Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day visit to France by emphasizing themes of peace, multilateralism, and religious freedom during a series of addresses in Metz, the region closely tied to the origins of the European Union. Speaking at a conference center named after Robert Schuman, the French foreign minister and key architect of European integration, the pope underscored the EU’s role in overcoming division and fostering unity across the continent.
Without explicitly mentioning the conflict in Ukraine, Leo alluded to renewed warfare in Europe, urging leaders to demonstrate courage and a willingness to compromise for the sake of peace. He cautioned against confusing the pursuit of peace with naive pacifism but also warned that “rearmament” alone is not a solution to conflict. When pressed for specifics during a news conference en route to Rome, he refrained from elaborating.
Known for his nuanced approach, the U.S.-born pontiff’s remarks balanced calls for kindness and human dignity with pragmatic recognition of geopolitical realities. He condemned the exploitation of God’s name to justify violence and criticized the erosion of international law and multilateral agreements, highlighting their importance as safeguards against domination and conflict.
During his visit, Leo addressed contemporary challenges such as migration, urging legal pathways and better conditions in migrants’ countries of origin, while emphasizing the need for integration and hospitality toward newcomers. French President Emmanuel Macron hosted the event in Metz, inviting leaders from other EU member states, though attendance from foreign dignitaries appeared limited.
Leo’s visit combined spiritual leadership with a diplomatic tone, drawing large crowds including 800,000 for an outdoor Mass in Paris—the largest since the 2018 World Cup celebrations—and 80,000 young people at a stadium event. His public appearances attracted not only believers but also young non-Catholics, with some expressing admiration for his message amid what they described as turbulent political times.
The pope also addressed social issues in France, espousing conservative Catholic stances by opposing surrogacy and euthanasia laws while doing so with sensitivity to French cultural identity. His outreach included visits to the recently restored Notre Dame Cathedral, Lourdes where he met with pilgrims and abuse survivors, and hospitals where he comforted the disabled and infirm.
Throughout the trip, Leo maintained a careful but firm stance on international affairs, criticizing the rise of nationalism and authoritarianism in Europe, and condemning power struggles evident in Venezuela and other regions. He reiterated his position against the pursuit of domination by powerful states, describing it as the root of many conflicts, and appealed for renewed respect for international institutions and dialogue.
While having experienced previous tensions with the Trump administration, the pope avoided escalating confrontations, choosing instead to advocate for common humanity and global cooperation. On the papal flight to Paris, confronted about recent restrictions on media access in Washington, Leo expressed support for open and comprehensive journalistic coverage.
His visit to secular France showcased both his role as spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics and his emergence as an elder statesman seeking to influence global conversations about peace, justice, and human dignity.