Pope Leon XIV Calls Extraordinary Consistory on Peace and War

Pope Leon XIV opened an extraordinary consistory at the Vatican, gathering cardinals from around the world. In his inaugural address he asked for strong, public support from the hierarchy, focusing on the challenges posed by ongoing wars and the need to uphold human dignity, justice and peace. The meetings are held in the Paul VI Hall with round‑table seating to foster dialogue, and the first session began with a biblical meditation delivered by Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś.

The consistory also considered the Church’s stance on the theory of a "just war" and recent encyclicals, while highlighting charitable work such as the Order of Malta’s newly opened clinic in Gaza, inaugurated by Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa together with Orthodox Patriarch Theophilos III. The clinic, staffed by 30 personnel, aims to treat up to 100 patients a day.

In Poland, preparations continue for the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions in Gietrzwałd, one of the few apparitions officially recognized by the Church, underscoring the global and local dimensions of the Church’s current focus on reconciliation and faith.