Pope Leon XIV convenes extraordinary consistory on Church mission and unity

Pope Leon XIV opened an extraordinary consistory on 26‑27 June, gathering around 200 cardinals from around the world. The two‑day meeting, the first of its kind called by a US‑born pope, focused on themes such as evangelisation, freedom, peace, unity and obedience to the Holy Spirit. In his homily the pope urged a missionary language that “attracts rather than conquers” and called for dialogue, listening and building the common good.

At the same time the Traditionalist Society of St. Pius X (FSSPX) published a 154‑point “Catholic Faith Confession” addressed to Pope Leon XIV and the College of Cardinals. The document criticises post‑Vatican II reforms and announces planned episcopal ordinations in Écône on 1 July, prompting Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández to call for a suspension of the ceremony and a conditional theological dialogue. The clash highlights ongoing tensions between the Vatican and the traditionalist fraternity over doctrine, liturgy and church governance.