During a private meeting of cardinals held at the Vatican on Friday, Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to address disputes with human reason rather than violence. This assembly, officially termed a consistory, concludes on Saturday and serves as a forum to deliberate on the pressing issues currently impacting the Catholic Church.
The event opened with a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica led by the American-born Pope. His recent stance against warfare has drawn significant criticism from President Donald Trump. During his sermon, the Pope characterized global conflicts as damaging to the human family, declaring that war is neither divine nor a pursuit worthy of mankind. He emphasized that despite the existence of advanced weaponry, humanity possesses the free will and intellect to settle disagreements peacefully.
This marks the second time Pope Leo has gathered the 241 global cardinals since taking office in May 2025. These sessions represent a shift toward more collaborative church governance. The event structure features plenary sessions, workshops, and communal prayer. Cardinal Jean-Paul Vesco of Algiers noted that these meetings are vital for fostering unity and building a closer connection among members of the college.
