Leo XIV urges faith leaders to reject violence at Metz meeting
At an interfaith gathering on the final day of his France visit, the pope called for religious discourse to support peace. Religious representatives issued a joint appeal for dialogue.
Pope Leo XIV called on religious leaders to use their traditions to support peace and reject oppression, speaking at an interfaith meeting in Metz on the final day of his four-day visit to France.
“Religious discourse must constantly call for the disarmament of hearts and words,” he said, according to France 24. He added that invoking God to legitimise violence or oppression was a desecration, and that attacks on human dignity could not be authentically inspired by God.
The meeting followed the reading of the “Metz Appeal”, a joint declaration by representatives of religious communities in France calling for interreligious dialogue and peace.
Leo’s visit placed European peace and unity on the agenda. His programme listed a scheduled address at the Robert Schuman Convention Centre titled “At the roots of Europe for peace and unity”; the source did not confirm whether it took place.
French President Emmanuel Macron attended the pope’s afternoon Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the Élysée Palace said. It also announced that Macron would take part in the farewell ceremony marking Leo’s departure from France.
