- 26 June, 2026
Vatican, June 26, 2026: As Cardinals from around the world gathered in Rome for the Extraordinary Consistory, Pope Leo XIV opened the two-day meeting by urging them to offer him "freedom," "frankness," and "loyalty," describing sincere counsel as an essential expression of communion as they discern together on the Church's mission and future.
Held in the Paul VI Hall until Saturday evening, the Extraordinary Consistory brings the Cardinals together to reflect with the Pope on key issues facing the Church and the world.
Recalling a desire he first expressed in January, Pope Leo said he hopes these meetings will strengthen collaboration between himself and the College of Cardinals as they continue serving the Church's mission. He reiterated his appeal for openness among the Cardinals, saying, “I need your freedom, your frankness, and your loyalty. Sincere counsel is always an act of communion.”
The Pope stressed that communion is not something achieved once and for all but must be nurtured daily through conversion, prayer, trusting relationships and a willingness to listen to one another.
Referring to his recent calls to build communion through synodality, Pope Leo encouraged the Cardinals to continue fostering a Church in which every member contributes to the mission according to their own charism and ministry.
He outlined four themes that will guide the discussions over the two-day gathering.
The first session will focus on understanding the world in which the Church is called to proclaim the Gospel, helping participants recognise Christ's presence and action throughout history.
The second session will examine the implications of the culture of power and the civilisation of love. Noting that many Cardinals come from countries marked by war while all societies experience conflict, domination and division in different forms, the Pope encouraged them to read his encyclical _Magnifica humanitas_ as a guide for understanding the realities of their local Churches.
The third session will explore the Church's contribution to the common good of humanity. Emphasising the importance of shared responsibility, Pope Leo said, “The Church’s social doctrine reminds us that the common good does not arise spontaneously, but requires shared responsibility. For the Church, this takes on a very precise form: a synodal style at the service of the mission of the Kingdom.”
The final session will focus on the continued implementation of the Synod on Synodality. Pope Leo described synodality as an attitude of openness and understanding that brings together the reflections from the previous sessions.
Rather than concentrating solely on the Church's internal life, the Pope encouraged the Cardinals to look to the needs of the world and ask, “How can we help our Churches today to proclaim the Gospel with greater fidelity, freedom, and credibility?”
He emphasised that mission is the Church's very reason for existing and therefore calls the Cardinals to listen attentively, fulfil their responsibilities and discern together the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Concluding his opening address, Pope Leo thanked the Cardinals for their support and said, “I count on you to help me discern what the Spirit is saying to the Church today. I need your support: strong, explicit, and public. I need to feel sustained by you as brothers.”
Courtesy: Vatican News
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