Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to draw on Christian roots for peace

On the final day of his visit to France, Pope Leo XIV called on Europe to draw on its Christian heritage and postwar experience of reconciliation to promote unity, dialogue and peace amid Russia’s war in Ukraine and other conflicts. He urged leaders to counter domination through international law and multilateralism, and called for patient talks, courage in negotiation and compromise to end war. In Metz, a city closely linked to European integration and Robert Schuman, he also stressed respect for others as a way to resist growing hostility and political division.