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If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.Ps 127:1

Vatican Journey to France

Pope Leo XIV speaks in Metz

Catholic IntelligenceUpdated 1 min read

Pope Leo XIV spoke in Metz on September 28, 2026, stating that Christianity is inseparable from the history and identity of Europe. During his final stop in France, the pope addressed an assembly titled "In the Roots of Europe, for Peace and Unity," where he argued that Europe should be understood as a cultural and historical reality rather than a geographic one.

The pope began his visit to Metz by meeting with representatives of various religions at the Robert Schuman Congress Center. He told the group that religions are called to protect life and build peace. He also stated that dialogue does not weaken a person's identity but allows them to express it through truth while remaining open to others.

During his remarks, Pope Leo XIV condemned using the name of God to justify oppression or violence, calling such actions a profanation. He added that the greatness of a civilization is measured by how it protects and elevates the most fragile human beings rather than by material success. He warned that human relations and relations between states are becoming increasingly barbaric.

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How the coverage unfolded

  1. Sep 28, 8:07 AM Aleteia Español León XIV en Metz: “No podemos hablar de Europa sin mencionar el cristianismo”
  2. Sep 29, 12:41 AM Omnes Español León XIV se despide de Francia y Metz, ciudad de reconciliación y faro de esperanza para Europa y el mundo

More on Pope Leo XIV

  1. Sep 29, 2:16 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Metz
  2. Sep 29, 2:01 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV ends France visit
  3. Sep 29, 1:32 AM PT Pope Leo XIV to pray for water protection
  4. Sep 29, 1:06 AM PT · 5 sources Pope Leo XIV leads candlelit procession in Lourdes
  5. Sep 29, 12:46 AM PT · 9 sources Pope Leo XIV meets with religious leaders in Metz
  6. Sep 29, 12:46 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV addresses meeting on Europe's roots
  7. Sep 29, 12:46 AM PT · 12 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass at Cathedral of St. Stephen in Metz, France
  8. Sep 29, 12:41 AM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Lourdes
  9. Sep 29, 12:40 AM PT · 4 sources Pope Leo XIV to have six altar servers with Down syndrome at Paris Mass
  10. Sep 29, 12:32 AM PT · 6 sources Pope Leo XIV holds in-flight press conference on return from France
  11. Sep 29, 12:30 AM PT · 3 sources Pope Leo XIV meets with 80,000 young people in Paris
  12. Sep 29, 12:19 AM PT · 7 sources Pope Leo XIV argues for faith in public life in France
  13. Sep 29, 12:16 AM PT · 13 sources Pope Leo XIV says he is not losing sleep over AI apocalypse fears
  14. Sep 29, 12:05 AM PT · 4 sources Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to return to Christian roots and be open to migrants
  15. Sep 28, 11:54 PM PT · 10 sources Pope Leo XIV meets abuse victims in Lourdes
  16. Sep 28, 11:46 PM PT · 12 sources Pope Leo XIV begins four-day apostolic journey to France
  17. Sep 28, 11:46 PM PT Pope Leo XIV says Church teaches and deeply believes in defense of life
  18. Sep 28, 11:46 PM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to dialogue
  19. Sep 28, 11:41 PM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV says wars make no sense
  20. Sep 28, 11:15 PM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV speaks at interreligious meeting in Metz
  21. Sep 28, 11:09 PM PT · 4 sources Pope Leo XIV meets French abuse survivors in Lourdes
  22. Sep 28, 11:08 PM PT · 2 sources Pope Leo XIV to visit France
  23. Sep 28, 10:57 PM PT · 3 sources Pope Leo XIV addresses abuse, euthanasia, and politics in Germany
  24. Sep 28, 10:12 PM PT · 5 sources Pope Leo XIV celebrates Mass in Metz
  25. Sep 28, 9:03 PM PT · 14 sources Pope Leo XIV speaks at Robert Schuman Conference Center

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