Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace and European Unity During France Visit
Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day visit to France on September 28, 2026, using the trip to advocate for international reconciliation and warn against military rearmament. Speaking from Metz, the U.S.-born pontiff praised the European Union for “tearing down walls” and positioned himself as both a spiritual leader and a global statesman amid renewed European conflicts.
Diplomatic Warnings Against Military Rearmament in Metz
While speaking near the historically disputed border with Germany, Pope Leo XIV cautioned that military build-ups do not provide a genuine solution to security threats. He stated that the search for peace in Europe and globally “must not be confused with a naive form of pacifism.”
The messaging follows pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump for NATO members to increase defense spending. While Leo acknowledged valid security concerns, he warned against the illusion that armaments ensure stability.
Mass Gatherings in Paris and Lourdes
The pastoral tour drew significant crowds across three major French cities. The 71-year-old pope also held a stadium event for 80,000 young people.
The itinerary included a torchlit procession in Lourdes and concluded in Metz with a service at the Cathedral of St. Stephen. Local authorities reported that approximately 35,000 people attended the Metz Mass and filled the surrounding streets. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, attended the service despite France’s institutional separation of church and state.
Symbolism of the European Union and Robert Schuman
Pope Leo XIV delivered consecutive speeches at a venue named after Robert Schuman, the former French foreign minister and a primary architect of the European Union. The pope highlighted the EU’s success in removing the divisions that once fractured the continent. In his homily at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, he urged residents of the region to abandon revenge in favor of peace.
During his visit to Metz, Mayor Francois Grosdidier presented the pope with several gifts, including a wooden tennis racket, reflecting the pontiff’s passion for the sport. In the city’s guestbook, Pope Leo wrote: “May the peace of God reign always in the city of Metz and in the hearts of all people.”
Comparison of Visit Objectives
| Focus Area | Pastoral Activities | Diplomatic Messaging |
|---|---|---|
| Key Locations | Paris, Lourdes, Metz | Metz (EU birthplace) |
| Primary Audience | 800,000 faithful in Paris; youth | European leaders; NATO members |
| Core Message | Spiritual guidance and faith | Anti-rearmament; EU integration |