Pope Leon XIV calls for European peace and unity during Metz visit

Pope Leon XIV visited Metz, France, to address European political and religious leaders regarding the continent's cultural identity and geopolitical stability. During his address at the Robert Schuman Congress Centre, the Pope emphasized that Europe is a spiritual and cultural reality rather than merely an economic market, drawing inspiration from figures such as Robert Schuman and Saint Benedict.

The Pope issued a warning against the current trend of rearmament, describing the arms race as a ‘massacre inutile’. He called for increased courage in multilateral negotiations and urged European leaders to prioritize international law and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

Addressing social challenges, Leon XIV spoke on the necessity of establishing safe and legal migration pathways, stressing that integration should treat individuals as part of a community. He concluded by encouraging European youth to resist identity-based withdrawal and pessimism, urging them to become active builders of the common good through political engagement.