Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday opened the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals at the Vatican, reminding Church leaders that it is Christ—not the Church itself—who attracts people to the faith, and warning that division within the Church drives the faithful away.
Addressing the Cardinals gathered in Rome from January 7–8, the Pope said he was present above all “to listen,” emphasizing that the meeting was not aimed at producing a final document but at fostering sincere dialogue to help guide his Petrine ministry and the mission of the universal Church.
Welcoming the Cardinals on the day after Epiphany, Pope Leo prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit during what he described as “intense but important days of reflection,” noting that their discussions would help shape the path ahead for the Church.
He highlighted the richness and diversity of the College of Cardinals, drawn from different cultures, traditions, pastoral experiences, and personal backgrounds, and called on them to deepen communion through mutual listening and collaboration, offering a true model of collegiality.
Reflecting on the Second Vatican Council and the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Leo stressed that the true force drawing people to the Church is divine love—Charis and Agape—made flesh in Jesus Christ and poured into the Church through the Holy Spirit.
“It is not the Church that attracts, but Christ,” the Pope said, adding that when individuals or communities draw others, it is only because the charity flowing from the Heart of Christ is alive within them. He cautioned that while unity attracts, division scatters.
During the Consistory, the Cardinals are set to reflect on key themes for the Church’s future, including evangelization, the service of the Roman Curia, synodality, and the liturgy. Due to limited time, two themes will be selected for focused discussion, guided by the question of priorities for the Holy Father and the Curia over the next one to two years.
Pope Leo encouraged a spirit of attentive listening, simplicity, and openness to the Holy Spirit, noting that this shared way of working together in fraternity would continue to support his ministry.
He concluded by entrusting the Consistory to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church.
Credit: Vatican News
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