Pope Leo XIV indicates new governing style with annual, regular meetings with cardinals

Unlocking the Power of Consistories Pope Leo XIV's New Approach to Governance

In a groundbreaking shift in the Catholic Church's governing style, Pope Leo XIV has announced plans to hold annual regular meetings with cardinals, known as consistories. This innovative approach aims to foster greater collaboration and consultation among the College of Cardinals, ensuring a more inclusive and effective decision-making process.

A New Era of Collegiality

By convening the College of Cardinals annually, Pope Leo XIV is signaling a departure from his predecessor's more isolated approach. Unlike Pope Francis, who relied heavily on a handpicked group of advisors, Pope Leo XIV seeks to draw upon the collective wisdom and experience of all cardinals.

As Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, South Africa, observed during a press conference, The pope wants to be collegial, and he wants to draw on the experience and knowledge of different cardinals coming from all parts of the world.

Breaking Down Barriers

The proposed regular meetings will not only provide an opportunity for cardinals to discuss pressing issues facing the Church but also serve as a chance for them to get to know one another better. Many cardinals hail from remote countries and have had limited opportunities to interact with their colleagues.

As Cardinal Cristóbal López Romero, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, noted, It was very fruitful because it allowed us to know each other better, to be in contact with the pope and take the pulse of how things are going.

Gaining Insight into Pope Leo XIV's Vision

For many cardinals, Pope Leo XIV remains an enigmatic figure. He tends to listen more than he speaks and has not made grand gestures announcing priorities or big decisions. The regular meetings will provide an opportunity for cardinals to gain a deeper understanding of the pope's vision and approach.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan City, the Philippines, observed that Pope Leo XIV took copious notes during the meeting, leaving him wondering what the end result might be. Your guess is as good as mine, he said. All I know was that he was taking down notes very seriously. So he must be up to something.

A Fresh Start

The introduction of regular consistories marks a significant shift in the Catholic Church's governance style. By embracing a more inclusive and consultative approach, Pope Leo XIV is demonstrating his commitment to collegiality and collaboration.

As Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, Algeria, noted, I was struck by the pope's coherence, attentiveness, and simplicity. These qualities will be essential in overcoming the challenges facing the Church in 2026 and beyond.

Conclusion

Pope Leo XIV's decision to hold regular consistories marks a significant milestone in the Catholic Church's history. By embracing a more inclusive and consultative approach, Pope Leo XIV is demonstrating his commitment to collegiality and collaboration. As the Church navigates the challenges of 2026 and beyond, this new governing style will be instrumental in fostering greater cooperation and effectiveness.

References

Pope Leo XIV sets new tone with annual cardinal meetings (Vatican City)
Cardinals Welcome Pope's New Approach to Governance
The Challenges of Pope Leo XIV A Fresh Start for the Catholic Church

Keywords Pope Leo XIV, Consistories, Collegiality, Collaboration, Governance Style, Catholic Church.

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Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

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