A leaked confidential letter and working schedule for Pope Leo XIV’s extraordinary consistory of cardinals, set for June 26-27, 2026, with a concluding Mass on June 29, makes no mention of a dedicated discussion on “just war” theory, despite Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s earlier letter indicating that the topic would feature prominently.

The documents, first published by the Italian blog Messa in Latino and reported by Vatican journalist Diane Montagna, outline four sessions focused on the current international situation, key themes from the Pope’s first encyclical, Magnifica humanitas, published on May 25, 2026, and updates on the Synod on Synodality. The format largely mirrors the January 2026 consistory, with increased time for free interventions limited to three minutes each.

Cardinal Re’s June 3 letter to the College of Cardinals had explicitly signalled reflection on how to reaffirm the encyclical’s declaration in paragraph 192 that the traditional “just war” theory “is now outdated”, noting that it had “all too often been used to justify any kind of war”. The new schedule folds this into the second session on chapter 5 of Magnifica humanitas – “The Culture of Power and the Civilisation of Love”, paragraphs 182-192 – alongside broader discussion of polarisation, violence and paths to peace.

Magnifica humanitas, presented personally by Pope Leo in the Synod Hall, addresses the safeguarding of human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence while treating peace as “a prerequisite for the universal common good”. The encyclical states: “Today, more than ever, without prejudice to the right to self-defence in the strictest sense, it is important to reaffirm that the ‘just war’ theory… is now outdated.”

However, together with Pope Leo’s earlier comments in which he said that he thought pro-life positions were not consistent with support for the death penalty, the Pontiff has used conditional, subjective language around such matters. Questions remain regarding the extent to which he was exercising magisterial authority in such judgements.

The consistory opens with a shared meditation on the international situation, inviting cardinals – especially those from war-torn regions – to share pastoral experiences. Subsequent sessions explore the encyclical’s vision of integral human development and the common good. The final session provides an update on Synod implementation ahead of the 2027-2028 assemblies before open dialogue with the Pope.

This marks the second extraordinary consistory of the pontificate. The January gathering, which had initially included liturgy and governance on its announced agenda, ultimately prioritised synodality and mission, with liturgy addressed only through a circulated report by Cardinal Arthur Roche defending restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass.

The June meeting concludes on the Solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul with the traditional pallium ceremony for new metropolitan archbishops. More time has been allocated for free interventions compared with January, though the overall “synodal” style of group work has drawn mixed reactions from some cardinals who preferred a more classical consistory format.

The shift in emphasis on “just war” theory – from a highlighted standalone reflection to integration within the encyclical discussion – comes amid ongoing global conflicts, including the recent US-Iran framework agreement and tensions in Lebanon, and will be closely watched for any further clarification on the Church’s evolving teaching on war and peace.