Reflection text
Address of pope Leo XIV au centre Robert Schuman
Interreligious meeting – Robert Schuman” Conference Centre in Metz
Monday, 28 September 2026
It is with joy, but also with a keen sense of spiritual responsibility, that I stand among you today in Metz, a city of borders and crossroads, at the Robert Schuman Center, named after one of the founding fathers of the European Union. 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 in diversity. Following his example, our shared responsibility as men and women of faith is to bear witness that, beyond all borders, it is always possible to meet one another, and forge peace.
[…] 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. For those of us who are open to transcendence, our mission is to offer sound points of reference, especially to young people, to help build a communion that respects and upholds the dignity of every human person.
Intercessions
To be adapted or modified according to the place and the circumstances
At the Annual 9/11 Interfaith Prayer Service in New York, diverse religious leaders gathered at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church—the only church destroyed on 9/11 and later rebuilt—to honor victims and first responders on the 25th anniversary, creating a powerful symbol of resilience.
Lord, may this testimony of faith, hope, and human dignity reach those who are living difficult times in their lives.
On September 28, on the occasion of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to France, representatives of the six major religious denominations in France issued an unprecedented appeal, commonly known as the Metz Appeal.
Lord, may this appeal sow in the hearts of everyone throughout the world the seeds of fraternal dialogue, the rejection of violence, and the protection of human dignity.
The International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue met from September 19–24 in Alexandria, Egypt, to discuss the theme of Christian witness in the contemporary world.
Lord, may these efforts at dialogue renew your Church in its calling to bear faithful witness to the Gospel while accompanying humanity through the particular circumstances of history.
Prayer for Christian unity
Lord Jesus, who prayed that we might all be one,
we pray to you for the unity of Christians,
according to your will,
according to your means.
May your Spirit enable us
to experience the suffering caused by division,
to see our sin
and to hope beyond all hope.
Amen!
(Prayer written by members of the Chemin Neuf Community
inspired by a prayer of Father Paul Couturier)