'Vive le Pape!' - With Pope Leo in Metz

Pope Leo XIV concluded his Apostolic Journey to France today in Metz, bringing to a close his fifth international journey since the beginning of his pontificate.

After beginning his visit in Paris, where massive crowds welcomed him overflowing some of the city's main sites, he continued to Lourdes, where he prayed at the beloved Marian shrine which recalls the Blessed Mother's having appeared to St. Bernadette in 1858, with pilgrims and so many faithful.

Finally, the Holy Father arrived in Metz for the final stage of his four-day Journey.

Read also 28/09/2026 Why Pope Leo chose Metz From inside the Schuman Center in Metz with Pope Leo, Vatican News correspondent Deborah Castellano Lubov shares why the Pope chose this city, following in the footsteps of a ...

Located near the borders of Germany and Luxembourg, Metz stands at the crossroads of European history. It is also closely linked to the legacy of the Venerable Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of European integration.

It had been Schuman's vision of reconciliation that was critical in laying foundations for a united Europe after the devastation of World War II.

Even when it seemed that the wounds of war were too great to have dialogue and that such a vision could seem impossible, he had the courage to go against the current with his vision for peace.

Pope Leo likewise in Metz called for this courage to pursue peace.

After celebrating Mass at St. Stephen's Cathedral, the same site where decades ago Robert Schuman's funeral had taken place, Pope Leo returns to Rome on the papal flight this evening.