The Pope recently gave a speech in Metz, a city in northeastern France, where he highlighted a unique local tradition known as the protocolary greeting. This practice brings together both civil and religious leaders, symbolizing unity between secular and faith-based institutions. Metz was annexed by Germany in 1871 but still operates under the Concordat of 1801, a treaty between the French state and the Catholic Church. Under this agreement, the government covers the salaries of recognized religious ministers, and the French president appoints the Bishop of Metz with the approval of the Vatican. The speech, titled At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity, was inspired by Robert Schuman, a French statesman born in 1886 in a region that had been contested between Germany and France. Schuman became a French citizen in 1919 and is regarded as one of the founding figures of European unity, alongside leaders like Konrad Adenauer and Jean Monnet. The Pope emphasized Schuman’s vision of reconciliation, shaped by his personal experience of shifting borders and his Christian background. The Pope also addressed the topic of Europe’s Christian roots, a theme explored by previous popes like John Paul II and Benedict XVI. However, Pope Francis approached the subject with caution, avoiding any tone that might suggest religious dominance. The Vatican had previously sought to include references to Europe’s Christian heritage in major European treaties, but faced resistance, notably from former French President Jacques Chirac, who supported strict religious neutrality. In his speech, the Pope also mentioned Saint Benedict of Nursia, declared the patron saint of Europe by Pope Paul VI in 1964. Benedict’s monastic rule played a significant role in shaping European culture. The Pope stressed the need for dialogue between different cultures and the importance of rediscovering European values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, especially in a diverse and multicultural society. Addressing modern challenges, the Pope called for legal pathways for migrants, protection from human traffickers, and integration policies that respect both migrants’ rights and the values of the host countries. He referenced the term useless massacre, used by Pope Benedict XV during World War I, to criticize the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. At the same time, he emphasized the need for peace and disarmament. The Pope defended the Concordat of 1801, still in effect in Metz, and stressed the importance of international law and multilateral cooperation in countering the desire for domination by some nations. He criticized the "barbaric" nature of current global relations, particularly the aggressive actions of some world leaders, and urged a return to principles of respect for agreements and the dignity of every person. The speech concluded with a call for creative efforts to achieve peace, rejecting the idea that rearmament is a solution. The Pope encouraged patience and solidarity in building a united Europe, emphasizing that individual rights are closely tied to the common good. He also highlighted the significance of Article 17 of the European Union’s treaty, which promotes dialogue with religious groups while respecting their independence.