Vatican Agenda for Pope Leo XIV's June Consistory of Cardinals that Includes Discussions on War, Synod, and Artificial Intelligence

 

Consistory Agenda: Focus on Global Crisis, Magnifica Humanitas, and the Synod  (Image Vatican Media Jan. 8 Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on the last day of the consistory)

Pope Leo XIV has convened a Consistory for June 26, 27, and 29 to address the global international situation, the implementation of the Synod, and his latest encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas.

In a letter sent on June 3, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, outlined the four working sessions to be held in the Paul VI Hall and the Synod Hall. Cardinal Re emphasized that the Pope intends the gathering to be a space for "mutual listening, discernment, and shared reflection," urging participants to speak with freedom and parrhesia (bold openness).

Session 1: The Global Situation & Local Churches

The opening session will focus on the international landscape and the lived realities of local dioceses. Cardinals will discuss:

  • The sufferings, tensions, and challenges facing their communities.

  • Signs of hope, fidelity to the Gospel, and paths toward reconciliation.

Sessions 2 & 3: Reflections on Magnifica Humanitas

The middle sessions will dive into the Pope’s encyclical, published on May 25.

  • Session 2 ("The Culture of Power and the Civilisation of Love"): Focusing on Chapter Five, cardinals from war-torn regions will share their pastoral experiences. The discussion will confront the resurgence of divisive rhetoric and explore how the Church can reinforce the modern "overcoming of the 'just war' theory," as stated in paragraph 192 of the encyclical.

  • Session 3 ("Building in Goodness"): Grounded in the encyclical’s introduction and conclusion, this session will look at directing humanity's pursuit of happiness toward integral human development, interpreting modern societal transformations through the lens of the Gospel.

Session 4: Synod Updates & Papal Dialogue

The final working session is split into two parts:

  1. Synod Progress: An update on implementation, specifically regarding the recent document Towards the Synodal Assemblies 2027–2028: Stages, Criteria and Instruments for Preparation.

  2. Open Forum: A direct dialogue between the cardinals and Pope Leo XIV, featuring brief, three-minute interventions.

Concluding Liturgy

The Consistory will culminate on June 29 in St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo XIV will preside over the Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, where he will bless and bestow the pallia upon new metropolitan archbishops. As previously scheduled, there will be no concelebrated Mass on June 28.

Source - https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-06/consistory-cardinals-pope-global-situation-ai-synod.html

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