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Metz prepares for Pope Leo XIV visit amid security and legal disputes
Metz is preparing for a high-security visit by Pope Leo XIV on September 28, an event expected to draw between 50,000 and 100,000 attendees. Authorities plan to deploy 6,300 security agents and establish 162 checkpoints throughout the city. To manage the crowds, vehicle traffic will be prohibited in the historic city center from 7:00 to 19:00.
In a related legal development, the Strasbourg Administrative Court rejected a challenge from secular associations, including Union des familles laïques (UFAL) and Les Profanes. The groups sought to suspend a city council resolution that allocated 250,000 euros to prepare for the visit, arguing that using public funds for religious event equipment, such as giant screens for fan zones, violates the principle of secularism.
The court ruled that the funding is permissible due to the visit’s international significance and its potential for cultural and economic benefits for Metz. The decision allows the city to proceed with its preparations, including the installation of screens to allow those unable to enter the Saint-Étienne Cathedral to follow the mass and the Pope’s procession.
Entities
Emmanuel Macron · Les Profanes · Metz · Pope Leo XIV · Saint-Étienne Cathedral · Strasbourg Administrative Court · Union des familles laïques
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The event is expected to gather more than 50,000 people. moselle.tv · www.niedziela.pl · pl.aleteia.org
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There will be 162 security checkpoints in Metz. moselle.tv
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A total of 6,300 security agents will be deployed for the visit. moselle.tv
- [● 4 SOURCES] The court cited the international significance and economic benefits of the visit as reasons to allow the funding. www.niedziela.pl · fr.aleteia.org · pl.aleteia.org
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Charlemagne cope was actually manufactured in the first quarter of the 13th century in Southern Italy.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The city of Metz allocated 250,000 euros to prepare for the papal visit. www.niedziela.pl · fr.aleteia.org · pl.aleteia.org
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Saint-Étienne Cathedral will display the 'Charlemagne cope', an eight-century-old silk and gold treasure.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Strasbourg Administrative Court rejected a request to suspend a city council resolution regarding the visit. www.niedziela.pl · fr.aleteia.org · pl.aleteia.org