VATICAN CITY – In a major step towards shaping his leadership, Pope Leo XIV has invited cardinals from around the globe for a two-day gathering, the Vatican announced on Saturday. This move signals the unofficial commencement of his papacy in the new year.

This assembly, known as a consistory, is scheduled for January 7-8, right after the conclusion of the 2025 Holy Year on January 6. The Holy Year is a significant Christian event celebrated every 25 years.

Since assuming the papacy, Leo has been extensively engaged in the Holy Year duties, which include meeting with pilgrims and conducting special Jubilee ceremonies. Additionally, he has been focused on addressing and resolving issues left from Pope Francis’ tenure.

Thus, the upcoming January consistory will represent a pivotal moment for Leo, providing him the opportunity to set forth his own agenda following his historic election as the first American pope on May 8. The decision to gather all cardinals in Rome underscores the importance of this event.

Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, who opted to govern through a select group of eight or nine cardinal advisers, Pope Leo is embracing the traditional consistory format to aid in church governance and decision-making.

The Vatican said Saturday that Leo’s first consistory “will be oriented toward fostering common discernment and offering support and advice to the Holy Father in the exercise of his high and grave responsibility in the government of the universal Church.”

Other types of consistories include the formal installation of new cardinals. But no new cardinals will be made at this meeting, which is purely consultative.