Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day historic visit to France by warning that international relations are deteriorating into an increasingly uncivilised state. Speaking in the eastern border city of Metz alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics urged European nations to help dismantle a growing global spiral of lies and deceit without calling out specific world leaders by name.
Pope Leo Warns of Uncivilized State Relations in Metz Address
Standing alongside Emmanuel Macron and other dignitaries in Metz—a city that frequently shifted between France and Germany in past conflicts—Pope Leo addressed the degradation of diplomatic norms. “Relations between individuals and states are becoming increasingly uncivilised. The value of keeping one’s word is dismissed.”
The pontiff positioned Europe as a crucial counterweight to major global powers. Having previously clashed with United States President Donald Trump over harsh American immigration crackdowns and the conflict involving Iran, the first US pope emphasized that the European Union must overcome internal tensions to restore unity and foster peace in Ukraine and beyond.
Aviation Enthusiasm and Political Stances Highlight the Visit
Throughout the four-day itinerary, the pontiff balanced sharp geopolitical messaging with warm public engagement. On Monday morning, the aviation enthusiast spent 30 minutes inside the cockpit of the Air France aircraft that transported him to Metz and blessed the flight crews of the Rafale fighter jets that escorted his plane, as detailed by France 24.
Reactions to the pontiff’s direct approach varied among observers. “We are very pleased to have a pope who dares to take a political stand,” Isabelle Gerber, a Protestant pastor, told reporters. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron marked the departure by stating, “We’re sad that he’s leaving, but happy that everything went well.”
Addressing European Security, Migration, and Nationalism
Turning to continental security, Pope Leo addressed Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fifth year, by calling for courage in negotiations. “Sadly, war has returned, even to Europe,” Leo said, stressing the need for patient dialogue and compromise despite Russian President Vladimir Putin showing little willingness to negotiate.
The visit also touched on domestic European politics as anti-immigration nationalist movements gain traction ahead of France’s upcoming presidential election, where the far right aims to succeed the centrist Macron. Urging the continent to welcome individuals fleeing war and persecution, Leo noted that Europe is “entering a new stage” marked by an “unprecedented encounter between peoples and cultures.” Tragically, hours before his departure, French authorities reported that three undocumented migrants, including a 10-year-old boy, died while attempting to cross the English Channel to Britain.
Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Public Reception
President Macron and his wife, Brigitte, joined the pontiff for Mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a renowned Gothic structure featuring historic stained-glass windows. During his homily in Metz—a town closely tied to European Union founding father Robert Schuman—Leo emphasized that reconciliation requires “the courage to break the chains of resentment.”
Despite France's deeply secular culture and strong Catholic roots, the visit drew widespread public interest. Celine Denis, a 53-year-old resident in Metz, captured the local sentiment: “Whether you’re deeply religious or not, seeing so much joy is moving. It gives you the feeling of a truce, of something very positive in a context that is anything but positive, because everything feels anxiety-inducing.”
Frequently Asked Questions About the Papal Visit
When did Pope Leo XIV visit France?
Pope Leo XIV completed a historic four-day official visit to France concluding on Monday. This marked the first official papal visit to the country in nearly two decades.
Where did Pope Leo deliver his final address?
The pontiff delivered his major address in Metz, an eastern French city near the German border associated with EU founding father Robert Schuman.
What specific issues did Pope Leo address during his trip?
Leo addressed the degradation of international diplomacy, the war in Ukraine, the rise of nationalism in Europe, and the arrival of migrants fleeing war and persecution.
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