VATICAN ET PAPE LEON XIV #cardinaux

From January 7 to 8, 2026, the first consistory was held at the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV. 170 out of 245 cardinals participated in this extraordinary consistory, which was rooted in the spirit of synodality.

Upon his first outing on May 8, Pope Leo XIV wished peace to the entire world with the blessing urbi et orbi. After this encounter with humanity, the Holy Father began his work with Masses, speeches, and meetings. Here are his activities for the first week of his pontificate, from May 9 to 15, 2025.

On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, a Mass Pro eligendo romano pontifice was celebrated at St. Peter's Basilica, which opens the conclave. The 133 cardinals will lock themselves in the Apostolic Palace today at 3:45 p.m. to leave after a pope is elected there.

Pope Francis has introduced 15 new nations into the Sistine Chapel. When Pope Benedict XVI bequeathed the See of Peter to Francis, fifteen states in the world had no cardinals.

The College of Cardinals that will elect the Pope is composed of 135 cardinals who have not yet reached the age of 80. However, two will not participate for health reasons.