Pope Leo XIV Warns Europe Against 'Desire for Domination' in Final France Address

Pope Leo XIV concluded his four-day apostolic visit to France on Monday with a Mass in the northeastern city of Metz, delivering a strong message urging Europe to build on its Christian heritage and culture of dialogue rather than succumb to the 'desire for domination' that he said fuels many of today's wars. The visit, which began last Friday, included stops in Paris and Lourdes before culminating in Metz, a city with deep Christian and European significance.

In his homily, the Pope invoked the legacy of Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of the European Union, who was born in Luxembourg but spent much of his life in Metz. Schuman's vision of reconciliation and integration, rooted in Christian values, was held up by the Pope as a model for contemporary Europe. 'Europe must rediscover its soul,' Pope Leo XIV said, warning against nationalism and division. The Vatican has increasingly positioned itself as a moral voice in global affairs, with this trip seen as part of a broader effort to promote peace and unity across the continent.

The Pope's remarks come at a time when the European Union faces internal challenges, including rising nationalist sentiments and the ongoing war in Ukraine. His call for dialogue and solidarity is likely to resonate with EU leaders, though it may also spark debate about the role of religion in public life. The visit has been widely covered in European media, with many commentators noting its symbolic importance for the Church's engagement with secular Europe. Next steps may include further Vatican diplomatic initiatives to foster peace and reconciliation in conflict zones.