This is how the cardinals left the first extraordinary consistory of Pope Leo XIV…
With a new convocation. They will meet again in a few months on June 27 and 28, and it seems the Pope doesn’t want it to be the last one either…
CARD. CRISTÓBAL LÓPEZ ROMERO
Archbishop of Rabat (Morocco)
And then he said that maybe every year, three or four days, instead of two trips, one trip per year is already fine, but a little longer.
After all, there are still topics on the back burner, needing to be discussed. In a day and a half, the cardinals were only able to analyze two: synodality and the missionary character of the Church. And Pope Leo wants to hear the cardinals’ opinions on everything.
CARD. FERNANDO FILONI
Grand Master, Order of the Holy Sepulchre
This means being a college. Then I also said that synodality exists, that is, we share problems and responsibilities.
These are issues closely linked to the pontificate of Pope Francis, which, on some occasions, generated hesitations. That’s why these topics have come up again in these cardinal meetings—not necessarily as criticisms from the cardinals, but to understand the processes necessary.
CARD. STEPHEN BRISLIN
Arzobispo de Johannesburgo (Sudáfrica)
I can't remember any criticism having been leveled against Pope Francis in this. I think that, um, in terms of Synod and Synodality, certainly the cardinals were saying we need to get more clarification.
CARD. RUEDA APARICIO
Archbishop of Bogotá (Colombia)
Rather than thinking of articulation only in relation to the pontificate and the magisterium of Francis, it goes much further: it roots itself in the Second Vatican Council.
Of the other two topics that were left out of this consistory, one stands out: liturgy, especially regarding one of the most controversial topics – the Traditional Latin Mass. Regarding whether the liturgical question was addressed or not, here is the cardinals’ response…
No, not because we didn’t choose that topic…
Another issue that came up at the press conference was the role of the laity, closely related to their role in evangelization, and some of the barriers to that role, like clericalism.
CARD. PABLO VIRGILIO DAVID
Obispo de Caloocan (Filipinas)
We love to speak about co-responsibility and mission, but, uh, the laity would find it difficult to really participate in the life and mission of the church if there is a prevalent attitude that says, “I am the one in control, I am, you know, because we're ordained, we're supposed to be the one to give the direction of the church.”
With this consistory, Pope Leo XIV has opened the door to another way of governing—his own. Clearly Pope Leo wants to lay the foundations of his pontificate with the help of those who trusted him to be the successor of Peter.
CA
Trans. CRT
