Pope Urges Europe to Combat Deceit in International Relations

Pope Leo XIV has urged Europe to help break what he described as a cycle of “lies and deceit” in international relations, calling for greater respect and commitment to dialogue.

The Pope made the call on Monday in Metz, France, during the final day of his four-day visit to the country, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.

He said relations between individuals and states were becoming increasingly uncivilised, with the value of keeping one's word being undermined.

“Europe can help to break this cycle through the respect for others that it has learned to cultivate and preserve,” he said.

The Pope also called for courage in negotiations and compromise to help end conflicts, particularly as war continues in Europe.

“Today, sadly, war has returned, even to Europe,” he said, calling for patient dialogue and a willingness to give up some positions for the greater good of peace.

Leo, the first US pontiff, has previously called on European countries to strengthen unity and contribute to peace efforts, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine.

His remarks came during his first official papal visit to France in nearly two decades.

The pontiff also urged European countries to respond to the arrival of people fleeing war and persecution, describing migration as an encounter between peoples and cultures that required countries to listen to one another.

Macron, for his part, called on Europe to resist isolation, hatred and nationalism that divides countries, saying the continent should strengthen its role in promoting peace, independence and democracy.

The Pope's visit ended in Metz, a city associated with Robert Schuman, one of the founding figures of European integration. Leo also highlighted the need for European unity as nationalist movements gain strength across the continent.