Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Church’s mission of peace while discussing issues such as war, polarization, human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), and the implementation of synodality with cardinals from around the world.
The Pope convened a special consistory at the Vatican on June 26–27 to discuss current issues facing the Church and the world with cardinals gathered from across the globe. This marked the second special consistory of his pontificate, following the one held in January of this year.
War and peace were the most prominent topics addressed during the meeting. In his homily at the opening Mass held at St. Peter's Basilica on June 26, the Pope stated, “War is never worthy of humanity, and it can never be blessed by God.” He emphasized that even in an era of advanced weaponry, human beings have been endowed with intellect and free will to resolve conflicts as humans, not as beasts. He further declared that peace is not merely an optional ideal but a “duty of justice.” During the meeting, a view was raised that the language of "Just War Theory"—a concept long debated within the Catholic tradition—needs to be re-examined. According to the Holy See Press Office, various discussion groups emphasized that the Gospel cannot be imposed by force; they reached a consensus that, moving beyond the logic of "Just War," the focus should shift to the "right to proportionate self-defense."
This reflects an awareness of the changing nature of modern warfare. In today’s reality—characterized by a combination of AI, advanced weaponry, the logic of preemptive strikes, and mass civilian casualties—it is increasingly difficult to deter or even define war using only traditional "Just War" criteria.
The Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith addressed the issues of war and legitimate self-defense as outlined in the encyclical 'Laudate Deum'. He pointed out that if the concept of legitimate self-defense is interpreted too broadly, it can be misused to justify unjust wars. He particularly emphasized that self-defense must not be invoked to legitimize preemptive strikes or excessive military intervention.
The meeting also addressed issues such as deepening social polarization, distrust in institutions, disinformation, religious violence, loneliness, and the breakdown of relationships across the globe. The cardinals expressed concern that these social fissures inflict greater suffering on the poor, the marginalized, and the youth. Some participants highlighted the despair, suicide, and substance abuse affecting young people, stressing that the Church must listen to their suffering and walk alongside them.
AI was also a key agenda item. The cardinals stated that steps must be taken to ensure AI does not reduce human beings to mere numbers and statistics, and that the Church should provide criteria for discernment to ensure technological advancements do not undermine human dignity or the value of labor. Discussions also highlighted that acknowledging human limitations is, in fact, the starting point for upholding human dignity.
The Pope urged the cardinals not to merely criticize the world's wounds but to propose paths toward healing and the common good rooted in the Gospel. In his opening remarks, he noted, "We have not gathered primarily to reflect on the internal life of the Church," explaining that the core focus of the discussion was "how we can help our churches today proclaim the Gospel more faithfully, freely, and credibly."
The meeting also demonstrated the Pope's leadership style, which prioritizes listening and communal discernment. He told the cardinals that "the papacy cannot exist in isolation" and asked them to share their experiences, pastoral wisdom, and knowledge of their local churches. He also stated, "I need your freedom, candor, and faithfulness," welcoming honest differences of opinion expressed within the spirit of communion.
The meeting was conducted through a combination of round-table discussions, plenary sessions, and open floor discussions. Sharing the realities of their respective local churches, the cardinals engaged in communal discernment regarding global crises and the Church's response. This reflects a broader trend of the Pope convening the College of Cardinals more frequently to discuss the mission of the universal Church together.
In his closing address, the Pope remarked that synodality is not merely a meeting format or a working method, but a "spiritual way of proceeding." He explained that synodality arises from encounters, grows through listening, and matures through discernment. He also urged the cardinals to faithfully accompany the Synod implementation process within their respective local churches.
The Pope expressed his intention to continue holding consistories. He emphasized that what matters is not increasing the number of meetings, but learning to listen to one another and to the will of the Lord together.
