Pope Leo XIV Leads Second Consistory on Peace, AI and the Common Good

On 26‑27 June 2026 Pope Leo XIV convened a second extraordinary consistory in the Vatican, bringing together 178 cardinals from around the world. After a Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the College met in the Paul VI Hall for three sessions of group work and plenary reports. The Pope opened the gathering urging stronger, public support for his appeals for peace and quoted, “the unity of the human family precedes the individual peoples and states.”

Cardinal Stephen Brislin presented the introductory address “Building for the Good,” referencing the recent encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas* and raising questions about artificial intelligence as an anthropological challenge. Other discussions focused on the “just war” doctrine, migration, the culture of power versus the civilization of love, and the implementation of the Sinodo. Cardinals repeatedly emphasized solidarity with the poor, the need for inclusive policies, and the role of the Church in promoting the common good.

Key questions posed included “In which world are we called to announce the Gospel?” and “What signs of hope and reconciliation should we bring to common hearing?” The consistory concluded with a call for the cardinals to carry the Pope’s peace appeals into their dioceses and regions.