A new year begins, and Pope Leo has already shared his agenda for the coming month of January. It includes important liturgical celebrations and solemn events at the Vatican, marking the start of a year full of significance for the Church.
On January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord, the Pope will close the final Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica—an act that will bring the Jubilee Year of 2025 to a close.
The Pope will then celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord on January 8, baptizing the children of Vatican employees in the Sistine Chapel. This was a tradition started by Pope St. John Paul II which highlights the Sacrament of Baptism, as well as the importance of new life and new grace in the Church.
That same day, Pope Leo will preside over a consistory of cardinals — a meeting of great importance for the administration and governance of the Church. During the consistory, key matters concerning the College
of Cardinals will be addressed. Possible appointments of new cardinals will be considered.
With this agenda and these meetings, Pope Leo begins the first new year of his papacy with a full round of pastoral and ministerial duties. Many are surely keeping their eyes peeled to see what he has in store for the Church in 2026.
