In Metz, Pope Leo steps into Europe’s deepening divide over immigration

Pope Leo XIV will visit Metz, France, on September 28 to participate in an interreligious meeting and deliver a speech titled "Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity" at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre. This visit follows his September 26 visit to Maison Bakhita, a migrant center in Paris, which occurred one day before the World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

The Pope's trip to the border region of France, Germany, and Luxembourg comes as Europe faces divisions regarding mass immigration. According to Catholic News Agency, Leo has maintained continuity with Pope Francis' defense of migrants while also explicitly recognizing the rights of nations, the requirements of integration, and the concerns of societies receiving immigrants.