On the last day of his visit to France, on September 28, Léon XIV participated in Metz in an interreligious meeting with the main religious leaders in France. On the steps of the Human Rights Center, in front of the Robert-Schuman Convention Center, Léon XIV greeted the pastor Christian Krieger, president of the French Protestant Federation, the Orthodox metropolitan of France, Mgr Dimitrios Ploumis, the chief rabbi of France, Haïm Korsia, the cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, president of the French Bishops' Conference, the imam of the Paris Grand Mosque, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, and the co-president of the French Buddhist Union, Antony Boussemart (from left to right in the photo). The meeting was part of a broader effort to promote unity and understanding among different faiths in the face of rising global tensions. During the event, the delegates from all faiths proclaimed the "Metz Appeal," a collective text co-written by the members of the Conference of Religious Representatives in France. The appeal highlights the growing threat of conflict and violence, which they say is undermining international law and deepening inequalities. It states that these changes "concern us, but they engage us even more," emphasizing the shared responsibility of religious leaders to address these challenges. The text expresses strong opposition to acts that harm people or places of worship, and it criticizes the "poison of totalitarianism," referencing the history of war in the Lorraine region. It also affirms that "the name of God cannot ever be invoked to justify violence and hatred." The appeal outlines three key commitments: to continue a meaningful dialogue among religious communities, to educate young people about the traditions of different faiths, and to stand together in adversity to promote justice and peace. The full text of the Metz Appeal reflects on the legacy of the Assisi Appeal from 40 years ago, which was a similar call for peace and unity among religious leaders. It acknowledges the profound changes in the world and the challenges posed by conflicts, ecological imbalances, and technological transformations. The appeal calls for religious communities to act as guardians of human dignity and to resist violence, injustice, and indifference. It emphasizes that peace cannot be achieved without justice, respect for human dignity, and solidarity among people and generations. The document concludes with a strong commitment to fostering a culture of peace, education, and mutual respect, in line with the constitutional principles of freedom of conscience and the free exercise of worship.