Pope Leo XIV backs EU rights model in final remarks of France visit
In Metz, the Pope affirmed Europe’s Christian roots and praised the European Union’s emphasis on human rights and international law.
Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day visit to France in Metz, where he affirmed Europe’s Christian roots while praising the European Union as a model grounded in human rights and international law.
France 24 reported that the Pope’s remarks sit against competing political claims about Europe’s Christian heritage. Its programme explored differences between his views and those of eurosceptic National Rally figures Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella.
The programme also reported that Leo warned relations between nations were becoming “increasingly uncivilised” and urged Europe to help “break this cycle”.
During the visit, Leo met privately with victims of systemic abuse within the Church. France 24 gave no further details of the meeting.
The broadcaster said the Pope drew large crowds during the tour, but provided no figures. Its report raised questions about his moral authority and political influence without presenting direct responses from Le Pen or Bardella.
