Cardinal Radcliffe: Extraordinary Consistory Could Bring Estranged Cardinals Back into the Fold

(N.B. The Cardinal is heterodox but might otherwise provide insights into the civilizational struggle for the Faith at the highest levels in Rome. Will traditional Faith be relegated to a “side-chapel” in the Church? Banished? Or will we make the Faith Catholic again? For one example, he is honest about the misery imposed on the Church in recent history. - KMC)

“A Church which is miserable can’t preach the Gospel.”

In a new interview, the English cardinal explains why he believes the cardinals chose Pope Leo, and voices support for moving swiftly to ordain women as deacons.

COLLEGE OF CARDINALS REPORT

JAN 06, 2026

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe. Photo credit: Edward Pentin)

VATICAN CITY, 6 January 2026 — Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe has said Pope Leo XIV’s first Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals, scheduled for Jan. 7–8, could serve as a means of drawing back into the fold those estranged by the late Pope’s approach.

Noting that Francis’ pontificate held almost no such meetings apart from with his “C9” council of cardinals, he said “many cardinals think that there should be at least one a year.” 

It is vital that the cardinals are happy, he said: “A Church which is miserable can’t preach the Gospel.”

The Dominican friar, 80, who is a former master general of the Order of Preachers, made the comments in a wide-ranging conversationwith the UK’s Daily Telegraph published Jan. 6.

The Telegraph noted that Radcliffe is the grandson of a baronet, an “urbane and cultured man and one of the most important contemporary religious figures in the country” who has been fighting the “progressive fight for more than half a century.” The interview touched on his role in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV and his long friendship with the late Pope Francis.

More: https://x.com/edwardpentin/status/2008838696334958827?s=46&t=IydJ-X8H6c0NM044nYKQ0w