Pope Leo XIV called on cardinals to place communion and mutual love at the heart of the Church’s mission, warning that division undermines its credibility as a witness in a fractured world.
The pontiff made the statement during the opening of the Extraordinary Consistory on Jan. 7. “While unity attracts, division scatters,” the pope said.
He stressed that the Church’s missionary strength flows not from strategy or authority but from lived communion rooted in Christ’s love. “Only love is credible; only love is trustworthy,” he added.
Opening two days of reflection and dialogue, Pope Leo framed the Consistory in the light of the Epiphany and the Second Vatican Council’s vision of the Church as a sign and instrument of unity for the human family.
He recalled that the Church’s evangelizing mission is inseparable from the mystery of Christ, whom the Council described as “the light of the nations.”
The pope aligned his message with recent pontificates, emphasizing evangelization not as proselytism but as “attraction.”
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, he recalled that “the Church does not engage in proselytism. Instead, she grows by ‘attraction.’” He added that this attraction is not generated by the Church itself.
“It is not the Church that attracts, but Christ,” Pope Leo said, explaining that when individuals or communities draw others, it is because “through that ‘channel’ flows the lifeblood of Charity that cascades from the Heart of the Savior.”
Citing St. Paul’s words that “the love of Christ urges us on,” the pope said this love “possesses us, envelops us and captivates us,” enabling Christ to continue drawing others through a community that loves as he loved.
He pointed to Jesus’ commandment at the Last Supper as the measure of authentic discipleship. “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another,” he said, quoting the Gospel of John. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Addressing the cardinals as a diverse body shaped by different cultures, traditions, and pastoral experiences, Pope Leo urged them to begin their work by listening and dialogue.
He said the goal was to “grow in communion and thus offer a model of collegiality.”
The pope underscored that the Consistory was not convened to produce documents or final texts but to “continue a conversation that will help me in serving the mission of the entire Church.”
Reaffirming synodality as a practice of shared discernment, Pope Leo recalled Pope Francis’ teaching that the Church is called to deepen cooperation in all areas of mission.
“It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium,” he said, quoting Francis.
Looking ahead, the pope said the discussions would help guide priorities for the next one to two years, calling on participants to speak succinctly and listen attentively to one another.
He said this shared method of fraternity and sincere friendship could open new paths for the Church’s present and future.
