Pope Leo XIV to make European unity the focus of Metz visit
The pontiff is due to conclude his France visit with a speech on Europe’s future, as French and other European leaders are expected to attend.
Pope Leo XIV is due to conclude his four-day visit to France in Metz on Monday with a speech on Europe’s future and integration. French President Emmanuel Macron is also expected to speak, with several European leaders expected to attend.
The address is expected to focus on Europe’s roots and unity amid stronger nationalist movements and Russia’s continuing war against Ukraine. The planned visit gives a political focus to a trip that has also included messages on peace, coexistence and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Metz carries particular weight for the European theme: the city has changed hands between France and Germany in past conflicts and is associated with Robert Schuman, an EU founding figure buried nearby.
The programme is also expected to include a procession through Metz in the popemobile and Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral. Security preparations included a sweep of the cathedral by deminers ahead of the visit.
France 24 reported that the Vatican said more than 1.3 million people saw the pope in Paris and Lourdes from Friday to Sunday. The figure is attributed to the Vatican and has not been independently verified in the supplied reporting.
