Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has convened a Consistory of Cardinals later this month to reflect on some of the most pressing issues facing the Church and the world, including international conflicts, the implementation of the Synod, and the themes presented in his recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.
The gathering will take place on June 26, 27 and 29 and will bring together cardinals from around the world for prayer, dialogue and discernment. According to a letter sent by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, the meeting is intended to foster mutual listening and shared reflection on matters of great importance for the Church’s mission today.
Cardinal Re explained that Pope Leo views the Consistory as an opportunity to draw on the experience and wisdom of the cardinals while strengthening collaboration among Church leaders serving in different parts of the world. The discussions will be conducted in a spirit of openness, freedom and sincere dialogue, encouraging participants to share their insights and concerns.
The first working session will focus on the current international situation and the realities faced by local Churches across the globe. Cardinals will be invited to speak about the challenges affecting their communities, including suffering, tensions and social difficulties. At the same time, they will be encouraged to highlight signs of hope, faithfulness to the Gospel and efforts toward reconciliation that deserve wider attention.
A major part of the Consistory will be devoted to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, which was published on May 25. Two separate sessions will examine key themes contained in the document.
The second session will focus on Chapter Five of the encyclical, titled “The Culture of Power and the Civilisation of Love.” The discussion comes at a time when many regions of the world continue to face violence, armed conflict and deep social divisions.
Cardinal Re noted that the Pope describes peace as more than simply one issue among many. Instead, he presents peace as a fundamental condition for the common good of humanity and a measure of the moral maturity of societies.
Cardinals from countries affected by war will share how conflict has influenced their pastoral ministry and the lives of the faithful entrusted to their care. Other participants will reflect on the growing use of language, attitudes and actions that weaken reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
The discussions will also consider Pope Leo’s call to move beyond the theory of the “just war,” which he argues has often been used to justify armed conflicts. Participants will explore practical ways in which the Church and Christian communities can help build and preserve peace in today’s world.
The third session will focus on another central theme of the encyclical, described as “building in goodness.” Cardinals will reflect on how the Gospel can guide people through the rapid changes of the modern age and help direct humanity’s search for happiness, meaning and fulfilment toward authentic human development.
The final session will begin with an update on the implementation of the Synod. Particular attention will be given to the recently published document outlining the preparation process for the Synodal Assemblies planned for 2027 and 2028.
The second part of the final session will feature an open exchange between the cardinals and Pope Leo. To encourage broad participation, individual interventions will be limited to three minutes.
The meetings on June 26 and 27 will be held in the Paul VI Hall and the Synod Hall. The Consistory will conclude on June 29 with the celebration of Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. During the liturgy, Pope Leo XIV will bless the pallia and impose them on newly appointed metropolitan archbishops.
As previously announced, there will be no concelebrated Eucharistic celebration on June 28.
The upcoming Consistory is expected to provide an important opportunity for Church leaders to assess global challenges, strengthen communion within the Church and reflect together on the path forward in a world marked by both uncertainty and hope.