Pope Leo XIV concluded the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals held on January 7 and 8 in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, with the participation of 170 cardinals, both electors and non-electors. In his closing address, the Pontiff announced the celebration of a new Extraordinary Consistory in June 2026, coinciding with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, and expressed his desire that these meetings become an annual tradition, lasting three to four days.

Leo XIV described this first consistory as a “prefiguration of our future path,” in continuity with the general congregations preceding the conclave that elected him. He emphasized the experience of a “non-technical synodality,” characterized by profound harmony and communion, which allowed the cardinals to get to know one another despite their diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Pope recalled the Second Vatican Council as the foundation of ecclesial renewal and clarified that issues not put to a vote, such as the liturgy and the apostolic constitution  Praedicate Evangelium, remain linked to the Council and should not be forgotten.

In a gesture of gratitude, the Pope especially thanked the older cardinals for their efforts: “Their witness is precious.” He extended his closeness to those absent, affirming, “We are with you, and we feel close to you.” He also alluded to the world situation, marked by wars and violence, which makes the Church’s response “even more urgent,” with a special thought for the suffering ecclesial communities.

During the press briefing at the close of the second day, Cardinals Stephen Brislin (Archbishop of Johannesburg, South Africa), Luis José Rueda Aparicio (Archbishop of Bogotá, Colombia), and Pablo David (Bishop of Kalookan, Philippines) outlined the work carried out in 20 language groups. The discussions focused on synodality as “fellow travelers,” its reflection in the exercise of authority, priestly formation, the role of nuncios, and the need for greater internationalization of the Roman Curia. A re-reading of Pope Francis’s exhortation  Evangelii Gaudium was proposed  , considered still relevant and challenging for dioceses, the Curia, and the Pope himself. The proposal to address synodality and mission in light of this document was approved by a majority.

Although it was not on the official agenda, the issue of Venezuela emerged strongly, especially among Latin American cardinals. Cardinal Rueda Aparicio recalled the Pope’s words during the Angelus on January 4, where he expressed “deep concern” about the situation in the country and pledged to foster dialogue for a “disarmed and disarming” peace, respectful of human rights and sovereignty. “That message set the tone for my reflections these past few days,” added the Colombian cardinal, who emphasized that Venezuela “is a source of pain for us all, and we wish for the best possible outcome.”

The cardinals agreed that the experience was “very enriching.” Brislin highlighted the diversity of perspectives and the opportunity to get to know one another better, noting that the June announcement demonstrates that “the Pope takes seriously” the collegial contribution of the cardinals. Rueda Aparicio emphasized the “unity without uniformity” and that, just eight months after the Conclave, Leo XIV convened this meeting to “listen to one another.” David praised the “conversation in the Spirit” format, where everyone could participate, and commended the Pope’s attitude, noting that he “listened more than he spoke,” taking careful notes.

Regarding the participation of lay people and women, Cardinal David stated, “How can we not recognize the role of women and their ministries in the Church?” He mentioned the ongoing concern for women’s issues, the work of the Commission for the Female Diaconate, and the need to overcome clericalism, recalling the “priesthood of the people of God” of Vatican II: “We have the head of the Church, but also a body; people have the power to participate in the life and mission of the Church.”