Pope Leo called on negotiators involved in ending the conflict in Ukraine to demonstrate a willingness to make concessions, emphasizing that sacrifices are necessary to achieve lasting peace. Speaking on Monday in Metz, France—a city significant for its connection to Robert Schuman, a key architect of European unity—the pontiff highlighted the ongoing devastation of war in Europe and urged parties to put aside certain positions for the greater good.
The pope, the first from the United States, addressed European leaders during his four-day visit, delivering a message that linked the current crisis with the broader challenges facing international diplomacy. He lamented the return of large-scale violence on the continent without naming Ukraine directly but alluding to the conflict through calls for courage in negotiations. Drawing a parallel to Pope Benedict XV’s 1917 appeal during World War I, Leo emphasized the urgency of constructive dialogue amid the failure of peace efforts.
Pope Leo also cautioned against the ongoing increase in military expenditures across Europe, which last year saw the largest growth since the Cold War era. Opposing this trend, he questioned whether boosting armaments truly advances world peace or merely prepares nations for future conflicts. The pontiff’s remarks came amid heightened pressure from leaders such as former U.S. President Donald Trump and in the context of Russia’s intensified military actions following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has led to the occupation of approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently met with Trump in New York to explore avenues for ending the fighting, both Ukraine and Russia have remained firm on retaining territory, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Beyond the war, Pope Leo addressed migration, urging European countries to welcome and integrate newcomers as part of their communities. He called for “legal and safe pathways” for migrants and underscored the need for international cooperation to combat human trafficking. Speaking alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, the pope stressed the importance of embracing migrants’ potential and treating them with dignity. His remarks came shortly after the deaths of three migrants—including a child—attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain.
In his address, Leo also praised European integration and multiculturalism as forces that have long contributed to the continent’s progress. He reminded leaders to uphold foundational European values such as the rule of law and equality, regardless of race, color, or class. Noting Europe’s Christian heritage, the pope lamented the erosion of civility in political and social relations, highlighting a growing disregard for truth and trust. He suggested that Europe could serve as a model for restoring respect and accountability in international affairs.
President Macron echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Europe’s Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian roots as critical to shaping ideals of individual freedom and personhood. He described the European Union as a distinctive project grounded in principles of peace and equality, reinforcing the importance of collaboration amid contemporary challenges.