Pope Leo
On Friday morning, the Pope, an American, presided over a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, marking the start of the closed meeting, known as the “Consistoire,” which aims to exchange views on the role of the Church in the world, and will conclude on Saturday afternoon.
In his sermon, Leo
This is the second meeting called by the Pope, since his election in May 2025, and all 241 members of the College of Cardinals participate in it, whether eligible to vote or not, and residing in Rome or outside it.
This approach comes within the framework of Leo XIV’s endeavor to adopt a more collective management of church affairs, by enhancing dialogue and consultation between cardinals.
The extraordinary program of the Consistory, which was announced by the Press House of the Holy See, includes four sessions discussing the Church’s position on social, economic and political divisions, through plenary sessions and meditation groups, interspersed with prayers.
The Archbishop of Algeria, Cardinal Jean-Paul Visco, said that the Pope seeks to consolidate the spirit of participation and unity among the cardinals, adding: “It is clear that Pope Leo wants us to form one body and get to know each other, and the more these meetings occur, the more united we become.”
By intensifying these meetings, the first of which was held in January, the Pope seeks to strengthen the role of the College of Cardinals as a body of consultation and deliberation, at a time when the Church faces increasing and diverse challenges in various parts of the world.
