Pope closes Consistory, 'an experience of communion at service of mission'

Key Points:

• Pope Leo XIV expressed solidarity and prayers for the victims of the recent violent earthquake in Venezuela, urging continued international support for rescue efforts and recovery.
• In his concluding address at the Extraordinary Consistory, the Pope emphasized synodality as a fundamental way of being Church, centered on encounter, mutual listening, and discernment guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than merely an organizational process.
• The Pope highlighted global challenges such as wars, poverty, and loneliness, with particular concern for young people’s search for meaning and the vital role of families, announcing an upcoming meeting to evaluate the reception of Amoris Laetitia involving Eastern Churches and episcopal leaders.
• Addressing peace, Pope Leo condemned the “culture of power” underlying conflicts and advocated for a culture of dialogue, cooperation, and non-violent responses, while calling for deeper theological reflection on legitimate defense amid contemporary conflicts.
• He reaffirmed that Church renewal depends primarily on authentic Gospel witness rather than structural reforms, announced plans to continue the annual Consistory gatherings, and concluded with a heartfelt appeal for reconciliation and peace worldwide, entrusting the Consistory’s fruits to the Virgin Mary.