Pope Leo XIV to address European unity in Metz
Pope Leo XIV is ending his four-day visit to France in Metz, where he will celebrate Mass and speak about Europe's future and integration. The city is associated with Robert Schuman, a founding figure of the European Union, and French President Emmanuel Macron plus some European leaders are expected to attend. The pope's message comes amid rising nationalism and Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, seven months before France's presidential election.
Metz sits near France's border with Germany and has repeatedly shifted between the two countries during past wars. Robert Schuman, an EU founding figure, lies buried just outside the city. Macron and several European heads of state or government are expected to attend the pope's Mass and speech.
The visit comes as nationalist parties gain ground and Russia's war in Ukraine continues into a fifth year. France's presidential election is seven months away, with the eurosceptic far right seeking power. Leo has previously urged the EU to move past tensions and recover unity for peace.
The pope's Metz address could shape public debate in France and beyond by linking faith, European unity and peace ahead of a national election. Residents and pilgrims may feel local pride alongside crowd and security disruptions. European leaders present may draw symbolic support for cooperation, while nationalist-minded voters could respond critically. The message may also resonate with those watching Russia's war in Ukraine, though its concrete political effect remains uncertain.