Saint Stephen’s Cathedral in Metz, France Monday, 28 September 2026
Speaking in a region long defined by border shifts and historic conflict, Pope Leo presided over a solemn Eucharistic celebration in Metz on the final leg of his trip to France, calling on the faithful to build a future rooted in forgiveness, charity, and moral responsibility.
Entrusting the diocesan community of Metz and the broader European continent to God, the Pontiff drew upon the biblical vision of the prophet Isaiah to outline a spiritual roadmap for peace. Reflecting on Isaiah’s imagery of the desert, the garden, and the house, the Pope emphasized that while the desert fosters essential simplicity and the garden reflects flourishing beauty, the house represents a collaborative human effort. He noted that unlike nature, building a home requires active human labour, skill, and shared commitment, underscoring that true peace is not merely a passive gift, but a direct responsibility requiring daily charity and mutual support.
Addressing contemporary global tensions, the Holy Father urged believers to reject retaliation and violence in favour of Gospel-inspired mercy and magnanimity. He directly challenged the notion that vengeance signals strength, noting that the historic Moselle region stands as living proof that true power lies in the courage to break chains of resentment and seek reconciliation. Drawing on the teachings of Saint Augustine, he reiterated that lasting peace rests on respecting the sacred dignity of every individual within society.
The Pope highlighted Europe’s foundational moral and spiritual heritage, which he argued precedes its economic and political frameworks. Citing the contributions of monasticism, local figures like Saint Chrodegang, and Saint John Paul II, he recalled core principles handed down through generations, including the primacy of human life, individual freedom, support for the poor, protection of the family, and welcoming the stranger. He urged the local Church of Metz to serve as a living laboratory of these enduring values.
Pointing to the famous Saint Stephen’s Cathedral of Metz, known as the “Lanterne du Bon Dieu” for its vast expanse of stained-glass windows, the Pontiff offered a striking metaphor for unity. He praised the integration of works by the renowned Jewish painter Marc Chagall alongside traditional biblical depictions, describing the cathedral as a symbol of ecumenism and interreligious dialogue.
Closing his address, the Pope stated that Europe’s future depends not on enforced uniformity, but on a harmony of differences where past wounds become avenues for light. He expressed his wish for the Church in Metz to remain a beacon of hope for France, Europe, and the wider world as he concluded his pastoral visit.
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