Vatican City ? Pope Benedict XVI convened the College of Cardinals on Thursday for the first time since his election, asking for advice on relations with Islam and reconciling with an ultraconservative group whose bishops were excommunicated nearly 20 years ago.

The closed-door session came on the eve of Benedict’s first ceremony to formally elevate 15 cardinals to the top ranks of the Catholic hierarchy – additions the pope has said reflected the global reach of the church.

After thanking the cardinals for coming, Benedict asked them to offer their thoughts on several pressing issues facing the church, including relations with Islam and the split with the ultraconservative group Society of St. Pius X founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, the Vatican said. The cardinals also were asked what to do with bishops and cardinals who must retire by 75 but are still able to work.