His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV summoned the world’s cardinals to Rome recently for an extraordinary consistory.  The two-day gathering of prayer, reflection and dialogue began Jan. 7, a day after the closing of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year inaugurated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.  Among those participating were Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto and Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Cardinal Collins.

A consistory is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals. Ordinary consistories are typically convened to create new cardinals or to approve candidates for sainthood, the final step before formal canonization.  These are often attended primarily by cardinals residing in Rome.  Extraordinary consistories, by contrast, call for the participation of all cardinals from around the globe “when particular needs of the church or the treatment of more grave affairs suggests it.” according to canon law.   The last time a consistory was held was December 7, 2024 called by Pope Francis to elevate 20 new cardinals to the College of Cardinals, including our archdiocesan shepherd, Cardinal Leo. 

In his remarks outlining the purpose of the meeting, Pope Leo  remarked, "We have set aside our activities for a time, and even canceled important commitments, so as to discern together what the Lord is asking of us for the good of his people,” He added that this was  “a highly significant and prophetic gesture, particularly in the context of the frenetic society in which we live."  The Holy Father has committed to holding annual meetings of the College of Cardinals, with the next gathering scheduled for June around the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

As we begin this New Year, we pray for Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Leo, Cardinal Collins and all who shepherd the faith worldwide. May they enjoy good health and an abundance of blessings in 2026.