A 35-year-old man was detained in a church in Forbach, Moselle, on Tuesday after he was seen shouting "Allah Akbar," a phrase commonly used by some Muslims to signify "God is great." The incident occurred at the Saint-Rémi church in the city center. The man was arrested after police were alerted by the parents of 14-year-old girls from a nearby middle school. These parents reportedly heard him shout the phrase multiple times while he appeared to be searching for the church's priest. According to prosecutors, the man was carrying an Opinel-type knife, a small folding knife commonly used for everyday tasks, and a small amount of cannabis resin. He was taken into custody at the Forbach police station on charges of terrorism propaganda, carrying a weapon, and drug use. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. The man, born in 1991 in what was then Yugoslavia, has no known ties to intelligence services and is not listed in any security watchlists. His criminal record includes two unrelated offenses that do not involve terrorism or threats to national security. Police conducted a search at the home of his mother, where he resides in Stiring-Wendel. The parish priest, Archbishop Laurent Pidolle, confirmed that no violence or damage occurred during the arrest, which took place "calmly." He was present during the incident and described the situation as non-aggressive. Authorities are still investigating the suspect’s "religious environment" and "psychiatric profile," with plans to extend his custody in the early afternoon. This incident comes just weeks before the visit of Pope Leo XIV to France, who is scheduled to visit Metz on September 28. The mayor of Forbach, Alexandre Cassaro, condemned the man’s actions as "cowardly and odious." He praised the teenagers who raised the alarm and the "reactivity" of the police. The mayor also expressed his full support for the archbishop, the priests of the parish, and the entire Catholic community, who have been deeply affected by the event. The situation highlights the vigilance of local communities and law enforcement in addressing potential threats. While no violence occurred, the incident has raised concerns about security in religious spaces, especially in the lead-up to a high-profile religious visit. Authorities continue to work closely with local leaders to ensure the safety of the community and the church.