VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV opened a two-day meeting of the world's cardinals on Friday, underscoring that war is "never blessed by God." He emphasized the Catholic Church's prophetic message of peace, particularly in a world afflicted by ongoing conflicts.
This gathering was called by Leo in response to the cardinals' requests for more frequent consultation compared to the 12-year pontificate of Pope Francis, who tended to govern with limited input from the cardinals. Traditionally, the cardinals, often referred to as the "princes of the church," play two pivotal roles: advising the pope while he is alive and electing his successor after his death.
Following an initial session in January known as a consistory, Pope Leo XIV invited the cardinals back for a second round of discussions. The closed-door meetings' agenda includes critical topics such as the current international scenario, his recent encyclical on artificial intelligence, and initiatives aimed at making the Church more attuned to the needs of ordinary Catholics.
Although the agenda previously included discussions on tensions surrounding the traditional Latin Mass, this topic was deliberately excluded as it is anticipated to come to a climax the following week. A breakaway group of traditionalist Catholics is set to consecrate four new bishops, defying Pope Leo’s wishes, further stressing divisions within the Church.
As he opened the session, Pope Leo XIV expressed his need for robust support from the cardinals. He requested, "I need your strong, explicit and public support. I need to feel myself supported by you as brothers.” In an effort to control the narrative, the cardinals have been instructed not to speak to the media during their time in Rome, with only the pope's opening and closing remarks to be made public.
During an opening Mass on Friday morning, Leo highlighted what he identified as God's mandate to defend human dignity, justice, and the rule of law. He stated, “Therefore, war is never worthy of humanity, and it is never blessed by God. Because, even if we are equipped with high-tech weapons, the Creator has endowed us with intelligence and free will to resolve conflicts as human beings and not as beasts.”
Pope Leo XIV has maintained a consistent message advocating for peace amidst the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the escalating tensions involving the U.S. and Iran. This stance has, at times, attracted criticism from figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, reflecting the complexities of religious leadership in the context of global politics.
This meeting of cardinals signifies a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church as it navigates contemporary issues, striving to balance tradition with the necessity for modern engagement. The outcomes of these discussions could potentially shape the Church's approach to both internal governance and external relations moving forward.
