Pope Leo XIV opens extraordinary consistory, condemns war as never blessed
On 26‑27 June 2026 Pope Leo XIV inaugurated the second extraordinary consistory of cardinals in the Paul VI Hall of the Vatican. About 178‑241 cardinals gathered for a two‑day synodal session, the first after the suspension of such meetings by Pope Francis. The Pope defended the synodal format, urging the cardinals to “engage wholeheartedly” and to give him “strong, explicit and public” support.
He outlined four themes: a contemplative view of the world, a “civilization of love,” the social encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, and the implementation of the Synod on Synodality. In his homily he declared, “War is never blessed by God,” calling the just‑war theory “outdated” in the age of high‑tech weapons and artificial intelligence. Leo emphasized listening, dialogue, and the Church’s role in addressing global suffering, polarization, migration, loneliness and religious violence.
The consistory concluded with a free‑dialogue session, an invitation for cardinals to send confidential reflections, and a final Mass celebrating the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.