Pope Leo XIV has reaffirmed the continuing importance of the Second Vatican Council in shaping the life and mission of the Catholic Church, ahead of an anticipated extraordinary consistory of cardinals at the Vatican.

Speaking during a preparatory reflection, the Pope emphasized that the Council remains a “living compᴀss” for the Church, guiding its approach to liturgy, ecumenism, religious freedom, and engagement with the modern world. He urged Church leaders not to treat the Council as a historical event alone, but as an ongoing source of renewal and discernment.

The remarks come as cardinals are expected to gather in Rome for discussions on key pastoral and governance issues facing the global Church, including evangelization, unity, and the role of local churches in diverse cultural contexts.

According to Vatican observers, Pope Leo XIV’s emphasis on the Council highlights his broader vision of continuity—seeking to balance tradition with reform while maintaining fidelity to core teachings. The Second Vatican Council, held between 1962 and 1965, remains one of the most significant events in modern Catholic history, reshaping how the Church engages with the contemporary world.

Church analysts note that references to the Council often signal deeper conversations about interpretation and implementation, particularly in areas where pastoral practice varies across regions.

In his reflection, the Pope reportedly encouraged unity among bishops and cardinals, urging them to approach the consistory with openness, prayer, and a shared commitment to the Church’s mission.

As anticipation builds for the gathering, his message is being interpreted as a call to rediscover the Council not as a point of division, but as a foundation for dialogue, renewal, and global communion within the Catholic Church.