During his apostolic visit to the historic French city of Metz on September 28, Pope Leo XIV called on Europe to rediscover the religious and cultural roots that helped shape the continent. Speaking at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre during a meeting titled “To the Roots of Europe, for Peace and Unity,” the Pope reflected on Christianity’s enduring influence on European civilization.
Metz provided a particularly significant setting for the address. The city and surrounding Moselle region are closely associated with Venerable Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of modern European integration. Pope Leo traced Europe’s development through its classical, Christian inheritance, pointing in particular to the enormous influence of the Benedictine monastic tradition.
“We cannot speak of Europe, then, without mentioning Christianity,” Pope Leo said. He added that “recognizing Europe’s debt to Christianity” helps reveal openness to the transcendent as “a living source of civilization.”
His remarks also addressed migration and cultural integration. Pope Leo noted that contemporary Europe is experiencing a new stage in its long history of encounters between peoples, as migrants and refugees arrive seeking safety or better lives. He called for legal and safe migration pathways, assistance for those in danger, protection for victims of trafficking, and serious efforts toward reception and integration. He described the present situation as an unprecedented encounter between peoples and cultures requiring Europeans both to rediscover their roots and to listen carefully to others.
The Pope ultimately connected Europe’s Christian inheritance with his broader appeal for peace, human dignity and solidarity. Looking particularly to younger generations, he urged them to reject violence and oppression, defend human dignity, strengthen their communities and work for peace throughout the continent.
“And with you, Europe, firmly rooted in its heritage, will continue to flourish and to inspire the whole world,” Pope Leo concluded.
