Pope and Cardinals to Discuss Church's Role in Promoting Peace and Reconciliation

Pope Leo XIV will convene an extraordinary consistory on Friday and Saturday, bringing together cardinals from around the world to address the impact of international tensions and conflicts on Catholic communities. The two-day meeting aims to explore initiatives the Catholic Church can undertake to foster reconciliation, coexistence, and peace. This consistory continues Pope Leo XIV's intention to hold an annual extraordinary gathering to enhance collegiality, mutual listening, and participation in the Church's decision-making processes. The event begins Friday with a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by the Pope. The afternoon session, themed "The Culture of Power and the Civilization of Love," will be introduced by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Drawing from Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," cardinals will analyze how global conflicts affect Churches and peoples, and identify approaches that promote peace. On Saturday, Cardinal Stephen Brislin will lead a session on "Building the Good: The Workshops of Our Time." The consistory will conclude with a discussion on the implementation of the Synod, featuring a presentation by Cardinal Mario Grech on the preparatory document for the 2027 and 2028 synodal assemblies. The meeting will end with a private dialogue between the Pope and the cardinals, who will have the opportunity to speak for up to three minutes each. The official agenda concludes on Monday, June 29, with a Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Pope Leo XIV held his first ordinary consistory on June 13, 2025. The previous extraordinary consistory in January was the first of its kind since Pope Francis convened one in August 2022 to discuss the reform of the Roman Curia and the appointment of new cardinals.