Story perspectives

Pope Urges European Dialogue to End Ukraine War

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV addressed European leaders in Metz, urging dialogue to end the war in Ukraine on September 28, 2026.
He warned that rising European military spending would not resolve the conflict.
He met French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders during a four-day visit to France.
He praised Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union.
He urged Europe to draw on its Christian heritage and multicultural identity.

History

Historical Context

The Maastricht Treaty, signed by the twelve European Community members in February 1992, transformed the bloc into the European Union and introduced a common foreign-security policy. Its adoption followed German reunification and the Cold-War end, sparking referendums in France, Denmark and Ireland. Today, the treaty’s integration model guides European leaders as they consider coordinated defence budgets.

1 of 2

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV addressed European leaders in Metz, urging dialogue to end the war in Ukraine on September 28, 2026.
He warned that rising European military spending would not resolve the conflict.
He met French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders during a four-day visit to France.
He praised Robert Schuman, a founding father of the European Union.
He urged Europe to draw on its Christian heritage and multicultural identity.

1 / 2