Video. Pope Leo ends France journey in Metz, spotlighting Schuman and EU unity
The pontiff selected Metz, a metropolis lengthy formed by Europe’s shifting borders and conflicts, to honour Robert Schuman, the French Catholic statesman who grew to become one of many architects of European integration after the Second World War.
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At a gathering titled “At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity”, Leo met European leaders and senior figures together with confirmed Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Prince Albert II of Monaco, Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and former European Commission president Jean‑Claude Juncker.
Macron, who had initially been scheduled to attend solely Leo’s morning speech, additionally joined the Mass at Saint‑Étienne Cathedral and the official farewell on the airport after rearranging his schedule.
Outside the cathedral, crowds gathered hours earlier than the service, with banners and rosaries seen among the many trustworthy. Families welcomed the pope in an environment that was each festive and devotional.
The Metz go to capped a journey that had already drawn massive crowds. The Vatican stated round 800,000 individuals attended Leo’s outside Mass in Paris, whereas tens of 1000’s joined the pope for Lourdes’ well-known candlelit procession.
The pontiff then left France after a farewell ceremony with Macron at Metz‑Nancy‑Lorraine airport.
