Pope urges Europe to defend multilateralism as global order crumbles
Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day visit to France on September 28 with a speech in Metz calling for Europe to defend a rules-based international order and multilateralism. The pope urged European leaders to resist rising nationalism and a desire for domination by drawing on the continent's Christian roots. He specifically called for Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to their war, describing conflicts as senseless and urging both nations to make concessions for peace.
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- ✓ Pope Leo XIV spoke in Metz, France, on September 28, 2026.
- ✓ The pope urged Europe to defend multilateralism and the international rules-based order.
- ✓ Pope Leo XIV called on Russia and Ukraine to sit down and talk to end their war.
- ✓ The pope advocated for Europe to draw from its Christian roots to confront the desire for domination.
What changed
Pope Leo XIV concluded his France visit with a call for European reconciliation and a plea for Russia and Ukraine to enter peace talks.
Live updates
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Pope Leo XIV Urges Europe to Defend Multilateralism Amid Global Instability
Pope Leo XIV concluded a four-day visit to France on September 28 with a speech in Metz calling for Europe to defend a rules-based international order and multilateralism. The pope urged European leaders to resist rising nationalism and a desire for domination by drawing on the continent's Christian roots. He specifically called for Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to their war, describing conflicts as senseless and urging both nations to make concessions for peace.
Why it matters
The speech took place in Metz, a city with a history of shifting between French and German control during two world wars. Pope Leo XIV invoked Robert Schuman to recall the forces that previously integrated Europe peacefully.
What is confirmed
- Pope Leo XIV spoke in Metz, France, on September 28, 2026.
- The pope urged Europe to defend multilateralism and the international rules-based order.
- Pope Leo XIV called on Russia and Ukraine to sit down and talk to end their war.
- The pope advocated for Europe to draw from its Christian roots to confront the desire for domination.
- Pope Leo XIV urged European leaders to resist increased nationalism and avoid barbaric relations between nations.
Still unconfirmed
- Pope Leo XIV essentially called for Europe to direct the world order.
- The pope sat in an Air France plane cockpit while traveling to Metz.
What to watch next
- Official responses from Russian or Ukrainian leadership regarding the call for concessions.
- Further diplomatic actions by European leaders to address the pope's warnings on nationalism.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (20)
- CNN — Leo’s visit across France offers a more personal glimpse of the pope
- Vatican News — Creative efforts for negotiation and the illusion of rearmament
- Reuters — Pope Leo urges concessions for peace as Ukraine war drags on
- Vatican News — Pope: Wars are senseless; Russia and Ukraine should sit down to talk
- OSV News — Wrapping up France visit, Pope Leo calls on Europe to choose reconciliation over division
- Euronews.com — Pope urges Europe to defend multilateralism as global order crumbles
- Yahoo — Pope urges Europe to draw from Christian roots to confront thirst for domination driving wars
- Yahoo — Pope Leo sits in Air France plane cockpit en route to Metz
- www.usccb.org — Pope Leo urges Europe to stave off increased nationalism, barbaric relations
- theconversation.com — Pope Leo XIV’s Europe
- fortune.com — 'We need to commit ourselves to patient dialogue': Pope Leo warns of the 'desire for domination'
- www.euronews.com — Pope Leo urges Europe to defend multilateralism as global order crumbles
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