In the Roman Catholic Church a consistory is a formal meeting of the College of Cardinals called by the pope. There are two kinds of consistories, extraordinary and ordinary.[1] An "extraordinary" consistory is held to allow the pope to consult with the entire membership of the College of Cardinals. An "ordinary" consistory is ceremonial in nature and attended by cardinals resident in Rome. For example, the pope elevates new cardinals to the College at a consistory;[2] Pope Francis has called consistories for ceremonies of canonization.[3][4]
A meeting of the College of Cardinals to elect a new pope is not a consistory, but a conclave.
- ^ Code of Canon Law Canon 353.
- ^ "Announcement of the Consistory of 29 June for the creation of new Cardinals, 20.05.2018" (Press release). Holy See Press Office. 20 May 2018. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
- ^ "Pope Convokes Consistory for Canonization of Little Shepherds of Fatima". Zenit. 11 April 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2018.
- ^ "Causes of Saints: Consistory for the Canonizations of Paul VI and Bishop Romero on May 19th". Zenit. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.