Andrea Innocenti During the meeting entitled "At the Roots of Europe for Peace and Unity," held at the Robert Schuman Conference Center in Metz, the Pope issued a clear warning to European leaders. The speech, delivered in French, emphasized that the pursuit of peace cannot be confused with naive irenicism.
The Pope recalled that European history is marked by conflicts that have caused "senseless" massacres and warned that the current international climate reignites the dangers of a new wave of war.
The call for an active and creative peace
The Holy Father cited the thought of Robert Schuman, the founding father of the European Union, recalling that world peace requires creative efforts proportionate to current threats.
He asked whether institutions are truly promoting innovative initiatives to prevent war from becoming a "hemorrhage" that needs to be stemmed, or whether they are simply preparing for future conflicts. The Pope defined peace as an active effort , not a mere wish, and urged political leaders to place cooperation and the search for diplomatic solutions at the center of the debate.
The danger of the illusion of rearmament
According to the Pope, the current push toward increased military spending is a trap that feeds the credulity that security can only be achieved by accumulating weapons. He called this trend an "illusion of rearmament," capable of turning defense into a perpetual race. The Pope recalled that history has shown that the drive for domination is at the root of every conflict, and argued that international law and multilateralism are the best antidote to such tendencies.
The war in Europe: a new "useless massacre"
The Holy Father noted that, despite efforts to maintain stability, war has resurfaced in Europe, generating a "new, pointless slaughter" that claims civilian lives daily. He cited recent military escalations as tangible proof of the failure of policies based exclusively on armed deterrence. The Pope concluded that the only way forward is "courageous negotiation," where the parties agree to sacrifice autarchic positions for the greater good of peace.
Dignity of migrants and safe legal routes
Another central point of the speech was the call to the human dignity of migrants. The Pope emphasized that the European migration crisis requires safe and legal avenues, concrete assistance against traffickers, and a welcoming system that leaves no one "abandoned or forgotten." He called on Member States to guarantee serious integration processes, effective protection, and development opportunities for those fleeing war and poverty. The appeal was directed especially at young people, urging them to build a united and supportive Europe, capable of offering hope to those arriving in search of a better life.
An appeal to young Europeans
The Pope concluded his remarks by addressing the younger generations directly, asking them to take responsibility for peace in their daily lives: in families, schools, universities, and local communities. He urged young people not to give in to the logic of violence, but to become "community builders" who uphold the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for international law. According to the Pope, only in this way can Europe continue to flourish and inspire the rest of the world.