Pope Leo XIV Ends France Visit with Appeal for Peace and Interfaith Dialogue

Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day visit to France with an appeal to religious leaders to promote peace, dialogue and respect for human dignity.

Speaking at an interfaith meeting in Metz on the final day of the visit, identified as Monday, the pope warned against using religion to defend violence or oppression. He urged faith leaders to help build friendship, peace and brotherhood in a world facing conflict and division.

Religion and responsibility

“Invoking God’s name to legitimise violence or oppression is a desecration of that name. Nothing that undermines human dignity can claim to be genuinely inspired by God,” Pope Leo XIV said.

He said religion could not be used to justify violence, particularly in a world marked by conflict and contempt for vulnerable people. He also called on religions to defend human dignity and to “protect, accompany, and serve life”.

The pope said religious discourse should contribute to reducing hostility, calling for what he described as the disarming of hearts and words. He placed responsibility for that effort on individuals who serve as guardians of their respective religious traditions.

“Religious discourse must constantly call for the disarming of hearts and words. This entails the direct responsibility of each of us, as guardians of our respective traditions,” he said.

European lessons

In remarks focused on Europe’s current challenges, Pope Leo XIV referred to the role of dialogue in the continent’s integration after World War II. He said Europe should remember that tradition while confronting war, migration and polarisation.

“Dialogue does not diminish our identity but expresses it with simplicity and truth by opening us to the difference of the other,” he said.

Metz, an eastern French city near the borders with Luxembourg and Germany, is closely associated with Robert Schuman, described as one of the founding fathers of the European Union. The location provided a setting for the pope’s emphasis on cooperation across borders and the value of dialogue.

Pope Leo XIV said it was possible for people to come together across borders and work towards peace. His appeal to religious leaders centred on fostering relationships between communities while protecting human dignity and serving life.