Pope Leo XIV Concludes French Visit in Metz

President Emmanuel Macron ultimately attended the papal mass in Metz, despite earlier announcements suggesting he would not be present at the Concorde mass.

Historian Christophe Dickes characterized this as a 'catch-up' effort, rather than a lack of foresight, indicating a recognition from the French administration of the immense scale and significance of the papal visit.

The total turnout for the Pope's visit across France was estimated between 800,000 and 1 million people, a figure that surprised many, including international media outlets such as CNN and Italian and Spanish press.

This success is particularly notable given France's officially secular context, which is often misinterpreted as widespread anti-clericalism.

Christophe Dickes noted that the significant public turnout during the papal visit serves as a direct response to a broader crisis of unity within French society.

The public appeared to be seeking a sense of 'community' and solidarity in an era marked by deep social, political, and economic divisions, according to Dickes.

The Pope's address at the Stade de France specifically aimed at reinforcing the faith of the Catholic community in France.

His visit also directly engaged with political issues, particularly the contentious debate in France surrounding end-of-life care and euthanasia.

Pope Leo XIV's decision to conclude his visit in Metz, rather than Strasbourg, indicated a desire to connect directly with the general populace, moving beyond purely institutional engagements.

Metz holds deep symbolic value as a historical site of Franco-German reconciliation, having been occupied twice by the Germans, and served as a powerful backdrop for the Pope's message on European unity during a period of ongoing global tensions.

The Pope's visit aimed to address not only internal French polarization but also its broader implications for European unity, consistent with the Holy See's long-standing multilateral policy since the post-World War II era.

This multilateral approach is seen as a crucial tool for easing global tensions and fostering collaboration, positioning Europe's voice as a necessary counterweight to the influence of powers like the United States and China, while rejecting the 'realpolitik' favored by major empires.

Christophe Dickes described the current Pope as a 'five-legged sheep,' highlighting his unique background as a South American Augustinian with extensive international experience, having visited over 50 countries.

Unlike his predecessor, Pope Leo XIV, a jurist, prioritizes legal frameworks and deliberate reflection in his diplomatic engagements, leading to a more considered and less impulsive approach to global issues.

The Vatican's diplomatic reach extends to Russia through Orthodox channels, although establishing relations with China remains a more significant challenge, especially given the United States is home to 70 million Catholics, making it the world's fourth-largest Catholic nation.