Pope Leo XIV concluded the second Extraordinary Consistory of his pontificate on Saturday evening, June 27, delivering a wide-ranging address to cardinals gathered at the Vatican’s New Synod Hall. The two-day meeting produced a unanimous appeal for peace that the Pope asked the cardinals to carry to their dioceses and countries. Aleteia reports that the Holy Father expressed gratitude for the shared work and framed the gathering as a moment of collegial discernment for the universal Church.
What happened
The Extraordinary Consistory, which convened cardinals from around the world, focused on pressing global concerns requiring the Church’s moral voice. Pope Leo XIV’s closing remarks centered on violence and conflict, with the pontiff declaring that “violence will not have the last word” in human history. He called the assembled cardinals to witness and action.
The consistory’s unanimous peace appeal represents a coordinated effort by the College of Cardinals to address international tensions. Each cardinal attending was charged with bringing this message back to local Churches, making the appeal both universal and locally grounded.
Full details of the Holy Father’s address are available in Aleteia’s reporting.
Why this matters
Extraordinary Consistories, distinct from ordinary consistories convened for creating new cardinals, signal moments when the Pope seeks the counsel of the College of Cardinals on urgent matters facing the Church. Pope Leo XIV has now held two such gatherings in just over a year, suggesting he values this form of collegial governance as a tool for addressing global challenges.
The peace appeal carries added weight because it emerges from consensus among cardinals representing diverse geopolitical contexts. When the Church speaks with one voice on war and violence, the message reaches beyond Catholic circles to influence international discourse on human dignity and conflict resolution.
For Catholic readers
Watch for your local bishop or cardinal to communicate this peace appeal in the coming weeks. Consider how your parish community might respond through prayer, advocacy, or concrete works of mercy in areas affected by violence. The Pope’s call is meant to reach the local level, where the Church’s peace witness takes tangible form.
Sources:
1. Aleteia — original report
