Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to draw on Christian roots for peace
Children sought hugs and autographs from Pope Leo XIV in Metz on Sept. 28, 2026, as he warned rearmament is not the answer and urged Europe to draw on Christian roots for peace.
FaithTap · Sep 28, 2026 · 1 min read
On Sept. 28, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed leaders at the Robert Schuman convention center in Metz on the final day of his four-day France visit, with Emmanuel Macron listening. Children at Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport asked him for hugs and autographs; crowds waved white flags and shouted 'Leo' along the motorcade. He also celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen, begun in 1120.
He said war has returned to Europe as a new 'senseless slaughter,' claiming countless civilian lives every day, and called for patient dialogue, courage in negotiation, and willingness to give up some positions for peace. He said Europe must guard against the illusion that rearmament is the answer. Recognizing Europe's debt to Christianity, he said openness to the transcendent is a constitutive part of the human person. He said to welcome a person means to integrate them as if they were part of one's own family. Metz is tied to Robert Schuman, declared venerable in 2021. In August he sent Archbishop Paul Gallagher to Moscow; another Vatican envoy was set to visit Russia that week.
Contested: none found. Right-rated outlets agreed on the quotes while framing either cathedral harmony of differences or dialogue versus military buildup.
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