Break the chains of resentment and seek the peace of the heavenly city, Pope preaches in Metz

September 29, 2026

Pope Leo XIV concluded his apostolic journey to France with the celebration of Mass in Metz Cathedral (video 1, video 2).

Metz bears “witness to the whole world that reconciliation is only possible when one has the courage to break the chains of resentment,” Pope Leo preached. “It takes strength and great integrity not to be overwhelmed by evil, especially when the wounds inflicted are deep.”

“However, in the face of injustice, humanity’s only path to salvation is a love that cares for others and seeks to give trust regardless of the circumstances, even when confronted with the most difficult behavior to accept” (cf. Mt 5:42),” the Pope continued. “Thus, law, justice and peace are stages on a path of conversion that begins as a personal journey and becomes increasingly communal, leading to a civilization that respects human beings and their Creator.”

The Pope added:

It is no coincidence that Saint Augustine defined the peace of the heavenly city as a harmonious communion in which people find joy in God and in one another through him. He also described peace among people as the fruit of a tranquillitas ordinis [tranquility of order], whereby each person recognizes and respects the unique and sacred dignity and role of others ...

The moral principles that govern the world in which we live were handed down to us from there: principles such as the primacy of the person and the sacred and inviolable nature of human life at all stages and under all circumstances; the protection of individual freedom; the primary importance of the family as the foundation of society; caring for the poor and the most disadvantaged; welcoming the stranger; and respecting the elderly.

“As we contemplate these stained-glass windows, we learn that Europe’s future does not lie in uniformity, but in the harmony of differences, where the wounds of the past become openings through which light shines,” the Pope said. “With gratitude and trust as my trip to France draws to a close, this is the wish I share with you for the community in Metz, which today more than ever is called to be a beacon of hope for this country, for Europe and for the world, and I entrust this to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and your patron saints.”

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to France: Holy Mass (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 9/28/26)
• Pope: The future of Europe is not found in uniformity but in the harmony of differences (Vatican News, 9/28/26)