Pope Leo XIV sets collaborative tone with cardinals at extraordinary consistory

Pope Leo XIV has moved to shape the direction of his pontificate by convening an extraordinary consistory of cardinals in Rome.

This tone underlies a commitment to collaboration, listening and shared discernment at the heart of Church governance.

According to America Magazine, the two-day meeting on January 7-8, 2026, brought cardinals from around the world together for what is described as a consultation rather than a ceremonial gathering.

The word consistory comes from the word consistere, meaning “to stand together” or “to stand firm.”

Rare early gathering of the College of Cardinals

As America Magazine, Pope Leo announced soon after his election that he would summon the full College of Cardinals to Rome.

When the meeting opened in January, CBS News reported that around 170 cardinals took part, offering advice and reflections on the Church’s priorities after the long papacy of Pope Francis.

In his opening address, Pope Leo stressed that he wished to hear freely from the cardinals.

According to the National Catholic Reporter, the Holy Father outlined a method centred on dialogue and discernment, telling cardinals:

“This will be our way of proceeding: being attentive to the heart, mind and spirit of each; listening to one other; expressing only the main point and in a succinct manner, so that all can speak.” 

Mission, reform, synodality and liturgy

According to CBS News, the cardinals were asked to choose two out of four topics: The missionary nature of the church, further reforms of the Vatican bureaucracy, synodality and liturgy.

The consistory included small-group discussions and plenary sessions, giving cardinals an opportunity to listen to one another and share reflections.

National Catholic Reporter stated that Pope Leo appealed to cardinals for ongoing collaboration and shared discernment as they consider the Church’s priorities for the coming years.

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Transition from Francis to Leo

Beyond its practical outcomes, the consistory carried strong symbolic weight.

Catholic Standard observed that the meeting marked a visible transition from the pontificate of Pope Francis to that of Pope Leo, while also highlighting continuity.

Cardinals were invited to reflect again on Francis’s apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, signalling that the missionary focus of the previous papacy remains central.

NCR similarly described the consistory as a bridge between eras, noting that while Leo’s style appears more structured, his emphasis on consultation builds directly on Francis’s legacy of reform and dialogue.

A new pattern of regular consultation

Pope Leo made clear that the January meeting would not be a one-off.

Inquirer news stated that the Pope told cardinals he intends to call them back to Rome in June for further discussions, to establish regular multi-day meetings.

The June gathering would continue conversations begun in January and help shape longer-term priorities.

Vatican observers cited by NCR Online see this as a significant development, embedding the College of Cardinals more firmly into the ongoing governance of the Church.

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