Dear brothers and sisters, in these times when the Church seeks to walk united amid the challenges of the contemporary world, Pope Leo XIV shows us a beautiful example of pastoral leadership. As announced last January, cardinals from around the world will gather again at the Vatican in late June, near the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul.
A Call to Communion
This morning, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who serves as Dean of the College of Cardinals, sent a letter to all cardinals with details of this important gathering. The meeting will begin on Friday, June 26 at 9:00 a.m. and extend through Saturday, June 27. On Sunday, June 28, we will have the blessing of a Eucharistic Concelebration presided over by the Holy Father, and on Monday, June 29, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, another special Eucharist will be celebrated.
This extraordinary consistory is not an isolated event, but part of a new method of governance that Pope Leo XIV wants to establish as regular practice in the Church. It involves periodically gathering cardinals from all nations to dialogue about fundamental issues affecting the life of our faith community.
A New Style of Pastoral Leadership
The Pope has clearly expressed his desire to make these consistories permanent instruments of his pontificate. What is the purpose? To listen to the voices of cardinals who represent the Church on all continents and foster deeper mutual understanding among them.
This reminds us of the words of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians: "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:15-16, NIV).
The Importance of Listening to One Another
In a world where monologues so often predominate, the Church offers us a different model. Pope Leo XIV, following the example of Jesus who listened to both his disciples and those seeking his help, wants to create spaces where all voices can be heard.
Jesus himself taught us the importance of attentive listening. In the Gospel of Matthew we read: "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them" (Matthew 18:20, NIV). This promise becomes especially tangible when we gather with hearts open to dialogue and mutual listening.
Saints Peter and Paul: A Model of Diversity in Unity
That this consistory takes place near the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul is no coincidence. These two apostles represent different charisms and forms of service within the same Church. Peter, the Galilean fisherman called to confirm his brothers; Paul, the Pharisee turned apostle to the Gentiles.
Both worked for the same cause of the Gospel, though from different perspectives and ministries. Their example speaks to us today about how diversity of gifts and experiences enriches the Church when united in Christ.
"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Ephesians 4:11-12, NIV).
An Event That Will Become Tradition
The most significant aspect of this announcement is that these extraordinary consistories are destined to become established practice. They will be held annually and are expected to last three or four days, thus creating a regular space for collective discernment and decision-making.
This reflects a deep understanding that the Church needs to walk together, listening to one another, to discern God's will in our time. Pope Leo XIV, with this new style of governance, invites us all to participate in this beautiful task of building ecclesial communion.
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