Pope Leo leans into statesman role, urging peace in an era of renewed war
Washington Post
Washington Post
Original Source
Pope Leo XIV concluded his four-day visit to France in the intellectual heartland of the European Union, praising its success in dismantling the walls that once divided it. The visit underscores the pontiff's increasingly prominent role as a statesman influencing global affairs alongside his spiritual leadership of 1.4 billion Catholics.
Pope Leo leans into statesman role, urging peace in an era of renewed war - The Washington Post
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Pope Leo leans into statesman role, urging peace in an era of renewed war
Wrapping up a four-day trip to France, the Pope praised the European Union for “tearing down walls.”
September 28, 2026 at 6:28 a.m. EDTToday at 6:28 a.m. EDT
8 min
*Pope Leo XIV takes part in a torchlit procession on Sunday in Lourdes, France. (Tom Nicholson/Getty Images)*
By Anthony Faiola
METZ, France — Pope Leo XIV capped a four-day trip to France in the intellectual birthplace of the European Union, heralding its success at “tearing down walls that were dividing it” and leaning into his role not only as spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics but as an increasingly influential statesman.
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WorldEuropeAfricaAmericasAsiaMiddle East
WorldEuropeAfricaAmericasAsiaMiddle East
Pope Leo leans into statesman role, urging peace in an era of renewed war
Wrapping up a four-day trip to France, the Pope praised the European Union for “tearing down walls.”
September 28, 2026 at 6:28 a.m. EDTToday at 6:28 a.m. EDT
8 min
*Pope Leo XIV takes part in a torchlit procession on Sunday in Lourdes, France. (Tom Nicholson/Getty Images)*
By Anthony Faiola
METZ, France — Pope Leo XIV capped a four-day trip to France in the intellectual birthplace of the European Union, heralding its success at “tearing down walls that were dividing it” and leaning into his role not only as spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics but as an increasingly influential statesman.
---
* Riley Beggin At every turn, Trump’s ideas for aiding U.S. consumers run into resistance Earlier today
* Timothy Bella Why is Ringo Starr still performing at 86? Because he can. 3 hours ago
* Kevin Schaul See how data centers are changing the American landscape Earlier today
* Lucas Trevor SNL pokes fun at Mamdani-Trump relationship in season premiere September 27, 2026
* Drew Harwell She helped lead a far-right internet movement. Then it turned on her. September 27, 2026
* Column Carolyn Hax Carolyn Hax: How to convince others that apologies and life turnaround are real? September 28, 2026
NewsletterAs news breaks
World News Alerts
Breaking news email alerts for major happenings around the world.
Company
* About The Post
* Newsroom Policies & Standards
* WP Creative Group
* Workforce Demographics
* Careers
* Media & Community Relations
* Accessibility Statement
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* Trending
* Politics
* Elections
* Opinions
* U.S. News
* World
* Style
* Sports
* Business
* Climate
* Well+Being
* D.C., Md., & Va.
* Obituaries
* Weather
* Arts & Entertainment
* Recipes
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* WP Intelligence
* Ask The Post AI
* WP Creative Group
* Workforce Demographics
* Careers
* Media & Community Relations
* Accessibility Statement
* Trending
* Politics
* Elections
* Opinions
* U.S. News
* World
* Style
* Sports
* Business
* Climate
* Well+Being
* D.C., Md., & Va.
* Obituaries
* Weather
* Arts & Entertainment
* Recipes
* WP Intelligence
* Enterprise Subscriptions
* Manage Your Subscription
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* Gift Subscriptions
* Mobile & Apps
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