Explaining consistories: How Catholic cardinals gather to advise on major issues
A consistory is a formal meeting of cardinals within the Catholic Church, developed over centuries as part of the Church’s administrative structure. While the role of cardinals and the concept of a consistory are not found in the earliest Christian texts or in the New Testament, they have become important elements in how the Church is governed.
Cardinals are appointed to assist with key responsibilities such as electing the pope and supporting him in governing the universal Church. As stated in Canon Law (CIC c. 349), their main tasks are to “assist the Roman Pontiff either collegially when they are convoked to deal with questions of major importance, or individually when they help the Roman Pontiff through the various offices they perform, especially in the daily care of the universal Church.”
The number of cardinals was historically set at 70 by Pope Sixtus V in 1586, drawing a parallel to the 70 elders who assisted Moses according to Old Testament tradition. This limitation highlighted their advisory and supportive function rather than direct authority.
Consistories can be called by the pope for different reasons. An ordinary consistory involves only those cardinals based in Rome, while an extraordinary consistory brings together all cardinals from around the world. The purpose is for cardinals to advise on significant matters that require input from senior church leaders. However, “the cardinals are not a governing body and do not have authority in and of themselves to decide anything. They are completely advisory.” Their role has been compared to “a really fancy parish council for the whole Church.”
After consulting with cardinals during a consistory, it is up to the pope whether he wishes to issue new rules or norms for specific issues within the Church.
