Pope Leo warns against using God’s name to justify violence, oppressoin

September 29, 2026

Pope Leo XIV departed from Lourdes (video) and flew to Metz (video) on September 28, the final day of his apostolic journey to France.

In Metz, French religious leaders issued an appeal for peace and dialogue. Following the reading of the appeal, Pope Leo delivered a brief address (video).

“To invoke God’s name in order to justify violence or oppression is to profane that name,” Pope Leo said. “Nothing that disfigures human dignity can claim to be inspired by God.”

“Religious discourse must constantly call for the disarmament of hearts and words,” the Pope continued. “This places a direct responsibility on each of us as guardians of our respective traditions.”

The Pope added:

Moreover, if the fruitfulness of religious traditions is seen above all in their service of peace and fraternity, it is also expressed in their ability to protect, accompany and serve life. The greatness of a civilization is not measured by its material achievements, but by the way it cares for, protects and upholds the human person.

Religions are guardians of life, for they affirm its sacred value. Their fruitfulness is shown in their loving presence alongside those who are most vulnerable and fragile. To serve life means to surround it with care, presence and tenderness, especially in times of trial, right to the very end.

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to France: Interreligious Meeting (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/28/26)
• Lourdes – Metz, Interreligious Meeting (Holy See Press Office, 9/28/26)
• France’s religious leaders appeal for peace and sustained dialogue (Vatican News, 9/28/26)
• Pope in Metz: God never inspires anything that disfigures human dignity (Vatican News, 9/28/26)