Prince Albert II Joins Pope Leo XIV in Metz for a Message of Peace and European Unity
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco joined Pope Leo XIV and European leaders in Metz on Monday for a gathering centred on peace, dialogue and the future of Europe, bringing together political and religious figures in a city deeply associated with Franco-German reconciliation and the beginnings of European integration.
The meeting, held at the Robert Schuman Conference Center under the theme “At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity,” formed part of the final day of Pope Leo XIV’s four-day Apostolic Journey to France. French President Emmanuel Macron was also present, alongside Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg and other representatives.
Metz provided a symbolic setting. Situated close to Luxembourg and Germany in a region repeatedly shaped by European conflict and reconciliation, the city is closely linked to Robert Schuman, one of the architects of post-war European cooperation. The choice placed questions of peace and unity within the historical landscape from which the European project emerged.
During his engagements in Metz, Pope Leo XIV emphasised dialogue as an alternative to aggression and division. Addressing representatives of different religious traditions, he invoked Schuman’s legacy as an example of transforming borders and divisions into opportunities for encounter. He also stressed that religious belief must never be used to justify violence or oppression and linked lasting peace with respect for human dignity.
The presence of Prince Albert II carried particular meaning Monaco had welcomed Pope Leo XIV earlier this year, on 28 March, for the first modern apostolic visit by a pontiff to the Principality. During that visit, the Pope highlighted Monaco’s potential to foster social friendship and encouraged the Principality to place prosperity at the service of justice and the common good.
Six months later in Metz, the Sovereign Prince’s participation placed Monaco once again within a wider European conversation about diplomacy, solidarity and peace.
For Pope Leo XIV, Metz marked the conclusion of a French journey that had taken him through Paris and Lourdes before reaching France’s eastern borderlands. His final day combined interreligious dialogue, reflection on Europe’s political heritage and a Mass at Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
Against a backdrop of continuing geopolitical tensions, the encounter offered a reminder of the ideas that shaped Europe after the devastation of the twentieth century: reconciliation between former adversaries, sustained dialogue and cooperation across borders.
