Pope Leo XIV called on Europe to defend an order based on the rule of law and dialogue

The Pontiff spoke about the modern world, which is seeing an increasing number of conflicts — from wars and famine to deteriorating relations between people. He described the situation as "increasingly less civilized." Leo XIV also criticized lies and deception, which, in his opinion, contribute to the growth of distrust between citizens and authorities.

Speaking in the hometown of Robert Schuman, one of the founders of European integration, the Pope stated that Europe is capable of breaking this vicious circle if it adheres to the principle of respect for others, the rule of law, and dialogue.

"Europe can break this circle by upholding the principle of respect for others, which it has successfully developed and maintained, clearly demonstrating over the past eighty years that different opinions, demands, and interests can be expressed through dialogue, not through confrontation," he said.

Leo XIV did not directly mention Russia's war against Ukraine but condemned what he called a new "senseless massacre" on European soil. He called for patient dialogue, courage in negotiations, and a willingness to compromise on certain issues for the ultimate goal of peace.

The Pope also called on Europeans to remember the continent's Christian roots. He emphasized that Europe is not only a geographical area but also a "cultural and historical reality."

"We cannot speak of Europe without mentioning Christianity," Leo XIV declared.

According to him, Christian traditions can coexist with efforts to shape Europe's future. He noted that the continent developed when it was able to rely on the best aspects of its past and re-evaluate them in a new, creative way through encounters with other cultures and peoples.

The choice of Metz for the speech had clear European symbolism. The city is located in northeastern France, in Lorraine, near the border with Germany, and is the birthplace of Robert Schuman.

At the same time, Metz's history also reflects the many conflicts that shaped modern Europe. The city repeatedly changed hands between France and Germany, and in 1940 it was annexed by Nazi Germany after the defeat and occupation of France.

The Élysée Palace stated that the visit's program was intended to emphasize the "European and cross-border dimension" of Lorraine — a region at the crossroads of several countries with a shared, but often tragic, history of wars.

EU and European institution leaders were invited to the event, but only a few joined French President Emmanuel Macron, including representatives from Monaco, Andorra, and Luxembourg.

Representatives of various religious communities also participated in the meeting, including the Chief Rabbi of France, Haïm Korsia, and the Rector of the Grand Mosque of Paris, Chems-Eddine Hafiz.

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