Consistory: 178 Cardinals take part in the first session with Pope Leo

Key Points:

• On 26 June, 178 cardinals gathered for the opening session of the Extraordinary Consistory convened by Pope Leo XIV, beginning with Mass at St Peter's Basilica followed by group discussions on proclaiming the Gospel in today's world.
• The cardinals identified key global challenges including societal polarization, political tensions, violence, religious and ethnic persecution, antisemitism, individualism, family crises, youth loneliness, and distrust in institutions.
• Emphasis was placed on the Church's role as a welcoming mother and credible institution capable of fostering peace, reconciliation, and solidarity, especially through renewed parish life and synodality.
• Participants highlighted the importance of addressing migration humanely, promoting dialogue, rejecting violence, and recognizing prayer as essential to sustaining peace, while noting signs of hope such as growing vocations and youth interest in the Gospel.
• Pope Leo XIV concluded the morning session by stressing the Church's mission to respond to loneliness and suffering through communion and genuine encounter, underscoring the significance of participation and dialogue among the cardinals.