APTOPIX Vatican Pope

Pope Leo XIV has summoned the world’s cardinals for meetings to help him govern the church, marking the unofficial start of his pontificate. The Vatican announced Saturday that the consistory will be held January 7-8, right after the 2025 Holy Year ends. Leo’s early months have focused on Holy Year obligations and wrapping up matters from Pope Francis' tenure. This gathering will be his first opportunity to set his own agenda since his election in May. Unlike Francis, who relied on a small group of advisers, Leo has called all cardinals to Rome for this consultative meeting.