The Holy Door has closed, but the first full year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate is just beginning to open. With it come questions about priorities, challenges, and the vision guiding the new Successor of Peter in the months ahead.
Pope Leo wasted no time in setting the tone. Just one day after the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope, he convened an extraordinary consistory in Rome, gathering cardinals from around the world—a bold move not seen since 2014.
A Pontificate Takes Shape
According to Matthew Bunson, Vice President and Editorial Director of EWTN News, the gathering responded directly to concerns long voiced within the College of Cardinals. “One of the things he listened to was their desire to come to Rome more often,” Bunson explained. “They felt that under Pope Francis they had not been brought to Rome on a regular basis, so they did not know one another well.”
By calling the consistory, Bunson noted, Pope Leo was also keeping a promise made during and after the conclave. “Pope Leo was thus fulfilling a promise made to the College of Cardinals during the run-up to the conclave and afterward.”
The two-day meeting marked only the first phase. The consistory will conclude at the end of June, around the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, with another two days of debate. Pope Leo has made clear that he intends to repeat this format every year as a three- to four-day encounter.
“He is establishing—or in some ways restoring—one of the key traditions and functions of the College of Cardinals,” Bunson said, “serving as the Pope’s principal advisors.”
Consultation, Synodality, and Peace
The consistory offered an early glimpse into Leo XIV’s approach to governance. He has emphasized consultation and dialogue, calling the Church’s most senior leaders to Rome regularly so that decisions are shaped by shared discernment rather than isolation.
Addressing the cardinals directly, Pope Leo described the diversity of the College as a strength rather than a challenge. “We are a very diverse group, enriched by a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and ecclesial and social traditions,” he said. “Above all, we are called to get to know one another and to engage in dialogue so that we may work together in the service of the Church.”
Fresh from the consistory, Pope Leo turned immediately to the global stage. On January 9, he addressed the Vatican Diplomatic Corps, representing nearly 200 nations—a major moment for Vatican diplomacy amid ongoing wars and global instability.
Ambassador Martin Selmayr, the European Union’s Ambassador to the Holy See, reflected on the Pope’s message. “The Pope spoke about the rule of law as the foundation for working together on this planet,” Selmayr said, noting Leo’s reference to St. Augustine’s distinction between the City of God and the earthly city. “He reminded us not to grow too comfortable.”
Leo XIV’s address framed peace not as the absence of conflict, but as something rooted in human dignity, justice, and truth, rejecting any false peace built on domination. He spoke directly about conflicts including Ukraine, calling for dialogue “motivated by a sincere search” for peace.
Turning to Latin America, the Pope addressed the situation in Venezuela, urging respect for democratic will and human rights. “I renew my appeal to respect the will of the Venezuelan people, and to safeguard the human and civil rights of all,” Pope Leo said, pointing to the witness of newly canonized Venezuelan saints as a source of hope.
Journeys, Witness, and a Franciscan Jubilee
Another defining feature of the year ahead will be apostolic travel. After Pope Leo’s first journeys to Turkey and Lebanon in late 2025, further trips are already taking shape.
Matthew Bunson highlighted Spain as a key destination. “Pope Leo wants to go to the Canary Islands, one of the main entry points for migrants, where many lose their lives attempting the journey,” he said. The visit would also include Barcelona and the Sagrada Familia, echoing Pope Benedict XVI’s visit there in 2011.
Plans also include visits to Africa, with a particularly symbolic stop in Algeria, following in the footsteps of St. Augustine, as well as possible journeys to South America, including Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru—Pope Leo’s “second homeland,” where he served for many years as a missionary.
Finally, the year ahead will be marked by a major spiritual initiative. On January 10, Pope Leo inaugurated the Franciscan Jubilee Year in Assisi, marking the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. The Jubilee, which runs through January 10, 2027, grants a plenary indulgence throughout 2026 and invites the faithful to walk in the footsteps of the Poor Man of Assisi.
As the first full year of Leo XIV’s pontificate unfolds, its contours are already clear: consultation within the Church, diplomacy rooted in human dignity, a renewed missionary presence through travel, and a strong spiritual call inspired by the witness of the saints.
Adapted by Jacob Stein. Produced by Alexey Gotovskiy; Camera by Alberto Basile; Video Edited by Alessio Di Cintio.
