Pope Leo XIV calls for peace and multilateralism in Europe

On September 28, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivered a speech in Metz, France, calling for an end to ongoing military conflicts in Europe through negotiation, dialogue, and compromise. The Pope expressed deep concern over the reappearance of war on the continent, describing current human and interstate relations as increasingly barbaric. While he did not name specific countries, his address emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of regional instability.

Highlighting the legacy of Robert Schuman, a founder of European integration, the Pope stressed that a genuine desire for peace remains the continent's most critical foundation. He underscored the importance of international law and multilateralism as essential tools to ensure the equality of states and to prevent the dominance of one nation over others. The Pope noted that international law, unlike national law, cannot be imposed by force and must remain a collaborative framework.

Reflecting on the historical development of the European continent, the Pope traced its cultural and political identity through the Hellenistic period, the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity, and the later integration of Germanic and Slavic influences. This historical perspective served as a backdrop for his broader message on the necessity of preserving peace as a shared European endeavor.