Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on January 8, 2026
2 min readLast updated: January 20, 2026
Add as preferred source on GooglePope Leo calls for unity and inclusivity in the Catholic Church, urging cardinals to continue reforms initiated by Pope Francis.
By Joshua McElwee
VATICAN CITY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Pope Leo met on Thursday with the world's Catholic cardinals as part of a two-day summit, urging the senior clerics to shun divisions in the 1.4-billion-member Church and focus on attracting new believers.
Leo also signalled a desire to press ahead with the reforms of the late Pope Francis, who battled with conservative cardinals while trying to make Catholicism more inclusive by welcoming gay Catholics and discussing women's ordination.
Beginning the closed-door summit on Wednesday, Leo said the Church would only grow if it could attract people with a message of God's love for everyone, according to remarks released by the Vatican.
"Only love is trustworthy; only love is credible," said the pope. "While unity attracts, division scatters."
Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic at Trinity College Dublin, who follows the Vatican, said Leo was "working to convince the cardinals that they need to work collectively together to do what the Catholic people want them to do".
"Leo is cautious, but I think he will continue on Pope Francis' trajectories," said Faggioli. "I don't think he will go back."
Francis, who led the Church for 12 years, died in April. Leo, formerly the U.S. Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected the new pope in May.
One hundred and seventy of the world's 245 cardinals were attending the summit, which ends on Thursday, the Vatican said.
The clerics have been asked to refrain from publicly discussing their meetings in order to allow for frank conversations, spokesman Matteo Bruni said.
Leo, opening his first full year as Church leader, asked the cardinals on Wednesday for advice on what priorities he should focus on for the next two years.
British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe urged his peers to shun divisions. If they quarrel with one another, he said, "we shall be of no use to the Holy Father".
(Editing by Janet Lawrence)
Inclusivity in the Church refers to the practice of welcoming and accepting all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
A cardinal is a senior church official in the Catholic Church, appointed by the Pope, who serves as a member of the College of Cardinals and advises the Pope on church matters.
The Pope is the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church, responsible for guiding the church's teachings, overseeing its administration, and representing the church globally.
Reforms in the Catholic Church refer to changes and updates in practices, policies, or doctrines aimed at improving the church's relevance and inclusivity in modern society.
Unity in the Church is essential for fostering a strong community, promoting collaboration among members, and enhancing the church's ability to spread its message effectively.
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