Pope Leo XIV’s Consistory: a Church that listens, heals and walks together

The Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals, held in the Vatican on 7 and 8 January 2026, concluded with an address by Pope Leo XIV marked by deep spiritual and pastoral intensity. The Pope’s words offered the universal Church a strong call to responsibility, communion and conversion.

To read the full address click HERE

At the heart of his discourse emerged a clear vision of a Church that is ever more collegial and synodal, where discernment is born from mutual listening and openness to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Father recalled the path inaugurated by the Second Vatican Council, highlighting how co-responsibility between pastors and the faithful is an essential dimension of a living Church, missionary in spirit and close to people.

A particularly moving part of the address was dedicated to the painful reality of abuse. Pope Leo XIV spoke firmly about the harm these acts have caused not only to the victims, but to the entire ecclesial community. Even more serious, he noted, was the silence and closure that many wounded persons encountered precisely where they should have found welcome and protection. Genuine listening, pastoral care and justice were identified as indispensable paths toward healing and renewal within the Church.

In his address, the Holy Father stressed that mercy can never be separated from truth and responsibility. The Church is called to become a safe and transparent space, capable of protecting the most vulnerable and accompanying with respect and compassion those who bear deep wounds.

Looking ahead, Pope Leo XIV expressed his intention to hold more frequent meetings with the Cardinals in order to strengthen communion and foster ongoing reflection on the pastoral and missionary challenges facing the Church in today’s world.

This call to vigilance, listening and conversion touches every ecclesial reality. For the Canossian Daughters of Charity, present on five continents alongside the poor, the young and the most vulnerable, the Pope’s words become an encouragement to continue their evangelizing mission with renewed zeal. Through education, human promotion and the proclamation of the Gospel lived in concrete charity, they are called to be credible signs of a Church that welcomes, heals and brings hope, especially where human dignity has been wounded and the need for the light of the Gospel is most urgent.