Pope Leo XIV has called on Europe to help combat the growing trend of "deceit and lies" in international relations, warning that interactions between nations are becoming increasingly uncivilized. Speaking in Metz, France, near the German border, the pope emphasized the importance of keeping one's word and fostering respect in global ties. He made these remarks during the final leg of his four-day visit to France, the first official papal visit in nearly two decades.
The pope's visit to Metz holds significant symbolic value, as the city is associated with Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of the European Union. Leo urged Europeans to draw on their history of cultivating respect for others to help break the cycle of incivility in international relations. He also emphasized the need for courage in negotiation and compromise to achieve peace, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Leo's message of unity and peace comes at a time when nationalist movements are gaining strength in Europe. France's far-right anti-immigration party hopes to win the next election, succeeding centrist President Emmanuel Macron. The pope appealed for unity, urging countries to welcome and integrate refugees fleeing war and persecution. He sees this as an opportunity for Europe to rediscover its roots and engage with other cultures.
President Macron echoed the pope's sentiments, emphasizing the need for Europe to counter resurgent nationalism. He called on the continent to rediscover the courage of its founders and become a force for peace, independence, and democracy. Macron's remarks reflect a shared concern about the rise of nationalist movements and their potential to divide Europe.
The pope's family history has shaped his message of peace. His father, Louis Marius Prevost, witnessed war firsthand during the D-Day landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944. Leo has repeatedly called for peace, and his visit to Metz has sparked excitement among locals. Hotels were fully booked, and restaurants reported a surge in reservations during his visit.
The pontiff's engagement with crowds has been notable throughout his trip, with many describing him as warm and smiling. On Monday morning, he spent half an hour in the cockpit of the Air France plane that flew him to Metz, showing his passion for aviation. Archbishop Philippe Ballot of Metz noted the strong symbolic significance of the pope's visit to a city shaped by three wars, including two world wars.
The pope's message of unity and peace is particularly relevant given the current global landscape. With tensions between major powers and ongoing conflicts, Leo's call for respect, courage, and compromise serves as a reminder of the importance of working towards peace. As the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics, his words carry significant weight, and his visit to Europe serves as a catalyst for reflection on the continent's role in promoting global unity.
Key points
- Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to promote respect and unity in international ties.
- The pope warns of increasing incivility in global relations, characterized by "deceit and lies."
- Leo calls for courage in negotiation and compromise to achieve peace, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict.
