Pope Leo XIV Opens Dialogue on Church Governance as Vatican Convenes Global Cardinals
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday and Thursday welcomed cardinals from across the world to the Vatican for a high-level meeting widely seen as a signal of renewed consultation in the leadership of the Catholic Church.
The gathering, known as a consistory, is the first convened by Leo since his election in May 2025, following the death of Pope Francis.
All 245 cardinals of the Catholic Church were invited to attend the two-day meeting, which Vatican officials describe as an “extraordinary” consistory reserved for discussions on major Church matters.
According to Vatican sources, the meeting comes amid growing calls from senior clergy for a more collective approach to governing the global Church, with cardinals seeking a stronger voice in decision-making beyond their regional roles.
In a statement, the Vatican said 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 sessions are expected to include periods of shared prayer, reflection, and open discussion, fostering what the Vatican described as “communion and fraternity.”
No formal agenda has been released, but observers say the consistory may offer early indications of Leo’s leadership style and long-term priorities.
Since assuming office, the new pope has largely focused on fulfilling commitments and initiatives set in motion under his predecessor.
During his 12-year pontificate, Pope Francis was occasionally criticised by members of the hierarchy for a firm, highly personal governing approach that some felt limited broader consultation.
Francis convened only one extraordinary consistory and often relied on a smaller advisory circle of about a dozen cardinals.
By contrast, the current gathering suggests a possible shift toward wider engagement within the Church’s highest ranks.
Ordinary consistories, by comparison, are typically convened for ceremonial purposes such as the creation of new cardinals.
As discussions continue behind closed doors, the Vatican meeting is being closely watched as a potential turning point in how Pope Leo XIV intends to lead the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.
