The Extraordinary Consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV began on Friday, June 26, with the celebration of the Eucharist in St. Peter’s Basilcia. In his homily, the Pope reminded the Cardinals that the life-giving source of the Consistory is Christ Himself, as proclaimed in the Gospel: “I am the true vine” (Jn 15:1).
He explained that “the Gospel itself prepares the ground for it to bear fruit: ‘Remain in me, and I in you’ (Jn 15:4).” He then reflected on three guiding principles for discernment during these days: sharing in the true freedom of faith, asking for the gift of peace in unity, and embracing harmony through obedience.
He explained that “it is precisely our relationship with the Lord Jesus that frees us from sin and fear. The living Church is the Church that believes through the gift of the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts. And this Church bears much fruit”. Pope Leo invited the Cardinals to ask for “the gift of peace in unity.”
Reflecting on the many conflicts affecting humanity, he stressed that “war is never worthy of humanity, and it is never blessed by God, because, even if we are equipped with high-tech weapons, the Creator has endowed us with intelligence and free will to resolve conflicts as human beings and not as beasts.”
“Peace is a duty of justice because we are one human family, that finds its head and redeemer in Christ.”
Pope Leo invited the Cardinals also to embrace “harmony through obedience,” describing it as “a listening that recognizes the gift of the Word made flesh for us.” Through this attentive listening, he said, “the Holy Spirit guides us, pointing out pastoral challenges and opportunities, purifying our intentions, and correcting whatever strays from our shared path.”
