### Pope Leo XIV's Assembly of Cardinals: A New Era for the Catholic Church Pope Leo XIV has called for a significant gathering of the world's cardinals, scheduled for January 7-8, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in his papacy. This assembly, known as a consistory, is set to take place immediately after the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year, a major event in the Catholic calendar that occurs once every 25 years. The Vatican's announcement indicates that this meeting will serve as the unofficial commencement of Pope Leo's governance, allowing him to establish his agenda and direction for the Church following the tenure of Pope Francis [https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/dec/21/pope-leo-summons-worlds-cardinals-for-a-key-assembly-to-help-him-govern-the-church-tfp][https://apnews.com/article/vatican-pope-leo-consistory-cardinals-0bf31013ce045d0472ee3fc9c7769aec]. ### Structure of the Upcoming Consistory 1. **Purpose of the Assembly** - To assist Pope Leo XIV in governing the Catholic Church. - To mark the unofficial start of his pontificate. 2. **Timing and Context** - Scheduled for January 7-8, 2026, right after the 2025 Holy Year ends on January 6. - This gathering follows a period focused on Holy Year obligations and concluding matters from Pope Francis' papacy. 3. **Differences from Previous Papacies** - Unlike Pope Francis, who relied on a smaller advisory group, Pope Leo has invited all cardinals to participate, indicating a more inclusive approach to governance. 4. **Significance of the Gathering** - This consistory represents a critical opportunity for Pope Leo to set his agenda and priorities for the Church moving forward. ### Supporting Evidence and Contextual Data - **Historical Context**: The 2025 Holy Year is a significant event in the Catholic Church, celebrated once every 25 years, which adds weight to the timing of the consistory [https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pope-leo-xiv-summons-cardinals-assembly-govern-church]. - **Papal Transition**: The transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo XIV marks a shift in leadership style, with Leo opting for broader consultation among cardinals [https://www.wesa.fm/national-international-news/2025-12-20/pope-leo-summons-cardinals-for-a-key-assembly-to-help-him-govern-catholic-church]. - **Global Participation**: The assembly will include cardinals from around the world, emphasizing the global nature of the Catholic Church and the importance of diverse perspectives in governance [https://www.freedom969.com/world-news/pope-leo-summons-worlds-cardinals-for-a-key-assembly-to-help-him-govern-the-church]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Pope Leo XIV In summary, the upcoming consistory on January 7-8, 2026, is a defining moment for Pope Leo XIV as he seeks to establish his leadership and direction for the Catholic Church. 1. **Pope Leo's Governance**: The assembly will allow him to gather insights and support from the global body of cardinals. 2. **Transition of Leadership**: This meeting signifies a shift from the previous papacy, with a more inclusive approach to decision-making. 3. **Significance of Timing**: The timing, immediately following the Holy Year, underscores the importance of this gathering in shaping the future of the Church. This consistory not only marks the beginning of Pope Leo's papacy but also sets the stage for the Church's direction in the coming years [https://english.aawsat.com/world/5221525-pope-leo-summons-worlds-cardinals-key-assembly-help-him-govern-church].