Story perspectives

Pope Leo XIV convenes consistory, urges synod support.

6/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV opened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals on June 26, 2026 in the Paul VI Hall.
178 of the 241 cardinals attended the two-day meeting through June 27.
Leo called for cardinals’ freedom, frankness, loyalty and strong public support of the Synod on Synodality.
He described synodality as listening and shared responsibility, not a checklist.
He said all cardinals, including the 117 electors, were invited despite concerns about the format.

History

Historical Context

Vatican II, opened by Pope John XXIII on 11 October 1962 and concluded by Pope Paul VI on 8 December 1965, gathered roughly 2,500 bishops and introduced lay auditors and a permanent Coordinating Commission to promote collegial decision-making. That collegial spirit underpins Pope Leo XIV’s 2026 extraordinary consistory, which summoned 178 of the 241 cardinals to discuss synodality.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV opened an extraordinary consistory of cardinals on June 26, 2026 in the Paul VI Hall.
178 of the 241 cardinals attended the two-day meeting through June 27.
Leo called for cardinals’ freedom, frankness, loyalty and strong public support of the Synod on Synodality.
He described synodality as listening and shared responsibility, not a checklist.
He said all cardinals, including the 117 electors, were invited despite concerns about the format.

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