Pope Leo XIV is planning to convene an extraordinary consistory of cardinals in early January, the theme of which is not yet known.

In a brief communication sent to cardinals on Nov. 6, and obtained by the Register on Friday, the Vatican Secretariat of State said that “Holy Father Leo XIV has in mind to convene an Extraordinary Consistory for the days of January 7 and 8, 2026.”2026.”

“In due course, the Dean of the College of Cardinals will send to Your Eminence the relevant letter with further details,” continued the note, before ending: “With profound reverence, coordinating office of the Secretariat of State.”

When the Register asked Holy See Press Office Director Matteo Bruni about the communication on Friday, he said the press office had not yet publicly “confirmed its existence” and that he did not think an announcement of such an event would be made “that far ahead.”

As well as the topic remaining unknown, it is also not yet certain if all cardinals have been notified of the planned gathering.

Extraordinary consistories are usually special gatherings of all cardinals, convened by the pope to discuss matters of “particular needs of the Church” or highly important issues requiring broad consultation among the world’s cardinals.

As well as the topic remaining unknown, it is also not yet certain if all cardinals have been notified of the planned gathering.

News of the meeting comes after cardinals at this year’s conclave complained about a lack of meetings and collegiality under Pope Francis.

Held behind closed doors, the last extraordinary consistory at the Vatican took place on Aug. 29-30, 2022, under Pope Francis. Its purpose was to bring all the cardinals together to discuss the implementation and meaning of the new apostolic constitution for the Roman Curia, titled Praedicate Evangelium. The meeting also focused on the reforms of Church governance and the Roman Curia.