as in synod
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Recent Examples of consistory
By convening the consistory immediately after those Holy Year events, Leo appears to be signaling the unofficial launch of his own pontificate, and charting a course aligned with his priorities.
—
Anna Matranga, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Leo made the announcement during a meeting of cardinals, known as a consistory, to set the dates for a handful of new saints.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Here are some ways this conclave is different: The highest number of cardinal electors in any conclave
Pope Paul VI set a rule in 1975 limiting the number of cardinal electors to 120, a norm that wasn’t strictly adhered to in the College of Cardinals meetings known as consistories.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 2025
Above, the latter is pictured kissing the hand of the pope during a consistory in St. Peter's Square on Feb. 21, 2001, in Vatican City.
—Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Francis likes to keep people on their toes and will have known that announcing the consistory would set off plenty of speculation.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Since his election in 2013, Francis has held 10 consistories – special assemblies of the College of Cardinals – appointing a majority of the cardinals under 80 years old who will be eligible to elect his successor.
—Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025
Last year, Pope Francis elevated Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, California, to cardinal during his August consistory.
—Teddy Grant, ABC News, 9 July 2023
Anna Matranga, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Leo made the announcement during a meeting of cardinals, known as a consistory, to set the dates for a handful of new saints.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
Here are some ways this conclave is different: The highest number of cardinal electors in any conclave
Pope Paul VI set a rule in 1975 limiting the number of cardinal electors to 120, a norm that wasn’t strictly adhered to in the College of Cardinals meetings known as consistories.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 6 May 2025
Above, the latter is pictured kissing the hand of the pope during a consistory in St. Peter's Square on Feb. 21, 2001, in Vatican City.
—Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Francis likes to keep people on their toes and will have known that announcing the consistory would set off plenty of speculation.
—Christopher Lamb, CNN, 1 Mar. 2025
Since his election in 2013, Francis has held 10 consistories – special assemblies of the College of Cardinals – appointing a majority of the cardinals under 80 years old who will be eligible to elect his successor.
—Joanne M. Pierce, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025
Last year, Pope Francis elevated Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, California, to cardinal during his August consistory.
—Teddy Grant, ABC News, 9 July 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for consistory
Noun
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In July, its members voted to keep the church open and hand its administration over to the synod, which will make decisions about its future.—
Sophie Carson,
jsonline.com,
21 Aug. 2025
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So too has his radical approach to inclusivity that welcomed the non-ordained faithful, including members of the LGBTQ+ community and lay women, to sit with bishops and contribute their thoughts on issues of church doctrine in meetings called synods.—
Aryn Baker,
Time,
9 May 2025
Noun
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Davis said another way AI has been helpful is communicating with the congregation.—
Ashley Portillo,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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The church where the incident took place serves mostly a Tongan congregation, the AP noted.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But the late pontiff also did not hold many formal meetings with the College of Cardinals, something which cardinals said a future pope should change during meetings held before the last conclave.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
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Since his election at the papal conclave in May, the American pontiff's tenure has largely been shaped by commitments inherited from Francis, including the major events of the 2025 Holy Year.—
Anna Matranga,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Megan Thee Stallion at Weekend One of Coachella Megan Thee Stallion’s Coachella set on April 13, 2025, was a convocation of Black womanhood and a celebration of lineage.—
Essence,
Essence,
3 Dec. 2025
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Moreover, despite Protestant church ministers migrating to Ulster to convert the native Irish to the Protestant faith, and a national convocation of the church issuing new articles against Catholics, the Catholic Church in Ireland continued to grow in strength.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Nov. 2025
Noun
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San Lorenzo Valley Unified Superintendent Chris Schiermeyer said the district provided staff training after the hand puppet and flag incident and plans to hold 10 student assemblies on Jewish identity and history with the Anne Frank Center USA.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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The three suspects were booked into juvenile hall for assault with a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang, gang enhancement and unlawful assembly for the purpose of committing a violent act.—
Brandon Downs,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Developers like Ozdemir are betting that Indianapolis will continue to be a convention powerhouse, especially with the new Signia Hotel that will open the door to hosting two conventions at once.—
Shari Rudavsky,
IndyStar,
11 Jan. 2026
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The two recently returned from the annual convention in Nashville, Tenn.—
Judith Kohler,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Consistory.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/consistory. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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