Is-sena 2026 żgur mhux forsi li se tkun waħda impenjattiva sewwa għall-Papa Ljun XIV hekk kif se tibda bl-għeluq tal-Ġublew tat-Tama u l-ewwel Konċistorju tal-Kardinali għall-Papa Agostinjan li nħatar fit-8 ta’ Mejju 2025.
The year 2026 will certainly, without a doubt, be a very busy one for Pope Leo XIV as it begins with the closing of the Jubilee of Hope and the first Consistory of Cardinals for the Augustinian Pope who was appointed on 8 of May 2025.
1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope – 6 January
On the 6th of January, the solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, Pope Leo XIV will celebrate mass and perform the rite of closing the Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a gesture which will bring to an end the Jubilee of Hope inaugurated by Pope Francis on Christmas Eve 2024.
This liturgical act officially closes the year which, according to the papal bull Spes non confundit, was “a time of grace and hope” for the Global Church.
2. Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals – 7 and 8 January
Pope Leo will call all the cardinals from around the world for an Extraordinary Consistory between 7 and 8 of January. During this meeting, doctrinal, institutional and pastoral matters within the Church will be discussed.
This consistory, which is being held just one day after the official closing of the Jubilee, is the first structural attempt by the Pope to give his direction to the Universal Church following the intense experience of the Jubilee.
According to the Holy See’s statement, the consistory will be a consultative one, and there will be no ceremonial agenda or cardinal appointments.
Pope Leo XIV calls the first Consistory of the Cardinals
3. Restoration of the Sistine Chapel – January
From the first month of the year, the Vatican Museums as well as the Sistine Chapel will be undergoing restoration. Among them, the fresco of Michelangelo’s Last Judgement will be restored and is expected to be finished by March, in time for Holy Week.
3. The Cardinal Becciu appeal hearing – 3 February
At the beginning of February, the appeal hearing will take place for the case of financial crimes linked to a property deal in London.
The Vatican Court sentenced Cardinal Angelo Becciu to five and a half years in prison after finding him guilty of these financial crimes. In September 2020, Cardinal Becciu resigned from his post as Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
The Dean of the Roman Rota, Judge Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, will preside over the judicial bench made up of three judges.
Cardinal Becciu sentenced to 5 years in prison for financial crimes
5. The Second World Day for Children – 25-27 September
Pope Leo XIV announced that between 25 and 27 of September, the World Day for Children will be celebrated.
This event, organised by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, aims to bring together thousands of children and families from around the world for moments of encounter, prayer, as well as a celebration of peace.
6. Possible Apostolic Journeys
Although the itinerary of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journeys has not yet been finalised, the Augustinian Pope has already expressed the desire to visit a number of countries during this year.
Among them:
- Algeria – an African country with a special link to Saint Augustine;
- Argentina and Uruguay have also been mentioned as possible destinations for Pope Leo;
- Peru and Mexico; with particular interest in a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe;
- Spain.
Source: Newsbook.com.mt
Article written by Jurgen Balzan
