As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Pope Leo XIV is convening cardinals from around the world for an Extraordinary Consistory focused on some of the most pressing challenges facing both the Church and the world.
According to Vatican News, the June 26-27 gathering will bring members of the College of Cardinals together in Rome for discussions centered on global conflicts, the Church’s mission in a changing world, the pursuit of peace, and the ongoing implementation of the Synod.
The meeting marks the second Consistory of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. Following a similar gathering earlier this year, the Pope emphasized the importance of collaboration with the College of Cardinals, telling them, “I feel and experience the need to be able to count on you,” according to Vatican News.
The sessions will follow a synodal format that includes prayer, silence, personal reflection, small-group discussions, and plenary presentations. Vatican News reported that participants have been asked to maintain confidentiality and refrain from speaking to the press during the proceedings in order to preserve what organizers described as an atmosphere of “fraternal exchange.”
Cardinals will be divided into 20 groups for four major sessions of reflection.
The first session will examine the question, “In what kind of world are we called to proclaim the Gospel?” According to Vatican News, Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś, Metropolitan Archbishop of Krakow, will lead a biblical meditation before participants engage in discussion and reflection.
A second session will focus on “The culture of power and the civilization of love.” Vatican News reported that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, will introduce the topic using themes drawn from Chapter V of Magnifica humanitas.
Attention will then turn to contemporary challenges facing societies and local communities. During a session titled “Building in the good: the worksites of our time,” cardinals will discuss obstacles to the common good and ways the Church can respond. According to Vatican News, Cardinal Stephen Brislin of Johannesburg will introduce the discussion.
The final session will address the continued implementation of the Synod. Vatican News reported that Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, will guide discussions based on the document Towards the Synodal Assemblies 2027-2028: Stages, Criteria, and Instruments for Preparation. The session will include dialogue with Pope Leo XIV and brief interventions from participants.
The Consistory will conclude with a final address from Pope Leo XIV, followed by prayer and a shared meal with the cardinals.
The gathering comes at a significant moment for the Church as Pope Leo seeks input from the world’s cardinals on evangelization, peacebuilding, and the practical next steps in carrying forward the synodal process. The discussions are expected to help shape priorities for the Church in the years ahead.
Pope Leo XIV will then preside over Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on June 29 for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, one of the Church’s most important annual celebrations.
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