In the know

A consistory is a gathering of cardinals presided over by the Pope. Consistories can be ordinary or extraordinary.

It is during the ordinary consistory when the Pope announces new cardinals, as well as the appointment of bishops and archbishops, and their transfer from one see to another, among other matters.

People other than cardinals, such as other prelates and even lay people, may attend a public consistory, during which matters related to beatification and canonization are taken up.

During a public consistory, consistorial advocates can ask for permission for the introduction, continuation or completion of the process of beatification or canonization.

Since 2005, Pope Benedict XVI has appointed 84 cardinals in four consistories. His first consistory, in March 2006, elevated 15 archbishops to cardinals, including Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the Philippines.

The succeeding consistories, held in November 2007 and November 2010, added 23 and 24 new members, respectively, to the College of Cardinals. In February this year, the Pope named 22 new cardinals.

The Nov. 24 consistory will be Pope Benedict’s fifth consistory. By then, he will have named 90 cardinals, including Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.

Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, www.vatican.va