Pope Leo XIV told the world’s cardinals that “war is never worthy of humanity, and it is never blessed by God” as he opened an extraordinary consistory at the Vatican on Friday.
The pope delivered the appeal during Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, which marked the start of the June 26–27 gathering of cardinals convened to reflect on issues facing the Catholic Church and the world.
“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,” Pope Leo said.
The pope urged the cardinals to reflect on three themes: “sharing in the true freedom of faith, asking for the gift of peace in unity, and embracing harmony through obedience.”
He described peace as a moral obligation rooted in the unity of the human family.
“Peace is a duty of justice because we are one human family, a magnifica humanitas that finds its head and redeemer in Christ,” he said.
Pope Leo also said the Church must remain faithful to its universal mission.
“As she proclaims the Gospel, amid both joys and persecutions, the Church is never partial, since she is for everyone, and to each she addresses the same message of conversion and salvation,” he said.
The gathering is the second time Pope Leo has convened all 241 cardinals since his election in May 2025. The regular meetings are emerging as a key instrument of his governance, reflecting his preference for more collegial leadership.
The consistory includes prayers, workshops, and plenary sessions. It will conclude on Saturday, ahead of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
Pope Leo said the cardinals’ work together should reflect the synodal path of the Church.
“Our working together in a collegial way embodies the synodality in which all the baptized participate in the unity of the People of God. Synodality and collegiality are, in fact, forms of Christian fraternity, which binds us together as the baptized and as Bishops,” he said.
Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, said the gathering would help deepen communion among the cardinals.
“There will be genuine sharing among us, it’s clear that Pope Leo wants us to form a college, to get to know one another… The more we have these meetings, the more united we will be,” Vesco said. – with reports from Vatican News and Agence France-Presse
