Summary (tl;dr)

The keyword "cardinal" is trending due to Pope Leo XIV's recent extraordinary consistory, where cardinals from around the world gathered in the Vatican to discuss the future direction of the Catholic Church and usher in a new era of more collaborative governance.

Essential Background

The College of Cardinals comprises senior clergy of the Catholic Church who advise the Pope and are responsible for electing a new Pope during a conclave. Pope Leo XIV was elected in May 2025, and this consistory marks a significant early step in his pontificate. His predecessor, Pope Francis, often relied on a smaller group of cardinals for advice and convened general consistories less frequently. The College of Cardinals is also currently undergoing a period of transition, with several members reaching the age of 80 and consequently losing their eligibility to vote in a future papal election.

The Full Story

From January 7 to 8, 2026, Pope Leo XIV convened an "extraordinary consistory" in Vatican City, bringing together approximately 170 cardinals from across the globe. During the two-day meeting, Pope Leo XIV emphasized his desire for a more collegial and listening approach to governing the Catholic Church, signaling a shift from previous pontificates. The cardinals participated in discussions focused on key themes such as evangelization—the Church's mission in the world—and synodality, which involves consulting and listening within the Church. At the conclusion of the consistory, Pope Leo XIV announced plans to hold annual meetings with the College of Cardinals, with an additional gathering scheduled for June 2026. This initiative aims to strengthen communion and collaboration among the Church's top leaders.

Why It Matters

This renewed emphasis on annual meetings and broad consultation with the College of Cardinals signifies a potentially transformative shift in the governance of the Catholic Church under Pope Leo XIV. It is viewed as an effort to foster greater unity among Church leaders, allowing cardinals to better understand each other and the Pope, and to collaboratively address global challenges facing the Church. The discussions on evangelization and synodality are particularly crucial for the Church's mission in the modern world, as they aim to make the Church more missionary and responsive to the needs of the faithful.

Geographic Location

• Vatican City (extraordinary consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV)