The COMECE Presidency, led by its President, H.E. Mgr Mariano Crociata, was in Metz on Monday, 28 September 2026, on the occasion of Pope Leo XIV’s Apostolic Journey to France. Video | Speech
Pope Leo XIV in Metz, France. (Photo: Vatican Media)
In this historic city at the heart of Europe, in a region marked by suffering and reconciliation and closely associated with Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of European integration, the Holy Father delivered an address reflecting on Europe’s roots and its present and future in the pursuit of peace and unity.
Pope Leo XIV emphasised that Europe is above all a cultural and historical reality, built through tradition, encounter and openness to others. He recalled the contribution of Saint Benedict and the Christian heritage to the development of European civilisation, highlighting the importance of caring for the most vulnerable, education, healthcare, science and the organisation of society.
The Pope also highlighted the enduring relevance of Robert Schuman and Alcide De Gasperi’s vision for peace and unity in today’s Europe, reflecting on their contribution to European integration and the values rooted in Europe’s Christian heritage that inspired them, including human dignity, solidarity, justice, personal responsibility and respect for the rule of law.
Addressing Europe’s contemporary challenges, Pope Leo underlined the importance of religious freedom, the promotion of universal values and Church-State relations founded on mutual cooperation.
Some members of the COMECE Standing Committee in Metz during Pope Leo’s address. From left to right: Mgr. Crociata, Mgr. Herouard, Fr. Barrios Prieto and Mgr Auza. (Photo: COMECE)
In this regard, the Pope said that Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union is of “great importance” because it calls for an open, transparent and regular dialogue between Churches and the EU institutions. Pope Leo also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the autonomy of Churches.
On migration, the Holy Father said that human dignity demands legal and safe pathways, rescue and assistance, real cooperation against traffickers, effective protection for victims, serious processes of reception and integration, and policies that allow every person to live with dignity in their own land, presenting dialogue and encounter as essential to building a multicultural society and a reconciled world.
Turning to Europe’s responsibility for international peace, the Holy Father called for respect for international law and multilateralism, warning against the pursuit of domination and the logic of conflict.
Drawing inspiration from Schuman, he called for a commitment to peace that goes beyond both naïve pacifism and the assumption that rearmament alone can guarantee security.
The programme also included addresses by French President Emmanuel Macron and Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, President of the French Bishops’ Conference.
In the afternoon, the bishops of COMECE accompanied Pope Leo XIV at the celebration of Holy Mass in Metz Cathedral, concluding the day with a moment of prayer and communion with the Holy Father.