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.<\/p>\n
1. Closing of the Jubilee of Hope \u2014 Jan. 6<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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 \u201ca time of grace and hope\u201d for the global Church.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV walks through the Holy Door carrying the jubilee cross while leading the Holy See\u2019s pilgrimage on June 9, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media<\/p>\n
2. Extraordinary consistory of cardinals \u2014 Jan. 7\u20138<\/p>\n
Following the conclusion of the jubilee, the pope has convened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals for Jan. 7\u20138. 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\u2019s intention to set a new course after the intense experience of the jubilee.<\/p>\n
3. Extraordinary restoration in the Sistine Chapel \u2014 January<\/p>\n
Beginning in January, the Vatican Museums will undertake extraordinary conservation work on Michelangelo\u2019s \u201cLast Judgment\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
4. Appeal hearing in the Becciu case \u2014 Feb. 3<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
5. Second World Children\u2019s Day \u2014 Sept. 25\u201327<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV has announced the celebration of the second World Children\u2019s Day, which will take place in Rome Sept. 25\u201327. 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.<\/p>\n
Pope Leo XIV blesses a newborn baby. Credit: Vatican Media<\/p>\n
Possible international trips for Pope Leo XIV in 2026<\/p>\n
Although the official travel schedule is not yet finalized, the pontiff has expressed a desire to visit several countries during 2026:<\/p>\n
\u2014 Algeria, an African country with deep ties to St. Augustine, is still in the planning stages as part of a possible continental itinerary.<\/p>\n
\u2014 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.<\/p>\n
\u2014 There is also a strong possibility of an upcoming papal trip to Spain.<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.<\/p>\n