# Papal and French leadership warnings on European security

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/papal-and-french-leadership-warnings-on-european-security
> Updated: 2026-09-28T10:59:40.000Z. Sources: 125. Developments: 2.

During a meeting in Metz, France, religious and political leaders addressed the deteriorating state of European security and international diplomacy.

Pope Leo XIV warned against the ‘illusion of rearmament,’ arguing that increased military spending does not provide genuine security. He characterized the Russia-Ukraine conflict as a ‘new, useless slaughter’ and expressed concern that global relations are becoming ‘increasingly barbaric’ due to a lack of trust and the prevalence of deception. He called for a ‘creative rediscovery’ of European values and a shift toward multilateralism and international law.

On the final day of his apostolic journey in France, the Pope delivered a major address at the Robert Schuman Congress Center in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron. He emphasized that Europe must be understood as a cultural and historical reality rooted in its Christian heritage. He urged European leaders to demonstrate courage in negotiations and a willingness to sacrifice certain positions for the greater good of peace. During the event, representatives from various faiths signed the Metz Declaration, a collective call for religious leaders to move beyond words and take concrete actions to promote unity and peace.

In a similar address, Pope Francis cautioned that seeking peace should not be mistaken for ‘naive pacifism,’ instead advocating for courageous negotiations. French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed support for Ukraine and warned against rising nationalism, urging Europe to protect democracy from disinformation and strengthen its sovereignty.

Concluding his four-day visit, the Pope also visited Lourdes, where he issued a condemnation of abortion and euthanasia, urging healthcare workers to protect human dignity against what he termed ‘false compassion.’

## Claims

- Pope Leo XIV warned against the 'illusion of rearmament' as a solution to European security concerns. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Christianity is a fundamental component of European identity and history. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- Human and state relations are becoming increasingly barbaric. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The Pope advocated for patient dialogue, bold negotiation, and the use of international law and multilateralism to maintain peace. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The war in Europe is a senseless slaughter causing daily civilian casualties. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Negotiators must be willing to sacrifice certain positions to achieve peace in Europe. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The war has reappeared in Europe. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: Pope Francis and Emmanuel Macron warn of war in Europe

Pope Francis and President Emmanuel Macron warned in Metz that war has returned to Europe, calling for strengthened international law, courageous diplomacy, and European sovereignty to counter rising threats.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pope-francis-and-emmanuel-macron-warn-of-war-in-europe

### 2026-09-28: Pope Leo XIV warns of rearmament illusion in Metz

In Metz, France, Pope Leo XIV warned against the ‘illusion of rearmament’ and urged European leaders to seek peace through creative diplomacy and dialogue rather than military escalation.

123 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pope-leo-xiv-warns-of-rearmament-illusion-in-metz

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Cite as: Papal and French leadership warnings on European security. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/papal-and-french-leadership-warnings-on-european-security