Pope Leo: Europe must return to its Christian roots and be open to migrants

METZ, France — Pope Leo XIV on Monday urged Europe to return to its roots, including its Christian heritage, while also engaging with the people from other cultures now living within it.

Referring to the large presence of immigrants in Europe, Leo said, “We must grasp the historical significance of what is taking place, namely an unprecedented encounter between peoples and cultures, which calls us to rediscover our roots in new and creative ways, while at the same time listening carefully to others.”

“The universal character of Europe’s founding values assures us that this dialogue is possible and that it can provide a solid foundation for our societies, enabling us to work more effectively for peace and a reconciled world,” he said Sept. 28.

The pope also encouraged Europe to help migrants enter safely and legally and to integrate into the community “as if they were part of one’s own family.”

The pope addressed European leaders at the Robert Schuman Conference Center in Metz on the final day of his Sept. 25-28 visit to France. The title of the event was “To the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity.”

Metz is a city just 27 miles from the Schengen tripoint, where the…