---
title: Pope to address European identity in France
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/pope-to-address-european-identity-in-france
published: 2026-09-21T21:49:17+00:00
language: en
section: Culture and Ideas
source: https://www.religiondigital.org/leon-xiv/papa-ofrecera-reflexion-papel-europa_1_1466825.html
organizations: Vatican, Holy See, UNESCO
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Pope to address European identity in France

Pope Leo XIV will deliver a reflection on the role of Europe and invite the continent to return to its cultural foundations during his visit to Metz, France. The Vatican spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, announced these plans on Friday. The papal trip to France is scheduled to take place between the 25th and 28th of this month.

The Pope will travel to Metz, the birthplace of Robert Schumann, a founding father of the European project. He will participate in a conference where leaders and representatives of European institutions have been invited. Bruni stated that the Pope has left the door open for meetings with these figures, although he did not provide details on the specific personalities who will attend. The Pope's speech at this event is expected to echo the thoughts of many European founding fathers and the European culture of past centuries, including major Christian figures.

This will be the first official papal visit to France in 18 years. The previous visit was made by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008. Pope John Paul II made seven trips to France, including two visits to Lourdes. He also visited the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 2, 1980, and gave a speech focused on culture, science, and world peace. These themes are likely to be present in the current visit, which will center on the fundamental question of what it means to be human.

The Vatican spokesperson suggested that the visit could be an opportunity to address the environment, noting that culture and the environment are intimately linked. He also highlighted the role of international institutions as valuable mediators that must be protected in the search for the common good. The Pope will speak about the importance of human participation in an era where there is a risk of delegating to machines. The recent papal encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which deals with artificial intelligence, will be a key element of his intervention.

The central theme of the trip is the encounter with France, its people, culture, history, and its ancient and deep Christian roots. These roots have also manifested in French society and secularism, starting with the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. The topics of freedom of conscience for all, even in times of technocratic manipulation, will be central. This freedom is viewed as the foundation of all human rights and as a resource for secular societies.

The Pope will also meet with French bishops in Lourdes, a place described as a refuge of consolation and healing against evil and suffering. This meeting will be held behind closed doors. An interreligious meeting will also take place in Metz, where a joint manifesto will be read. Additionally, a framework agreement with the Holy See will be signed at UNESCO, though no further details were provided.