Pope Leo: Another Consistory in June; We will hold one every year

The first has ended this evening, but the next appointment is already set: two days in June, close to the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. A new extraordinary Consistory awaits Pope Leo XIV and the Cardinals from all over the world in the Vatican.

It was the Holy Father himself who announced this second summer meeting in his concluding address at the third and final session this afternoon, which brought together 170 Cardinals, electors and non-electors.

The Pope—explaining that this two-day meeting is “in continuity” with what was requested of the general congregations before the Conclave—also expressed his wish to continue holding Consistories on an annual basis, lasting three to four days. He had already anticipated this in yesterday’s address, stating that this Consistory is a “prefiguration of our future journey.”

He also confirmed the Ecclesial Assembly of October 2028 announced last March.

In addition to the announcements, Pope Leo XIV wished to thank those present for their participation and support. He offered a particular word of thanks to the more elderly Cardinals for the effort of coming.

“Your witness is precious,” he said, as he likewise expressed his closeness to the Cardinals throughout the world who were unable to be in Rome these days, noting, “We are with you and close to you.”

A “non-technical synodality,” Pope Leo said that he experienced over yesterday and today—a deep harmony and communion—made possible by a methodology chosen to foster better mutual knowledge, given the diversity of backgrounds and experiences of each. From this followed a reference to the Second Vatican Council, the foundation of the Church’s path and renewal, and also the clarification that the other two topics proposed and not voted on yesterday by the assembly—the liturgy and Praedicate evangelium—are closely connected to the Council and must not be forgotten.

Finally, both on the part of the Pope and of all the members of the College of Cardinals, there was an attentive gaze toward the overall situation of the world, which makes a response by the Church “all the more urgent.” A Church that draws near to the local Churches suffering wars and violence.