Pope ends French trip with call for Europe to combat lies
Pope Leo XIV concluded a visit to France with a speech in Metz calling for European unity and a rejection of 'lies and deceit' in international relations. The Pope also addressed his ongoing disagreements with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding immigration and foreign policy.
Why it matters
The Pope's political commentary on European unity and global conflicts highlights the Vatican's role in contemporary international diplomacy.
Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a historic four-day visit to France today after warning that relations between nations were becoming increasingly uncivilised and urging Europe to help break the spiral of "lies and deceit".
Speaking in the eastern city of Metz near the border with Germany, the leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics did not mention any world leaders by name.
The Pope sees Europe as a counterweight to major powers and has in the past called on the European Union to overcome tensions and rediscover unity in pursuit of peace in Ukraine and beyond.
Leo, the first US pontiff, has clashed with President Donald Trump in recent months over the harsh crackdown on immigration in the United States and the war on Iran.
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