Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CONSISTORY

An ecclesiastical court, especially an assembly of cardinals for purposes of deliberation, presided over by the Pope. A papal consistory is secret if only cardinals are present, semi-public if bishops also participate, and public if other prelates are called to the meeting. (Etym. Latin consistere, to stand together.)