(RNS) — The recently concluded extraordinary consistory, a convening of cardinals to discuss specific topics, gave a mixed message on synodality. At the consistory, they used a synodal process and said many positive things about synodality, but Pope Leo also announced there will be more extraordinary consistories, which is a form of synodality without the laity. When the cardinals gathered in Rome last year after the death of Pope Francis, many of them had never met. For the first time in history, the cardinals had to wear name tags so they would know each other. Pope Francis had appointed cardinals from all over the world, including from out-of-the-way places. But in his 12 years as pope, Francis only brought them to Rome for three extraordinary consistories where they could have gotten to know each other. The best-known cardinals were those who worked in the Curia and those who had attended synods. RELATED: Pope Leo embraces the radical challenge of Catholic social teaching At the conclave, the cardinals expressed their unhappiness with this situation and encouraged …