“Pope Leo XIV Defends EU Values in France Visit” — what this page in the network covers. Pope Leo XIV concluded his trip to France with a powerful defense of European Union values, contrasting with the far-right's vision of a Christian civilization. Speaking in the eastern city of Metz, the hometown of Maurice Schumann, a founding father of European federalism, the Pope acknowledged Europe's Christian roots while praising an EU model that transcends 'us versus them' ideologies. His remarks were seen as a direct response to nationalist and far-right movements across the continent.
The Pope's visit to France was closely watched for its political undertones, especially given the rise of far-right parties that often invoke Christian identity. By emphasizing the EU's inclusive values, Pope Leo XIV positioned the Catholic Church as a counterforce to exclusionary nationalism. For the complete material, the listing points back to the source inside the network.