Jan 1, 2026 / 07:00 am
Pope Leo XIV is preparing for a very busy year at the Vatican in 2026, with important events such as the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope and his first consistory of cardinals since his election on May 8, 2025.
1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope — Jan. 6
On Jan. 6, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate the Mass and perform the rite for the closing the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica, bringing to an end the Jubilee of Hope that Pope Francis began on Dec. 24, 2024. This liturgical act officially closes a year that, according to the papal bull Spes non Confundit, has been experienced as “a time of grace and hope” for the global Church.
2. Extraordinary consistory of cardinals — Jan. 7–8
Following the conclusion of the jubilee, the pope has convened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals for Jan. 7–8. This type of meeting is usually reserved for discussing major doctrinal, institutional, or pastoral issues affecting the entire Church. Its scheduling in the days immediately following the close of the holy year underscores the pope’s intention to set a new course after the intense experience of the jubilee.
3. Extraordinary restoration in the Sistine Chapel — January
Beginning in January, the Vatican Museums will undertake extraordinary conservation work on Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” fresco in the Sistine Chapel, which will continue until March, with the expectation of completion before Holy Week. This project addresses the need to preserve the masterpiece in light of the impact of millions of visitors each year.
4. Appeal hearing in the Becciu case — Feb. 3
The appeal hearing in the case concerning the management of funds by the Secretariat of State of the Holy See in the purchase of a building in London has been postponed until Feb. 3. Spanish judge Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, dean of the Roman Rota, presides over the three-judge panel hearing the appeal of 77-year-old Cardinal Angelo Becciu. On Dec. 16, 2023, the cardinal was convicted of embezzlement and barred from holding public office. He was also fined 8,000 euros ($9,400).
5. Second World Children’s Day — Sept. 25–27
Pope Leo XIV has announced the celebration of the second World Children’s Day, which will take place in Rome Sept. 25–27. Organized by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life, this event aims to bring together thousands of children and families from around the world for a time of encounter, prayer, and celebration for peace and the future of children.
Possible international trips for Pope Leo XIV in 2026
Although the official travel schedule is not yet finalized, the pontiff has expressed a desire to visit several countries during 2026:
— Algeria, an African country with deep ties to St. Augustine, is still in the planning stages as part of a possible continental itinerary.
— Argentina and Uruguay have been mentioned as possible destinations, along with an extended visit to Peru and Mexico, with a particular interest in visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world.
— There is also a strong possibility of an upcoming papal trip to Spain.
This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.
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The date January 7-8 is significant…
Recalling that in the self-authenticating Synod on Synodality some ten (later fifteen) “expert” Study Groups were identified to explore “hot button issues” removed from the roundtables. https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2024/07/09/these-are-the-members-of-the-synod-on-synodality-study-groups/
The Study Committee reports were due in June, then, following the election of the new Pope Leo XIV, rescheduled to December 2025. Surely the consistory in January 2026 is the chance to hear abbreviated—and balanced—advice on a range of concerns. The papacy together with non-excluded cardinals of whatever age or position (meaning not sidelined)—rather than kicking the can down the road of geographically layered exercises feeding into a proposed “ecclesial assembly” for 2028, an event meaning to some, a grand finale synod (!)-on-a-synod (!!)-on synodality (!!!).
A recent press release reported that the controverted (not controversial) agenda for deaconesses is off the table, and that activism toward mainstreamed homosexuality is demoted from a legitimate “controversy” to an “emerging concern.” And, in this consistory, a more vertebrate collegiality between the apostolic bishops and the papacy—as more than a silent partner in a boundaryphobic synodal process. Where they do not exist, distinct “ecclesial assemblies” at the diocesan pastoral and parish council levels should be part of a less messy “synodal” mix.
SUMMARY: Waiting to see, but the immediate consistory of all cardinals together with Pope Leo refreshes. Now, instead of a “synodal” halfway house into Congregationalism (!), the rediscovered “hierarchical communion” of Vatican II (Lumen Gentium).
Another view, from cruxnow:
https://cruxnow.com/news-analysis/2026/01/in-the-new-year-we-can-expect-the-beginning-of-the-leo-era
January 2026 To avoid death by the punishments from God natural disasters Noah’s flood more mag 7 earthquake tsunami volcano meteorite fires snowstorm plane crash H3N2 viruses in Europe in Asia in Africa in Pacific Ocean in North and in South America Pope Leo non-Muslims to convert to islam and Muslims to apply the Quran 100% immediately and to avoid hell
“Key dates on the agenda of the pope and Vatican for 2026”
I’ve dutifully entered all these dates into my personal calendar. After all, what the papacy and Vatican are doing occupies the centrality of my life. And, as Catholics, we are expected to follow the Pope and not Christ, correct?
Jesus hide you in his wounds
forever❣️🙏🏻🕊️🌎🌍🌏