26/06/2026 21:58 - Actualidad
June 26, 2026 - Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV presided over the opening Mass of the Extraordinary Consistory this morning at St. Peter's Basilica, bringing together approximately 130 cardinals from every continent. The two-day meeting at the Vatican aims to discuss the most significant challenges facing the Catholic Church in today's world.
In his homily, the Holy Father reflected on the Gospel of John ("I am the true vine"), urging the cardinals to remain united with Christ to bear "much fruit." Pope Leo XIV emphasized that God's grace does not produce stunted growth, but rather abundant development in those who receive it with open hearts.
"War is never worthy of man, and it will never be blessed by God, because the Creator has endowed us with intelligence and will to resolve conflicts as human beings."
The Pontiff turned his attention to international tensions and conflicts that wound the human family. He recalled the encyclical Magnifica humanitas, promulgated on May 15, 2026, reviving the concept of "civilization of love" proposed by Saint Paul VI. According to the Pope, this path offers a genuine alternative to ideological polarization and current economic imbalances.
"The unity of the human family precedes individual peoples and nations. This is not merely a biological fact, but an ethical principle," Pope Leo XIV emphasized, underscoring that peace is a duty of justice derived from our common humanity redeemed in Christ.
Regarding the internal organization of the Church, the Pope spoke of synodality and collegiality as expressions of Christian fraternity. In a striking statement, he defined his role as successor of Peter: "The help you can give me in exercising the Petrine ministry finds in me one who asks, not one who commands."
The authority of the primacy, he explained, belongs to "one who listens and only therefore guides, one who learns and only therefore teaches." The Consistory continues its sessions on the eve of the solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, the patron saints of the Church of Rome.
An Extraordinary Consistory is a special meeting convened by the Pope with the College of Cardinals. Unlike ordinary consistories held regularly for administrative matters (like appointing new cardinals), extraordinary consistories are called to address urgent or significant issues facing the Church. These gatherings allow cardinals from around the world to advise the Pope and discuss important pastoral and doctrinal concerns.
Source: ACI Prensa
Alfredo S. Quiroga
