Once again, cardinals uncertain ahead of consistory

Key Points:

• The first extraordinary consistory of Pope Leo XIV in January was largely welcomed by cardinals as a sincere effort to use the College of Cardinals consultatively, contrasting with his predecessor’s limited engagement.
• The format of the January consistory combined plenary sessions with small-group discussions, which some cardinals found beneficial for in-depth conversations despite initial apprehension.
• Ahead of the upcoming June consistory, cardinals have expressed confusion and frustration over last-minute changes to the agenda, lack of clarity on discussion topics, and a perceived overly controlled, restrictive format.
• Key topics for the June meeting include international situations, Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica humanitas, and the Synod on Synodality implementation, but expectations about detailed discussions, such as on just war theory, have been scaled back.
• Some cardinals feel uncertain about their role and the purpose of the consistory sessions, calling for more open consultation and clearer guidance, which contrasts with the initial optimism following the January gathering.