Pope Leo XIV concludes the consistory: synodality, family, and a universal call for peace

The extraordinary consistory concluded on June 28 with a speech by Leo XIV to the 178 gathered cardinals: he defended synodality as a "path of communion," called for "strong, explicit, and public" support, and announced that the family and *Amoris Laetitia* would be at the heart of the cardinals' gathering in 2027.

The Event

We had followed the opening of the extraordinary consistory on June 26 and its working days on peace, synodality, and the priesthood. On June 28, Leo XIV delivered the closing speech before the 178 cardinals gathered in Rome.

The tone was both demanding and serene. The Pope defended synodality not as an administrative method, but as a "path to communion" rooted in conciliar tradition. Facing the questions raised by the synodal process, he made an unusually direct appeal to the cardinals: "I need your freedom, your frankness, and your loyalty. I need your support: strong, explicit, and public."

Cardinal Grech, the Synod’s rapporteur, clarified that the implementation phase will not be "a simple execution of decisions" but a process of discernment. Leo XIV announced that the 2027 gathering of cardinals will focus on the family and Amoris Laetitia—signaling that the pontificate intends to extend the reflection initiated under Francis on family pastoral care.

On international peace, the Pope declared: "God desires peace for every nation and every people. Violence will not have the last word."

Our Analysis

In its form, the extraordinary consistory was a demonstration of collegiality. In substance, it laid the groundwork for a pontificate that seeks to combine fidelity to post-conciliar synodality with strong governance—presenting the two as complementary, not contradictory.

The announcement of the 2027 theme (family and Amoris Laetitia) deserves attention. It signifies that Leo XIV is not deviating from Francis’ orientations on family pastoral care but intends to give them new collegial momentum. Questions on marriage, the family, and the pastoral care of irregular situations will thus remain at the heart of ecclesial debate.

As for peace, the Pope’s words resonate differently depending on the conflicts we follow: peace in Ukraine, in the Holy Land, in sub-Saharan Africa. A universal appeal that does not name culprits but engages the moral responsibility of all powers.

For Reflection