Pope Leo XIV concluded his recent diplomatic tour of France in the city of Metz, a location historically significant as the hometown of Maurice Schumann, a key figure in the development of European federalism. During his address, the Pope acknowledged that Europe possesses deep Christian roots that trace back to the Roman era. However, he used this historical context to pivot toward a modern defense of the European Union’s current political framework.

In his remarks, the Pope advocated for an international model that prioritizes human rights and international law over the concept of 'might is right.' He specifically criticized the 'us versus them' mentality, which has been a recurring theme in recent political discourse. By framing the EU as a project that transcends nationalist divisions, the Pope positioned himself in contrast to far-right movements in France that often claim to be the sole defenders of 'Christian civilization.' The Pope’s message suggests a vision of Europe that balances its religious heritage with a commitment to secular, cooperative governance.