Pope Leo XIV to meet religious leaders in Metz

Pope Leo XIV met with representatives of various religious traditions on September 28, 2026, at the Robert Schuman Congress Center in Metz, France. During the interfaith meeting, the Pope spoke about the responsibility of religious men and women to build friendships and peace across borders.

The Pope referenced the legacy of Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union, noting his ability to turn divisions into bridges of hope. He stated that religious dialogue should not diminish individual identity but should express it through openness to others.

In his address, the Pope cited Pope Francis's encyclical Fratelli tutti, noting that interreligious dialogue aims to establish friendship and peace rather than merely practicing diplomacy or tolerance. He also referenced Pope John Paul II's view of dialogue as a fundamental human necessity.