POPE LEO XIV ENDS APOSTOLIC JOURNEY TO FRANCE
Source: Vatican News Photo Credit: CNN
On Monday, 28 September 2026, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, engaged in an interreligious dialogue at the Robert Schuman Conference Centre in Metz on the final day of his Apostolic Journey to France. Reflecting on the legacy of Robert Schuman, one of the founding figures of the European Union, the Pope described him as a “man of faith and conviction” and an ambassador of unity in diversity who sought to transform divisions into “bridges of hope.”
Following Schuman’s example, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that the shared responsibility of men and women of faith is to bear witness that, beyond all borders, it is always possible to encounter one another, build friendships and work together for peace.
The Holy Father also referred to the late Pope Francis’ Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, highlighting its call for dialogue among religions as a means of building friendship and promoting peace. “Dialogue does not diminish our identity,” Pope Leo explained, “but expresses it with simplicity and truth by opening it to the diversity of the other.” He described dialogue as an “art of encounter,” standing in contrast to aggression and violence.
The Pope strongly condemned any attempt to invoke God’s name to justify violence or oppression, stating that “nothing that disfigures human dignity can claim to be inspired by God.” He further emphasised that the Catholic Church considers all those who “sincerely seek truth, goodness and beauty” as companions on the journey.
Concluding his reflection, the Holy Father prayed that the infinite goodness and wisdom of God would accompany all people and teach them to live ever more fully as His children and as brothers and sisters to one another.
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra
