A Way Forward for Europe - 9/30/26

Pope Leo urges Europe to draw on Christian roots to pursue peace and unity. On the final day of his four-day visit to France, Pope Leo urged religious leaders in Metz to reach across divides and Europeans to draw on their Christian heritage in pursuit of peace. Metz is closely associated with Venerable Robert Schuman, a Catholic statesman who helped lay the foundations of European integration after World War II, when reconciliation between former enemies was an urgent goal. Speaking at an interreligious meeting at the Robert Schuman Congress Center, the Pope pointed to Venerable Schuman, this man of faith and conviction knew how to transform old dividing lines into bridges of hope for all of Europe, becoming a true ambassador of unity and diversity, Pope Leo said.

Following his example, our shared responsibility as men and women of faith is to bear witness that beyond all borders, it is possible to meet one another and seek peace. At a second meeting, Pope Pope Leo described Europe as a cultural and historical reality shaped by many peoples and traditions. We cannot speak of Europe, then, without mentioning Christianity, Pope Leo added, highlighting in particular the influence of St. Benedict and the Benedictine monks on education, medicine, care for the vulnerable, and civic life.

In other news, President Trump plans to slash $810 million in immigration, climate change, and DEI funding. Today is also the Feast of St. Jerome, an early Christian priest, theologian, translator, and historian. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin. I'm Josh Mercer, editor of The Loop, taking you behind the headlines. Go to zeal.co for the rest of today's Loop, and while you're at it, subscribe to get The Loop in your inbox every morning. Again, that's zeal.co.