Pope calls on European leaders to learn from St. Benedict, Venerable Robert Schuman

September 29, 2026

Pope Leo XIV called on European leaders to learn from the example and words of Venerable Robert Schuman (1886-1963), a founding father of the post-World War II European order—and not to “overlook another founding father of Europe, Saint Benedict.”

“We can ask ourselves: how was Robert Schuman shaped by the history of this land, of which he was a son, and how did he play a fundamental role in shaping modern Europe, to the point of being regarded as one of its founding fathers?”, Pope Leo asked during a September 28 address (video) in Metz, on the final day of his apostolic journey to France.

After briefly surveying European history, the Pontiff said:

Yet in order to understand this long history, we cannot overlook another founding father of Europe: Saint Benedict, whom Saint Paul VI proclaimed its patron in 1964, describing him as a “messenger of peace, craftsman of unity, teacher of civilization.” Care for the poor, the sick and the elderly; education of children and universities; hospitals and medicine; architecture and engineering; the development of the sciences; law and the organization of cities and States themselves—so much in Europe stems from the profound influence of Saint Benedict and his monks! Without this monastic tradition, European civilization as we know it would not exist.

“We cannot speak of Europe, then, without mentioning Christianity,” the Pope continued. “Robert Schuman understood this when he wrote: ‘Christianity taught the equality of all people by nature, as children of the same God, redeemed by the same Christ, without distinction of race, color, class or profession. It taught the dignity of work and the duty of all to undertake it. It recognized the primacy of those inner values which alone ennoble the human person. The universal law of love and charity made every person our neighbor, and it is on this that social relations in the Christian world have since been founded.’“

Addressing the question, “What, then, can Robert Schuman teach Europe and the world today?”, the Pope said:

First of all, a deep desire for peace ... Of course, the search for peace in Europe, as throughout the world, must not be confused with a naïve form of pacifism ... However, we must also guard against the illusion that rearmament is the answer ...

Schuman understood Europe to be based on respect for international law, which, unlike national law, cannot be enforced by one State through force, but rests on the universally recognized principle of pacta sunt servanda [pacts ought to be observed] ... International law and multilateralism emphasize the genuine equality of States in their relations and constitute the best antidote to the desire for domination, which lies at the root of every conflict. Today, relations between individuals and States are becoming increasingly uncivilized.

Schuman reminds us that we must always be realistic and courageous ... We must never lose confidence in our ability to move forward, even when the steps we take are small and almost unnoticed.

The Pontiff concluded with a charge to the young people of Europe.

“Have the courage to take up with responsibility the task of promoting peace—in your hearts, in your relationships, within your families, in schools and universities, in your cities and countries, and throughout all of Europe,” Pope Leo said. “Do not give in to the mentality of violence and oppression.”

The Pope added:

Love life at every moment, and do not be afraid of the future! Do not be afraid to start a family, to bring children into the world, to defend the dignity of every person, from the moment of conception to death. Do not be afraid to work tirelessly for the good of your communities, including through political engagement. Be builders of community!

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to France: Meeting “At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/28/26)
• Meeting “At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity” (Holy See Press Office, 9/28/26)
• Pope: Europe must embrace its roots to build peace and unity (Vatican News, 9/28/26)
• Pope Leo urges Europe to stave off increased nationalism, barbaric relations (CNS, 9/28/26)