Pope Leo calls his first Consistory of Cardinals

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV has called his first Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals, which will take place on January 7-8 and will be marked by prayer, support, and counsel for the Pope.

"The meeting will unfold over two days and will be marked by moments of communion and fraternity, as well as times dedicated to reflection, sharing, and prayer," a statement from the Holy See Press Office said on Saturday.

As the Cardinals pray and reflect together with Pope Leo XIV, the encounter will seek to foster discernment and offer "support and counsel to the Holy Father in the exercise of his lofty and weighty responsibility in the governance of the universal Church."

"The Consistory is set within the context of the life and mission of the Church," read the statement, "and it intends to strengthen communion between the Bishop of Rome and the Cardinals, who are called to collaborate in a particular way in solicitude for the good of the universal Church."

The Consistory will take place just a day after Pope Leo closes the Holy Door of St Peter's Basilica on January 6, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord.

A Consistory, which comes from the Latin 'consistere' meaning 'stand together,' is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals.

They can be either Ordinary, which are largely ceremonial in nature and attended by Cardinals residing in Rome, or Extraordinary.

Extraordinary Consistories, such as the one held in January, include all Cardinals throughout the world able to travel, and allow the Pope to consult with the entire College on various issues that affect the life of the Church.