moment to Pause and Discern the Church’s Path

Vatican City, January 8, 2026: Pope Leo XIV urged Cardinals to use the Extraordinary Consistory as a time of prayerful reflection, shared responsibility and renewed commitment to the Church’s mission, as he celebrated Mass with them in Rome.

At the start of the second day of the Extraordinary Consistory, Pope Leo XIV presided at Mass with Cardinals who had travelled from around the world to consult with him. Their discussions, which began on Wednesday, 7 January, focus on the themes of synodality and evangelisation, particularly in the light of Evangelii gaudium.

In his homily, the Pope highlighted fraternal love, describing the Consistory as a moment of grace that expresses unity in service to the Church. He reflected on the meaning of the word “Consistory”, derived from a Latin term meaning “to stop”, noting that the Cardinals had paused their usual responsibilities to gather with him in Rome.

By setting aside their daily work and even important commitments, he said, they had come together to discern what the Lord is asking for the good of God’s people. In a fast-paced world, this deliberate pause, marked by prayer and attentive listening, becomes a prophetic gesture that helps refocus hearts and minds, preventing action that lacks direction.

The Pope stressed that the Consistory is not a place for advancing personal or collective agendas. Instead, it is a space for discernment centred on the Eucharist, allowing Christ to purify, enlighten and transform plans and intentions. The College of Cardinals, he said, is not primarily a team of experts but a community of faith, where individual gifts are offered to the Lord and returned according to His providence for the good of all.

Inviting the Cardinals to embrace the Trinitarian love of God, Pope Leo XIV called on them to turn this moment of “stopping” into a great act of love for God, the Church and the entire human family. Through prayer, silence and mutual listening, they are asked to give voice to those entrusted to their pastoral care.

Recalling Pope St. Leo the Great, the Pope encouraged cooperation in the same Spirit so that the hungry are fed, the naked clothed and self-interest set aside. He concluded by thanking the Cardinals for their demanding service and entrusting their shared work to the Lord.

Courtesy: Vatican News

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