A formal church court or council, especially the assembly of cardinals that advises the Pope in the Catholic Church; also a church administrative body in Protestant churches.
From Late Latin consistorium 'place of standing, council chamber' (Latin consistere 'to stand together'). Originally referred to the Roman emperor's council, later adopted by churches.
The consistory is where the Pope literally 'stands together' with his top cardinals—the word's structure perfectly captures the image of powerful church leaders assembling as equals!
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