Pope Leo XIV Urges 178 Cardinals to Guide World to Peace as War Debate Deepens

3 articles · Updated · ewtnnews.com · Jun 27

Pope Leo XIV closed the two-day consistory with a global appeal for the Church to reject violence and lead people toward reconciliation, telling 178 cardinals that peace is decided first in the human heart.
War, loneliness, youth despair and social fragmentation framed the discussions, and Leo said reflection on self-defense amid transformed modern conflicts needs further theological and pastoral development rather than reliance on older just-war formulas.
Vatican summaries showed many cardinals backed moving beyond classical just-war frameworks toward proportionate self-defense, while warning that a wider “culture of power” — amplified by AI, polarization and manipulation — is normalizing conflict.
Synodality was the other practical focus: Leo said it is about shared discernment, not simply who decides, and tied its implementation to an October bishops’ meeting and a broader process culminating in a 2028 ecclesial assembly.
The closed-door format left gaps in what was discussed, with the Holy See releasing syntheses and four full texts but omitting some interventions and free discussion; Leo said extraordinary consistories will now be held annually.