Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV opened the Extraordinary Consistory at the Vatican by celebrating Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, calling on the Cardinals to remain rooted in faith, work for peace, and strengthen unity within the Church. The two day gathering, held on June 26 and 27, brings Cardinals together to reflect on important issues facing the Catholic Church and the world ahead of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
In his homily, the Pope reminded the Cardinals that Christ is the true source of life and strength for the Church. Referring to the Gospel passage in which Jesus says, "I am the true vine," Pope Leo stressed that believers must remain united with Christ in order to bear lasting fruit. He said the Consistory should be guided by three key principles, namely the true freedom of faith, the gift of peace through unity, and harmony achieved through obedience to God's will.
The Pope noted that it was meaningful for the Consistory to take place on the eve of the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, describing the two Apostles as the great pillars of the Church whose faith, missionary work, and martyrdom continue to inspire Christians around the world. Their witness, he said, reminds the Church to remain faithful to its mission even in difficult times.
Reflecting on the freedom that comes through faith, Pope Leo said that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ frees people from fear and sin. He explained that faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit that gives life to the Church and enables it to continue its mission in the world. He encouraged the Cardinals to follow the example of Saints Peter and Paul, who remained faithful to Christ despite persecution and suffering.
A major part of the Pope's message focused on the urgent need for peace. Speaking about the many conflicts affecting different parts of the world, he firmly declared that war is never worthy of humanity and can never be considered blessed by God. He said that although nations possess advanced weapons and military technology, human beings have been given intelligence and free will to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than violence.
Pope Leo described peace as a responsibility rooted in justice because all people belong to one human family united under Christ. Recalling the vision of Saint Paul VI, he encouraged the Church to continue building what he called a civilization of love, where justice and charity always go together. He also reminded the Cardinals that the Church belongs to everyone and must continue proclaiming the same message of hope, conversion, and salvation without showing favour to any group or nation.
Turning to the life of the Church, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of obedience through careful listening to the Word of God. He said that by listening to the Holy Spirit, the Church can better understand today's pastoral challenges, purify its intentions, and remain faithful to its mission.
The Pope also referred to the ongoing implementation of the Synod, saying it encourages the entire Church to move forward together in unity, peace, and obedience to Christ. He stressed that synodality and collegiality are practical expressions of Christian fraternity, bringing together all the baptized faithful and the bishops in serving the People of God.
The Extraordinary Consistory will conclude with the celebration of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, as Church leaders continue their discussions on the future direction of the Church and its response to the challenges facing the modern world.