Pope Leo XIV Plans Major Gathering of Cardinals in January

Vatican City, November 8, 2025 – Pope Leo XIV is preparing to convene an extraordinary consistory of cardinals in early January 2026, although the specific theme of the gathering remains undisclosed.

A brief communication sent to cardinals on Nov. 6 and obtained by the National Catholic Register revealed that “Holy Father Leo XIV has in mind to convene an extraordinary consistory for the days of Jan. 7 and 8, 2026.” The Vatican Secretariat of State conveyed the message, noting that the dean of the College of Cardinals will send further details “in due course.”

When approached for comment, Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni said on Friday that the office had not yet publicly “confirmed its existence” and that he did not expect an official announcement to be made “that far ahead.”

Extraordinary consistories are typically special gatherings of all cardinals convened by the pope to address significant issues or the “particular needs of the Church.” These meetings provide opportunities for open consultation and discussion among the world’s cardinals.

The last extraordinary consistory at the Vatican took place on Aug. 29–30, 2022, under Pope Francis. It focused on the implementation of Praedicate Evangelium, the apostolic constitution reforming the Roman Curia, and broader Church governance matters. During that meeting, cardinals received an official report on the reforms before breaking into language groups for discussion—a format reflecting the principle of synodality.

Pope Francis also used the occasion to hold a consistory for the creation of new cardinals. However, it is considered unlikely that Pope Leo XIV will follow this approach, as the College of Cardinals currently has 128 cardinal-electors, exceeding the advised maximum of 120.

A previous extraordinary consistory, held on Feb. 20–21, 2014, under Pope Francis, addressed the theme of the family and helped lay theological foundations for the subsequent Synod on the Family. That gathering was particularly notable for Cardinal Walter Kasper’s controversial “Kasper Proposal,” advocating a pastoral solution for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion—a suggestion that drew significant debate and later influenced Pope Francis’ 2016 apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia.

Earlier popes have also convened such meetings. Pope John Paul II held six extraordinary consistories during his pontificate, addressing curial reform, contemporary global issues, the threat of war, and the Church’s prospects in the new millennium. His successor, Pope Benedict XVI, opted instead for informal all-day meetings with cardinals prior to consistories for the creation of new members.

If confirmed, January’s gathering would mark Pope Leo XIV’s first extraordinary consistory since his election, and it could provide insight into his priorities for Church governance and reform in the coming year.

Source: CNA

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