Key facts
- President Emmanuel Macron invited European heads of state to attend Pope Leo XIV's speech in Metz.
- The Pope's speech is scheduled for September 28 and is titled "The roots of Europe, for peace and unity."
- Metz is the hometown of Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union.
- Pope Leo XIV's visit to France is from September 25 to 28.
- The pontiff will also visit the Unesco headquarters and discuss artificial intelligence.
French President Emmanuel Macron has extended invitations to European heads of state to attend an address by Pope Leo XIV in Metz on September 28. The speech, titled "The roots of Europe, for peace and unity," will take place on the final day of the pontiff's four-day official visit to France, which runs from September 25 to 28.
The event is designed to honor Robert Schuman, a key figure in the formation of the European Union and a native of Metz. Archbishop Philippe Ballot of Metz noted that while Metz is an unusual stop for a papal visit, the location is fitting given the speech's theme of European unity.
During his visit, Pope Leo XIV is also scheduled to meet with President Macron at the Elysée Palace, visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, and speak at the Unesco headquarters. At Unesco, the pontiff is expected to address the topic of artificial intelligence, having previously urged stronger AI regulation in his first major encyclical.