Pope Leo XIV urges deeper personal faith while synod meets without addressing abuse crisis

Pope Leo XIV convened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals on June 26‑27, promoting a "Leonine" model of synodality that emphasizes collegial collaboration within the Catholic Church. In a meeting with Spain’s Center for Research and Training in Child Protection (CEPROME), the Pope thanked the group for strengthening networks between local churches and civil authorities and expressed hope for spaces in the Church free from fear and abuse. However, the clerical sexual‑abuse scandal was notably absent from the consistory’s agenda.

Separately, during his Angelus address, the Pope highlighted the need for an "intimate relationship" with Jesus as the key to evangelization, encouraging believers to set aside moments of silence, listen to God, and become credible apostolic witnesses in daily life. He linked this personal devotion to a broader call for faithful testimony amid hostility and persecution.