1. A consistory is a formal gathering of the College of Cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church that is summoned by the pope.
2. Consistories come in two varieties: remarkable and ordinary.
3. The pope can consult with the full College of Cardinals by calling a "extraordinary" consistory.
4. Cardinals who live in Rome attend "ordinary" consistories, which are ceremonial in nature.
5. Pope Francis has convened consistories for canonization ceremonies, for instance, where he elevates new cardinals to the College of Cardinals.