A leaked confidential schedule for next week’s Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals appears to indicate that a planned discussion on the Church’s understanding of “just war” theory may no longer be on the agenda, despite earlier reports suggesting it would be a central topic.
According to LifeSiteNews, documents reportedly leaked from within the Vatican outline the program for the June 26–27 consistory, which will bring cardinals together for discussion and reflection on several key issues facing the Church. The schedule reportedly includes sessions dedicated to Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, the current international situation, and the ongoing implementation of the Synod on Synodality.
The leaked letter reportedly describes the gathering as an opportunity for cardinals to engage in fraternal dialogue on challenges confronting the Church today.
“(T)he days of the Consistory are conceived as a time of fraternal exchange around some of the challenges that today call into question the life and mission of the Church,” the confidential letter states, according to LifeSiteNews.
The document continues: “Through listening to diverse ecclesial experiences and through common dialogue, the Cardinals will be invited to offer their contribution to reflection and discernment on themes of particular pastoral and missionary relevance.”
According to the reported schedule, the first session will focus on the international situation, while the second and third sessions will examine themes found in Magnifica Humanitas, particularly paragraphs 182–192. However, LifeSiteNews noted that the leaked materials contain no reference to a dedicated discussion of “just war” theory.
The apparent omission has drawn attention because earlier this month Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, reportedly informed cardinals that Pope Leo wished to devote part of the consistory to examining the concept.
LifeSiteNews previously reported that Cardinal Re wrote to members of the Sacred College on June 3, emphasizing the importance of reflecting on the Church’s approach to war in the modern era.
“In particular, we shall be invited to reflect on how best to reaffirm today that the ‘just war’ theory, which has all too often been used to justify any kind of war, is now outdated,” Cardinal Re wrote, according to LifeSiteNews.
The final session of the consistory is expected to address developments related to the Synod on Synodality and conclude with open dialogue between Pope Leo and the assembled cardinals.
According to LifeSiteNews, the structure of the gathering will resemble the Extraordinary Consistory held in January, with cardinals divided into multiple working groups. Unlike the earlier meeting, however, additional time has reportedly been allotted for free interventions and presentations from various groups, including members of the Roman Curia and non-elector cardinals.
Pope Leo has repeatedly expressed his desire to strengthen collegiality within the Church through regular meetings with cardinals and representatives of episcopal conferences around the world. These gatherings are intended to foster consultation, dialogue, and shared reflection on matters affecting the Church’s mission.
The January consistory included announced topics such as synodality, mission, liturgy, and governance. According to LifeSiteNews, only synodality and mission were ultimately discussed, while questions concerning liturgy and Church governance were postponed for future consideration.
The upcoming June gathering will be closely watched as cardinals meet to discuss some of the most significant pastoral and ecclesial issues facing the Church under Pope Leo’s pontificate.
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