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Pope Leo XIV urges Europe to welcome migrants
The Hindu··1h ago
Pope Leo XIV called for a more welcoming attitude toward migrants in Europe as he ended a four-day visit to France. Speaking in Metz with President Emmanuel Macron, he cited arrivals in the Canary Islands from Africa. He said people fleeing war and persecution need welcome and integration. Europe has around 285 million Catholics, over a third of its population.
Prism
What It Means For You
- The remarks land as National Rally won a record 14 French Senate seats over the weekend.
- The Pope also linked arms spending rises by leaders to weaker peace through dialogue.
- He said migrants need teaching in the history of the lands they join.
What's Happening
- Leo spoke in Metz, once home to EU founding figure Robert Schuman.
- He acknowledged anti-trafficking work and policies that let people stay in their own lands.
- On Sunday in Lourdes he opposed abortion and France's assisted dying laws as false compassion.
Where the visit sits
- The France trip ran four days and closed with the Metz speech on migrants.
- Macron accompanied the Pope in Metz and is due to leave office early next year.
- The Catholic Church counts about 285 million followers in Europe.
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