While news of this extraordinary consistory has been circulating for weeks, the Vatican confirmed it this December 20.
Pope Leo XIV has convened an "extraordinary" consistory -- a meeting with the cardinals -- to be held in Rome on January 7-8, 2026, the Holy See officially announced on December 20.
Eight months after the conclave, the cardinals will return to Rome for a major meeting with the Pope, who is counting on their advice to assist him "in the exercise of his high and heavy responsibility."
In recent weeks, news of this consistory has been widely reported in the press. However, the information had not been made official by the Vatican until today.
3 types
A consistory is an assembly of cardinals convened by the Pope.
There are three types: an 'ordinary closed' consistory, which is held behind closed doors and concerns only the cardinals working with the Pope in Rome; an 'ordinary public' consistory, attended by the same cardinals, at which decisions are made on the creation of new cardinals and future canonizations; and finally an 'extraordinary' consistory, like the one convened in January.
An extraordinary consistory is held behind closed doors but brings together all the cardinals to discuss particularly important matters.
Promote common discernment
The purpose of the January meeting will be "to promote common discernment" in order to advise Leo XIV "in the exercise of his high and heavy responsibility," according to a statement from the Holy See Press Office.
The consistory will also aim "to strengthen communion between the Bishop of Rome and the cardinals," the latter being called upon "to collaborate in a special way" with the pontiff.
The day after his election, Leo XIV affirmed his desire to strengthen the "collegiality" of the Catholic Church by involving the cardinals more closely. In this, he shifts the mode of government of his predecessor, who convened very few extraordinary consistories during his pontificate, but had formed a Council of Cardinals composed of a global representation, who met regularly.
According to an article published December 16 by the Italian media outlet Il Giornale, Pope Leo specified in a letter sent to the cardinals the major issues that will be examined during the meeting: liturgy, synodality – the dimension of the Church that aims to involve all its members more broadly – and the governance of the Church.
The Vatican communiqué states that this meeting will be marked "by moments of communion and fraternity, as well as by times devoted to reflection, sharing and prayer."
"A Mass is expected to take place on January 8," a Vatican source told I.MEDIA.
