Pope Leo XIV said Europe must draw on its cultural and historical roots to build peace and unity, arguing the continent is defined less by geography than by a shared civilization.
Christianity stood at the center of that appeal: Leo said Europe "would not exist" as it does without monastic influence, citing Saint Benedict's role in education, medicine, law and care for the poor.
Unprecedented migration into Europe makes those values urgent, he said, calling on societies both to welcome immigrants and integrate them through respect for human dignity, democracy, equality and the rule of law.
International law and multilateralism remain the best antidote to domination and conflict, Leo said, rejecting both naive pacifism and the idea that rearmament alone can secure peace.
Young Europeans should build the continent's future through political engagement, family life and defense of human dignity from conception to death, he said in closing.
Can Europe truly integrate millions of newcomers while simultaneously reclaiming the ancient Christian roots Pope Leo XIV claims are essential for survival?
Why is the Pope using a deeply secular France to warn that European civilization cannot sustain peace without its historic monastic heritage?
How will ancient monastic traditions help global leaders navigate the ethical minefields of artificial intelligence and modern crises the Pope is addressing?