Pope’s visit to France puts spotlight on EU founding father

During his apostolic visit to France, Pope Leo XIV will travel to Metz (in northeastern France) on Monday, September 28, 2026. In a press release, the Diocese of Metz associated this journey with the legacy of Venerable Robert Schuman, one of the founding fathers of Europe. His tomb lies in Scy-Chazelles, a suburb of Metz.

Bishop Matthieu Rougé of Nanterre shares that he himself “grew up in a sort of filial devotion toward Robert Schuman,” as his mother served as the French politician’s assistant. Here, the bishop reacts to the announcement of this historic stop.

Aleteia: What’s your reaction to the announcement of the Pope’s upcoming visit to Metz?

Bishop Matthieu Rougé: It’s both a surprise and a joy. It’s a surprise because Robert Schuman, one of the “founding fathers of Europe,” is somewhat forgotten today. At the same time, it’s a joy, because at a time when political responsibility is often criticized and sometimes lacking, Schuman embodies a capacity for Christian commitment and service to the common good that is deeply inspiring.

He was almost like a monk in politics, profoundly rooted in faith and spiritual life. Yet this didn’t stop him — on the contrary — from demonstrating immense creativity in building Europe and developing a prophetic vision for peace.

By choosing the department of Moselle [where Metz is located, Ed.] for his first trip to France, what message is the Pope trying to send?

Bishop Rougé: We’ll have to wait and see what Pope Leo XIV says. However, I note that Pope Francis’ first journey to French soil was also focused on Europe, with his 2014 visit to the European institutions in Strasbourg. I imagine that Leo XIV also wishes to tell Europeans that he is counting on them and their spiritual resources. He wants them to embrace their vocation to be a land of peace, culture, spiritual freedom, respect for human dignity, and fraternity.

This stop will also likely be a way of reminding France that its calling extends far beyond its own borders, carrying a spiritual, intellectual, and ethical heritage that it must cultivate and share.

With this visit, does the Pope want to establish Robert Schuman as a model for Christian politicians?

Bishop Rougé: We know that the cause of beatification of Robert Schuman was introduced many years ago; the final phase of the investigation is currently underway. By declaring him venerable in 2021, Pope Francis already established him as a highly symbolic political figure.

This does not mean that every single political decision Schuman made has been “canonized.” However, it means that his character, his way of being, and his approach to politics are recognized by the Catholic Church as being filled with God’s grace. They serve as a source of inspiration for the politicians of today and tomorrow.

It seems to me that Schuman is a model because of his deep spiritual roots, his selflessness, his intellectual dedication, and his ability to forge new paths toward peace. By coming to Metz, Leo XIV certainly intends to highlight this Christian figure, who deserves to be much better known.

On a more personal note, what ties bind you to Robert Schuman?

Bishop Rougé: I grew up with a deep respect, almost like filial devotion, toward Robert Schuman. My mother worked closely with him as his assistant for many years. She witnessed firsthand his simplicity of life, his daily devotion to prayer and the Eucharist, and his political determination — which was focused not on advancing his career, but on achieving a true, meaningful project.

This example of Schuman has been woven into my personal history since childhood. In fact, I partly owe the grace of my parents’ marriage to him, since he served as the witness at my mother’s wedding!

Later, in my priestly ministry, I was called to accompany political leaders, particularly as the head of the Pastoral Service for Political Studies, which is essentially the chaplaincy for parliamentarians. I have seen how deeply Schuman’s life can inspire others, even though far too many elected officials do not know him, or only know him vaguely. This apostolic visit to [Metz] is excellent news to help make him better known.

This visit will take place just months before the French presidential elections, which the Holy See is certainly aware of. Is this stop in Metz political?

Bishop Rougé: Pope Leo XIV has clearly framed his messaging around temporal realities. He brings a message of peace, convictions on human dignity, and a reflection focused on contemporary challenges such as the digital revolution and artificial intelligence.

The Pope will certainly not seek to wade into partisan political debates. However, we can imagine that on many critical issues — such as the end of life, educational freedom, and international affairs — Leo XIV will speak with the same freedom and clarity he demonstrated during his apostolic journey to Africa.

And his words will find a unique media echo in this particular period...

Bishop Rougé: Without a doubt.