Just eight months into his pontificate, Leo XIV is signaling a clear governing style: collegial, structured, and mission-focused. At the conclusion of a two-day consistory held January 7-8, 2026, the Pope announced his intention to make such gatherings of cardinals an annual event aimed at discerning the priorities of the Catholic Church.
In the long term, he said, these meetings would take place once a year and last three to four days.
Synodality and evangelization
The second day of the consistory focused on two themes chosen by the cardinals themselves. The morning session addressed synodality, following a presentation by Cardinal Mario Grech. In the afternoon, discussions turned to evangelization, drawing on Pope Francis’ 2013 apostolic exhortation Evangelii gaudium, introduced by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the DDF.
Work unfolded in small groups — around 20 tables of eight participants — before reports were shared in plenary session, with priority given to cardinals currently serving in dioceses.
Leo XIV was present throughout, listening attentively and taking notes, and joined the cardinals for lunch. Vatican images showed him seated near Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his Secretary of State, at one point.
A synodal style, warmly received
In his closing remarks, the Pope thanked elderly cardinals for their participation and expressed closeness to those unable to attend. In fact, as of this week, the number of cardinals over the age of 80 is greater (by one) than the number of those under that age, and thus still able to vote in conclave. There are 245 living cardinals, and about 170 attended the consistory.
He emphasized that synodality is not a technique but a way of fostering mutual understanding. He also underlined continuity with the Second Vatican Council and reaffirmed plans for the Church-wide synodal assembly scheduled for 2028.
Reaction among the cardinals was notably positive.
“This is a pope you want to love,” said Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, praising Leo XIV’s sense of synthesis and organization.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David echoed that sentiment, noting that the Pope “listened more than he spoke.”
While some differences of perspective emerged — particularly around clarifying synodality — many cardinals highlighted a strong sense of unity, grounded in shared concern for a world marked by war, violence, and suffering.