VATICAN (SE): A reflection on the international situation and the life of local Churches, a discussion of key themes in the encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and an update on the implementation of the synod will be central to the consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV for June 26, 27, and 29, Vatican News reported on June 4.
Giovanni Battista Cardinal Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals,
Outlining the themes of the gathering in a letter sent to all participating cardinals on June 3. The cardinal explained that the pope wished the meeting, like the one held from January 7–8 this year, to serve as “a space of mutual listening, discernment and shared reflection on issues of particular importance for the life and mission of the Church today.”
Cardinal Re noted that Pope Leo views the consistory as an opportunity both “to gather the experience and counsel of the members of the College of Cardinals” and to rely on “the active assistance and support of each one in the various places and responsibilities in which they serve the Church.”
For this reason, the discussions should take place in “a spirit of listening, freedom and parrhesia [candid speech],” fostering a process of shared discernment.
The first session will focus on the international situation and the reality of local Churches. Cardinals will be invited to share the sufferings, tensions, and challenges affecting the peoples and ecclesial communities entrusted to their care, as well as the signs of hope, fidelity to the gospel, and prospects for reconciliation that they believe should be brought to the attention of the College.
The second and third sessions will be dedicated to Pope Leo’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, published on May 25, Vatican News reported.
The second session will examine Chapter Five, entitled “The Culture of Power and the Civilisation of Love”.
Cardinal Re observed that, in paragraph 182 of the encyclical, the pope writes that in a world marked by “polarisation, violence and growing conflict”, peace “is not one issue among others, but a condition for the universal common good and a test of the moral maturity of peoples”.
Cardinals from regions impacted by war will be invited to describe how conflict has directly and painfully influenced their pastoral work, while others will be asked to consider the return of “languages, logics and practices” that undermine reconciliation and peaceful coexistence. The discussion will further explore how the Church can reaffirm “the overcoming of the theory of the ‘just war’, too often invoked to justify any war”, as Pope Leo writes in paragraph 192, and discuss practical measures that could help peoples and Christian communities to preserve and build peace.
The third session will take up the theme of “building in goodness”, a perspective that frames both the introduction and conclusion of Magnifica Humanitas. Participants will explore the encyclical’s call to interpret the transformations of the present age in the light of the Gospel, and to direct humanity’s search for happiness and fulfilment towards integral human development.
The initial part of the final session will provide cardinals with an update on the implementation of the Synod, particularly in light of the recent document Towards the Synodal Assemblies 2027–2028: Stages, Criteria and Instruments for Preparation. The second part will be dedicated to open dialogue between the cardinals and the pope, with interventions limited to three minutes each.
Cardinal Re also noted that the consistory sessions on June 26 and 27 will take place in the Paul VI Hall and the Synod Hall. The gathering will conclude on 29 June in Saint Peter’s Basilica, where Pope Leo XIV will preside at the Mass for the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul, bless the pallia, and impose them on the new metropolitan archbishops.
There will be no concelebrated Eucharistic celebration on June 28.
