Pope hosts cardinals after calls for collegial governance

Pope Hosts Cardinals After Calls for Collegial Governance

Pope Leo XIV hosted cardinals from around the world in the Vatican on Wednesday and Thursday in response to calls for more collegial governance within the Catholic Church.

The meeting, known as a consistory, marked the first time since his election by fellow cardinals on May 8, 2025, following the death of his Argentinian predecessor, Francis, that Leo has held such an event.

Vatican sources revealed that the cardinals seek a more significant role in global-level Church governance.

During his 12-year papacy, Francis faced criticism from within the Church for his personal leadership style, which sidelined many cardinals.

The meetings have no predetermined agenda; however, a Vatican statement indicated that the cardinals would provide 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 will be characterized by moments of communion and fraternity, as well as times dedicated to reflection, sharing, and prayer.

The meeting could offer valuable insights into Leo's leadership style and plans for the Church, as his agenda has largely been focused on fulfilling commitments made by Francis.

The consistory is classified as an extraordinary one, reserved for discussions of significant Church matters. Ordinary consistories are typically held to name new cardinals.

All 245 Catholic Church cardinals from around the world have been invited to attend.

During his pontificate, Francis held only one extraordinary consistory and preferred to govern the Church through a smaller group of approximately 12 cardinals.

AFP

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