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2 clusters · 9 sources · 3 days · First seen 29 days ago · Last updated 26 days ago

Metz municipal funding dispute for papal visit

Overview

The City of Metz has allocated approximately 500,000 euros to support the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV on September 28. Mayor François Grosdidier defended the expenditure, characterizing the visit as a “world event” and an “immense honor” for the city.

Secular associations, including L'Union des familles laïques (Ufal) de Moselle and Les Profanes, have challenged the legality of this municipal funding. The dispute focuses on the use of public money for equipment, such as giant screens for fan zones, to broadcast the mass. The associations have filed a legal challenge with the Strasbourg administrative court, requesting an emergency suspension to block the equipment purchases.

In response to the challenges, officials noted that because Moselle is a concordatary department, the 1905 law regarding the separation of Church and State does not apply, which permits local authorities to fund religious services.

Entities

Metz · Pope Leo XIV · François Grosdidier · Moselle · Les Profanes

Timeline

26 days ago

[POLITICS] 5 sources
Metz municipal subsidy for papal visit challenged in court
Two secular associations are challenging a 250,000 euro subsidy from the City of Metz intended for Pope Leo XIV's visit, specifically targeting funds for equipment to broadcast his mass.
29 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Metz municipal funding for papal visit challenged by secular association
The secular association Ufal has challenged the city of Metz's decision to spend 500,000 euros on the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV, citing concerns over the legality of municipal funding.

Sources

banten.jpnn.com · bienpublic.com · entrevue.fr · estrepublicain.fr · fr.news.yahoo.com · Lalsace.fr · ledauphine.com · moselle.tv · vosgesmatin.fr